Interest in 'active ageing' policy as a means to promote well-being in later life has grown internationally. Britain's Labour government has advocated public, private and third sector partnerships to develop positive opportunities for community participation. This article considers the emerging local response, with interviews and focus groups carried out with active older people and service providers in a deprived, diverse community in East London, Findings help to illustrate some of the benefits of organised activities but tensions were evident where services for older people struggle without core funding.