Older people's forums

The seniors’ forums are independent and run by seniors for seniors. They are non-political and anyone aged 50 or over interested in local, regional and national issues can get involved. Forum members are volunteers and actively seek to improve the quality of life for seniors in their community.

There are seven seniors’ forums in East Sussex where you can get involved in service development and have your say:

Membership is free and open to anyone aged 50 or over who lives in the local area. Each forum is led by a committee of members. Some forums have formed special interest groups (such as transport, health and well-being) that reflect the concerns of their local members.

East Sussex Seniors' Association (ESSA)

ESSA is the umbrella body for the local forums above. It is an independent organisation which helps to provide a voice to those in East Sussex aged 50 or over, helping them to influence decision-makers on issues which affect their everyday lives.

Getting involved

There are many ways seniors can become more involved in shaping services; for example:

  • working directly with older people in the local community to hear their issues and concerns
  • involvement in service and policy development
  • engagement in decision-making to create better local government

The forums currently need more volunteers to get involved in a range of activities, including helping to run coffee mornings, helping at events, and producing newsletters, as well as gathering views of seniors on issues that affect them and putting these views forward to policy makers and service providers.

If you want to get involved, please contact:

Sue Dunkley
Equality and Inclusion Officer
Telephone: 0778 384 7944
Email: Sue Dunkley