The Older Persons Reference Group heard from UK Power Networks and TfL, reports Peter Landman

An older person and a young person listen — Image via AgeUK East London

Keeping the lights on and getting out and about safely are two of the everyday challenges facing older people and Newham’s public forum for elderly people, the Older Persons Reference Group, has been providing vital advice to help residents.

Forty one elderly people attended the recent February meeting, which was organised by group coordinator, Grace Patient.

The first speaker was Dishka Bhatela from UK Power Networks who explained the register for priority reinstatement of electricity supply for people who, for medical reasons badly need their electricity to stay on.

If the electricity fails and cannot be put on after a few hours, her team will consider transferring people on the register to a hotel. The team will also be ready to contact other services.

After she spoke, Brian Gordon from Transport for London gave advice on dealing with transport issues.

He provided booklets listing accessibility at underground stations, and those with public toilets. These were available at stations and said that Customer Services Assistants are available to take people to the train platforms.

He said that special individual attention cards were available to help people with particular needs. Brian added that he himself had escorted people who could not get out of their homes to make a journey.

The meeting was also told that freedom passes may now be used on Fridays and weekends, before 9.30.

The next meeting supported by AgeUK was held on 21st March.
Contact grace.patient@ageukeastlondon.org.uk.

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