Information on Loughborough

Active September forecast as Older Person's Month is launched

Posted on 26/08/2009

Leicestershire Councty Council Adult Social Care Service

26 August 2009

Active September forecast as Older Person's Month is launched ***Photo opportunity: Noon, Thursday, August 27, Age Concern, Clarence House, Humberstone Gate, Leicester***

Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland’s Older Person’s Month is to be launched in the city centre on Thursday.

An information drop-in event will be held in the Great Hall at Age Concern, Clarence House, Humberstone Gate, between 10.30am and 1pm.

The theme for this year’s Older Person’s Month is ‘Safe, Active and Independent’ and there will be stalls at the launch giving out information and advice on health issues and local partnerships between the voluntary sector; NHS and local councils. Tea and coffee will be provided, along with some music.

David Sprason, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health at Leicestershire County Council, on behalf of the partners, said: "It is vitally important that we all work together to ensure that older people living in Leicestershire have every opportunity to a live a safe, active and indpendent life.

“Everyone is entitled to choose how they lead their life, and by providing the right information and support we can help to make this happen.”

Councillor Rory Palmer, Cabinet Lead at the City Council for Adults and Older People, added: "The city council values the contribution older people make to our community, and we want to make sure they are able to make the most of all that Leicester has to offer."

Enid Boesser, commissioning lead older people at NHS Leicestershire County and Rutland, which commissions health services for the population of Leicestershire county and Rutland welcomed the event.

She said: “The population we serve is getting older and living longer and we are developing services to meet the health needs of an older population. Increasingly we are commissioning services to keep people well and out of hospital and it is also important for us to work together to ensure those years are healthy years so our older people get the maximum quality of life.”

Programme booklets have been distributed across the county, so why not pick one up and join in the range of activities?

The booklets list activities and events and gives positive messages about staying independent in later life, encouraging everyone approaching and past retirement age to keep active and healthy.

The booklet also provides information about the wide range of services available to older people and their families.

Here are just few of the activities and events taking place throughout the month:

•Friday 4th September - Over 50s Health and Leisure Day at Hinckley Leisure Centre

•Monday 21st September - Fashion Show organised by Melton Seniors Forum at Edinburgh Woollen Mill, Nottingham Street, Melton

•Tuesday 22nd September - Films of old Leicester during the 20th Century at Belgrave Hall Museum

•Saturday 26th September - A Place to grow - Community Garden open morning organised by Voluntary Action Blaby District

•Tuesday 29th September - War Time Memories “Dig for Victory”, organised by North West Leics. CVS, Marlene Reid Centre, Coalville

•Try visiting an Older Persons’ Forum where you meet with like-minded people and get to give your views and ideas – Blaby are meeting on 23rd September.

•Go on one of the many organised walks taking place throughout the month or take advantage of the will writing promotion throughout September and October… the list is endless!

For more information, to request copies of the booklet and advice on how to become involved and active, contact:

Liz McGregor, Engagement Officer for Older People on 0116 2334243; e-mail: liz@ccp.org.uk

www.ccp.org.uk/olderpersonsmonth

www.leics.gov.uk/socialcare

Notes:

•There will be a short speech by Tony Donovan, Director of Age Concern Leicester and Leicestershire followed by Rory Palmer from the City Council and David Sprason from the County Council. There will also be contributions from invited older people who will give positive examples of activity in later life.

•The first Older Person's Month was held in September 2002 and proved to be such a popular and productive initiative that it was agreed to establish this as an annual event.

•The activities and events taking place involve a wide range of local organisations working together – including Primary Care Trusts, Hospitals, Social Care Departments, Local Authorities, Voluntary Sector Agencies, Adult Education, Library Services, Emergency Services, Government Agencies, Community Groups, local commercial interests and local older people.

•The booklet includes a pull-out and keep section on benefits and other information, regular events are also listed, followed by additional information about activities such as the Age Concern Big Knit, the MacMillan World’s Biggest Coffee morning, Sport and Leisure information (including libraries and museums), and Voluntary Sector contact details.