During the day-long event, dubbed ‘All Our Futures’, various sessions were held to explore how older people could be more involved in planning the services they use.
With East Sussex having the second highest proportion of older people in the country – a proportion that is growing – emphasis was placed on having to find a radically different way of planning services for older people that involves all the community, regardless of age.
A number of projects that have given older people a real say in how services are developed are already underway in East Sussex including various forums for older people and ‘village care groups’.
By holding the event, the County Council hopes that projects like these will not only become more widespread, but will also be able to learn from each other by becoming part of a wider more joined-up approach to involving older people – giving them a louder, more effective, voice.
Various groups from across the UK came to the event to talk about projects that have worked in their regions. In addition, Mervyn Eastman, National Director of Better Government for Older People (BGOP), talked about the need for organisations to recognise older people as individuals and to develop partnerships both between each other and with older people themselves.
One session was run by a group of older people who talked about what life is like as an older person in East Sussex. One of the speakers, Dr Arnold Goldman, struck a chord with many when he talked about his experiences of retirement and feelings towards being classed as ‘old’.
"When I retired at 63,” Dr Goldman said, "… beyond reconsidering my will I’d made no plans for my older age. Like many, I simply assumed that my life would continue as it had… As to older people as a group, I distanced myself from them, personally and mentally.”
During lunch a range of interactive taster sessions, giving an insight into the various different projects that exist, were on display. Speeches were also interactive – with each member of the audience having a red flag to wave whenever speakers lapsed into jargon!
However, the day was not just a talking shop with Cllr Daphne Bagshawe, Chairman of East Sussex County Council announcing the formation of a group, made up of older people, who will work with the County Council and other public services to make sure that the issues raised during the event are translated into action.
Cllr Bagshawe explained: "The day was not just about sharing ideas and making wish-lists – it was about action, and how we can actually improve things. The reference group will play a key role in making sure that a workable action plan – detailing the nitty gritty of what will be done – is in place six months from now. In short we will be asking them to keep us on our toes!”
Mr Eastman added: "East Sussex is in the middle of a journey towards developing an approach to real engagement of older people. The commitment of the County and their partners was evidenced by the hundreds who attended. Better Government for Older People look forward to supporting and building on East Sussex’s learning and achievements.”
For more information about how to get involved in helping shape the future, please contact Vicky Lawrence on 01273 482036.
Notes to editors
Those attending the event included members of the public, representatives from across the County Council, the NHS, the Police, Housing, voluntary organisations such as Age Concern and many other local organisations.
Dr Arnold Goldman, who spoke of his experiences of being an older person in East Sussex, is available for interview. To arrange an interview please contact Heather Partridge, East Sussex County Council on 01273 482627
Better Government For Older People (BGOP) was set up in 1998 to improve services for older people. ESCC is a member of the BGOP Network partnership. For more information visit: www.bgop.org.uk
Guests from across the UK included:
- Shropshire Older People’s Strategy and Older People’s Forums Network
- East Sussex Youth Cabinet
- Republic of Ireland Older People’s Parliament
- London Borough of Camden.
The groups talked about groups in their region – some boasting a 16,000 strong older people’s forum.
Reference:
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