23 February 2012Older residents have been given a new voice after the recent launch of a forum, created to raise awareness and speak up on issues that affect older people.
The launch of the new Sevenoaks District Seniors Action Forum took place on Friday 1 October, in the Plaza Suite of the Stag Community Arts Centre, Sevenoaks.
The launch coincided with the United Nations International Day of Older Persons and more than 60 people attended the event. Sevenoaks District Council's Chairman Cllr Keith Loney and the town mayors of Sevenoaks and Swanley attended and were joined by representatives of Kent County Council, Age UK, Voluntary Action Within Kent and West Kent Housing.
The forum's purpose is to represent the views and concerns of anyone aged 50 or above living within the District, of which there are just over 40,000.
The forum will give older people across the District a stronger voice, taking up the issues they care about and working with key agencies and organisations to represent the views of older people. Membership is free and open to anyone aged 50 and over living in the District.
Members of the forum voted for the top three areas of interest, which proved to be health, social care and transport. The meeting appointed Roger Bryan, from Swanley, as Chairman of the Forum and the Management Committee.
The Committee will set up open meetings across the District, beginning in Swanley in early November and will continue to publicise the forum's activities with the aim of attracting more members.
Cllr Pat Bosley, Sevenoaks District Council's Cabinet member with responsibility for older people, says: "This forum is the first of its kind in the Sevenoaks District, run by older people for older people. I'd urge residents aged 50 and over to lend their support to this exciting initiative. It's not too late to get involved and be a part of this fantastic group run by passionate members of the community."
Anyone interested in attending future Seniors Action Forum events or would like to be kept informed of the Forum's progress, please contact Roger Bryan, Chairman on 07913 744561 or email the Secretary, Phyllis Styles on sdsaf@7oaks.net.
