NHS Older People’s Sounding Board

We host NHS England's Older People's Sounding Board.

We host the Older People’s Sounding Board on behalf of NHS England. It’s a group of 25 people over the age of 50 who are passionate about improving health services for older people.

This is a national sounding board made up from a wide cross section of people aged 50+ living in England.

The sounding board includes people from all backgrounds with different life experiences. We want to reflect the diversity of people living in our communities.

What kind of things does the sounding board discuss?

The previous sounding board discussed a wide range of topics and provided feedback to the NHS. This included:

  • Community diagnostic hubs
  • Hospital discharge arrangements
  • Building back older people’s confidence in accessing health and care services
  • Community based urgent care

Future Sounding Board meeting dates:

  • Sounding Board 1: Tuesday, 30 September 2025, in person
  • Sounding Board 2: Tuesday 24 February 2026, online via Zoom
  • Sounding Board 3: Tuesday, 17 March 2026, in person


Themed conversations

If these types of topics interest you – you can join in our wider discussion around health and community life called Themed Conversations.

You can join as many themed conversations as you wish.

Themed conversations are online for people aged 50 and over.

You will be invited to share your thoughts on some of the bigger questions of community and civic life that affect health policy and implementation.

Future Themed Conversation meetings:

  • Themed Conversation 1: Tuesday, 18 November 2025, online via Zoom
  • Themed Conversation 2: Tuesday, 20 January 2026, online via Zoom

If you would like to connect, please email us on equallivesteam@ndti.org.uk

Hear from previous sounding board members

We interviewed two sounding board members about why they joined and what they gained from taking part:

Resources

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A slice of layered rainbow cake with slices of kiwi fruit, strawberry and cream. In the background is a mug with a hot drink.

Improving healthcare for older LGBTQ+ people

February 25, 2026
Resource
Blog
To mark LGBTQ+ History Month, Penny Phillips, from the Older People’s Sounding Board, reflects on experiences of older LGBTQ+ people and why inclusive, coproduced healthcare must drive future change.

Different lives, shared NHS: Top tips for NHS staff

Resource
Guidance
Read what happened when the NHS Older People's Sounding Board met the Youth Forum. They share tips on caring, mental wellbeing and accessing services for all NHS staff.

Building belonging: Why networks matter as we age

September 29, 2025
Resource
Blog
David Vickers, from the NHS Older People’s Sounding Board, writes about the social glue that keeps older communities thriving, resilient, and deeply connected.

Joining the dots: the Sounding Board’s unique opportunity to make a real difference

February 3, 2025
Resource
Blog
Tony Watts explores the unique and invaluable role that members of the NHS England’s Older People’s Sounding Board play.

Neighbours: How small acts can make a big difference to individuals and communities

January 21, 2025
Resource
BlogShort read
Anonymous blog about individuals, communities, dementia.

Speaking up on age in the Great Health Debate

December 2, 2024
Resource
Blog
Tony Watts shares some insights from some of the Older People's Sounding Board members about having a big conversation around health.

Guest Blog: Simple steps to involve people and families in their own care

November 29, 2024
Resource
Blog
Penny Phillips highlights practical steps to engage people and families in their own care.

Guest Blog: Realise Your Potential at Any Age

November 29, 2024
Resource
Blog
David Vickers delves into the power of lifelong learning, exploring how we can embrace new roles and continue growing through experience as we age.

Blog: Together, we’re shaping the future of our health services

October 1, 2024
Resource
Blog
Tony Watts OBE, from the NHS Older People’s Sounding Board, shares some insights from some of the board members.

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