Age Exchange has used the arts to support people who draw on care since 1983. Its Blackheath Christmas Fair is on Sunday 15 November.
Few organisations are as woven into Blackheath Village as Age Exchange. The charity was founded here in 1983 as Europe's first organisation dedicated to reminiscence and intergenerational arts, and it still uses creativity, culture and social connection to support people who draw on care, including people living with dementia.
Today Age Exchange is part of the social care charity Community Integrated Care, and its work reaches care homes and hospitals across the UK. At home in Blackheath, its community hub welcomes around 180,000 visits a year. The not-for-profit café funds the charity's work with every coffee and slice of cake, the volunteer-run Blackheath Community Library sits downstairs, and a monthly second-hand book sale keeps the shelves turning over.
There are plenty of ways to help: drop in for lunch, donate books for the sale, or volunteer, whether in the library, the café or at events.
The big date for your diary is the Blackheath Christmas Fair, now in its 13th year and organised by a team of volunteers. It brings 42 hand-picked makers and traders together, with a Christmas raffle and festive entertainment, and every purchase helps Age Exchange's work.
Coming up
Sunday 15 November: Blackheath Christmas Fair at Blackheath Halls
Find out more
Our listing: Age Exchange
Age Exchange: age-exchange.org.uk
Blackheath Christmas Fair: age-exchange.org.uk/christmasfair
Volunteer: age-exchange.org.uk/fundraise/volunteer
Blackheath Christmas Fair on our What's On: /whats-on/blackheath-christmas-fair-2026-11-15
Community Spotlight
Support Age Exchange
Find out how to volunteer, donate or visit on their own website, and see opening times and contact details on our listing.
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