Age UK East London has set up An older person’s reference group an invites older Newham residents to share their opinions.

By Peter Landman

An older man sits at a table with a coffee — Photo by Centre for Ageing Better on Unsplash

Age UK East London has set up the Newham Older Persons Reference Group (OPRG) as a forum for older people. The meetings attract an average of 60 people.

Group Coordinator Grace Patient says: “ Our main aims are to voice elderly people’s opinions on important issues and influence decision makers through the diverse range of experience of our members.”

In between meetings Grace produces a newsletter, in which she lists a full range of helpful contacts and main upcoming Council and community group events.

At their last meeting on 11 December, Larissa Howells, Age UK East London Director of Services, gave a report back on her strategy consultation with members.

The main points are to:

give priority to health and care services that promote independent living.
recognise the ill health effects of living in loneliness, and to seek to reach elderly people living in isolation.

Jason Strelitz, Newham Council Director of Adults and Health, presented options in which the OPRG could retain its independence, and yet still work closely with the Council. James Kealey from Transport for London took on board members’ experiences of difficulties on local travel.

He has been invited to the next meeting to give a presentation on Dial a Ride.

Besides these meetings, Age UK offers one to one advice, advocacy, basic coaching on access to a computer, support for unpaid carers, and easing in hospital discharge.

Grace also circulated a list of places that give help on filling out forms. Contact her at: grace.patient@ageukeastlondon.org.uk

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