Older People to Have Bigger Say in Their Own Future

The new North Norfolk Older People's Forum, which aims to raise the profile of people over 50 years of age who live or work in the District, and help provide them with a better future, will hold its first meeting in May.

Formed following a well-attended exploratory meeting last year, the Older People's Forum will also work with local decision-makers and service-providers to monitor, challenge, advise and comment on services used by older people, and act as a focal point for consultations about those services.

"Great progress has been made in the last year," said Gordon and Jean Hare, joint publicity officers for the Forum, "and we are now ready, at the meeting in May, to discuss and adopt a draft constitution and to elect a 12-person Executive to represent all corners of the District. This is just the beginning of what's going to develop into something really useful for older people, and we strongly urge anyone over 50 who wants to have a say in the way services are provided, to come along to the meeting and get involved."

The meeting will be held in St Benet's Hall, North Walsham at 1.30pm on Friday, 9 May. Opening remarks will be made by Norman Lamb MP, and there will be a presentation by a representative of the pensions service, about 'Pension Credit' and the new payment methods. Free light refreshments will be available.

Anyone who would like to attend the meeting but has difficulty with transport should call:

• The North Walsham Area Community Transport Association in 01692 500840
• Age Concern, Sheringham on 01263 822552

Older people who live in North Norfolk and are eligible for membership of the Forum may stand for election to the Forum's Executive by contacting Judith Portch on 01263 516030 (minicom 01263 516005) or email jmp@north-norfolk.gov.uk
Alternatively, they should give their name to a member of the Forum's Steering Group on the day of the May meeting.

For more information about the North Norfolk Older People's Forum, please contact Gordon or Jean Hare on 01263 838027.

ENDS