Independent Living Show 2026 - A hot, but very successful day!

Four Years of Connecting People with Support, Information and Guidance for Independent Living.

Four years ago, Right at Home Isle of Wight had an idea.

We wanted to create an event that would bring together the many businesses, charities and organisations available to support people in living independently for as long as possible. We knew there was an incredible amount of help available within our community but finding it all in one place wasn't always easy.

And so, the Older Person's Good Living Show was born.

Now known as the Independently Living Show, the event has grown considerably over the past four years and has become something we are incredibly proud of.

The idea behind the show has always been about making life a little easier. Planning for the future, understanding what support is available and knowing where to turn when circumstances change can make such a difference. Life moves quickly, and being prepared for the later years of life is something many of us don't always think about until we need to.

We wanted to change that.

By bringing organisations together under one roof, we created an opportunity for people to meet local businesses, discover services, ask questions and gather information that could help them, or their loved ones, remain independent at home.

Where It All Began

Our very first event was held at The Botanic Gardens in Ventnor. It was a modest beginning, with around 20 stallholders joining us.

Despite being our first attempt, the feedback from attendees was incredibly positive. People appreciated having so many useful organisations in one place, and it quickly became clear that there was a real need for an event like this within our community.

For our second show, we moved to Sandown Airport. The Aircraft Museum provided an added attraction for visitors, making it not just an informative day but an enjoyable one too.

Each year, the event continued to grow, and so did our ambitions for what it could become.

Taking Over the Reins

I joined Right at Home in January 2025 and soon found myself taking over the organisation of the Independently Living Show.

The venue for the 2025 event had already been booked at GG's Riding Centre, so I met with the owner to begin putting plans into place.

Organising an event of this size was certainly a challenge, but it was also incredibly rewarding. Bringing together so many different organisations, all with the same shared goal of supporting people within our community, was a fantastic experience.

On Saturday 5th July 2025, over 40 organisations joined us for what had become our biggest show yet.

Seeing the event come together was a real highlight. From care providers and mobility specialists to charities, community groups and local businesses, the variety of support available was incredible.

A New Chapter in 2026

Our 2026 Independently Living Show brought another exciting chapter to the event's story.

This time, we were delighted to host the show at the nostalgic Isle of Wight Steam Railway. The historic surroundings provided a wonderful backdrop for a day dedicated to independent living, community and connection.

And what a day it was.

Held on what turned out to be the hottest day in July, the sunshine certainly brought its own challenges! Despite the soaring temperatures, attendees, stallholders and volunteers came together to make the event a fantastic success.

There was something particularly special about seeing people exploring the Steam Railway while also discovering the wealth of support and services available to help them live independently.

The venue added a unique charm to the day, combining nostalgia and community spirit in a way that perfectly reflected the ethos of the event.

More Than Just an Event

Over the years, the Independently Living Show has become much more than a collection of stalls.

It has become a place for conversations, connections and reassurance. A place where people can discover that support is available before they actually need it.

For some visitors, it may be finding out about home care. For others, it could be discovering a local social group, learning about mobility equipment or simply speaking to someone who can offer advice about the future.

The importance of independence cannot be underestimated. Being able to remain in your own home, surrounded by familiar surroundings and the community you know, is something many people value deeply.

Our aim is to help make that possible for as many people as we can.

Looking Ahead

Four years on, it is wonderful to reflect on how far the Independently Living Show has come.

From 20 stallholders at The Botanic Gardens to over 40 organisations at GG's Riding Centre and now hosting the event at the iconic Steam Railway, each year has brought new opportunities, new connections and continued growth.

But while the size and location of the event have changed, its purpose remains exactly the same: connecting people with the support, information and guidance they need to live independently for longer.

We are incredibly proud of the relationships we have built with local organisations and the positive impact the event has had on our community.

And this is only the beginning.

We look forward to continuing to grow the Independently Living Show, bringing even more valuable services together and helping more people across the Isle of Wight discover the support available to them.

Here's to four years of community, connection and independence – and to many more to come.