ESPOPF

"Empowering older people to be active researchers, thought-leaders and influencers" was the title of this conference at Reading on 20th January 2011 organised by Salford and Loughborough Universities.
David addressed the Conference on "Empowerment or engagement". He described his journey from a passive researcher to an active researcher, his medical research background and his training with OPPS the Older People's Project Support.

Diane spoke on "How older people's research can change policy" She traced the 10-year history of ESPOPF and why the Forum had embraced research. She listed ESPOPF's impressive achievements and its influence on policy, both locally and nationally.
To download the presentations, go to Links on the Website menu and click on KT-EQUAL.

A University of the Third Age (U3A) is a lively and friendly association offering a wide range of study, leisure and creative activities for those whose days are no longer tied to earning a living. It is a good way to meet people and to make new friends. I am the Secretary of Hamble Valley U3A.

The seeds for Hamble Valley U3A were sewn by several ESPOPF members in late 2008 and we have celebrated our first year in May 2010 with over 140 members and more than 20 active interest groups in subjects ranging from Bridge to Wine Appreciation.

We also have a very active social committee who organise theatre and shopping trips and for the more active we are just considering a ten pin bowling afternoon.

ESPOPF is campaigning on this issue this year as we have become extremely concerned about the problems our members face in getting adaptations which will enable them to stay in their homes, rather than moving to residential care. These problems include:

1 the lack of information about what options are available and where to find out
2 interminable delays in getting assessments from occupational therapists,
3 the interminable application process,
4 the interminable wait for tenders to be produced and contractors selected,
5 the lack of information about help with funding and the difficulties of accessing it,
6 the lack of funding available
7 how to find reputable private contractors
8 scams

Dear Editor
Re Ombudsman Report
I write regarding the Ombudsman's report following investigation into your complaints against the Council.
I am disappointed by the Ombudsman's findings of maladministration but the criticism of the Council can be used as a tool to drive improvement and ensure higher standards for the future.
Having read the report it is clear that the Council should have carried out the process of consultation, including conducting a full Equality Impact Assessment correctly.
The Council must also accept that formal complaints made by Eastleigh Southern Parishes Older People's forum were not handled in line with the accepted standards.

The Ombudsman's Report has now been received. Click on Report to download the full text.

This was an article in Help the Aged's Forum to Forum.February 2010.

The younger generation browse and blog, tweet and twitter, download and upload and post comments and pictures on email and web.

I go online for fresh vegetables, theatre tickets, train tickets, my bank account, medical appointments, repeat prescriptions and missed programmes. I get news from relatives abroad, answers to general knowledge crosswords and information about local events. I cannot envisage a life of isolation and boredom.

So why do 60% of our generation shun the internet which is a life-line for the other 40%? Ignorance? Apathy? Poverty?

The coalition government's disregard of its equality duty has implications for older people (Legal threats to coalition budget cuts, 27 August). A new nationwide system of concessionary travel administered by councils will be introduced in April 2011 and there is considerable concern that only the mandatory free bus pass for older people will be affordable. Other travel concessions, that were discretionary under the previous arrangements, will be scrapped if the government does not provide enough money to ensure compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act. Many frail and elderly people will be left stranded and severely disadvantaged if alternatives, such as companion passes, travel tokens and rail cards, are removed.
Diane Andrewes Old Bursledon, Hampshire

22nd February 2010
Diane was invited to speak at this LGA Conference and chose, for its title "Planning Neighbourhoods for All"
I am the Hon. Secretary of an Older People’s Forum in Eastleigh, in south-east Hampshire. We have over 3,000 members, who live in 6 villages. The area is semi-rural and very attractive, bounded by Southampton Water and rivers, with country parks and conservation areas. 83% of Eastleigh homes are privately owned, though there are wards of significant deprivation.

Be part of the record!

The story of where you live, the people and places around you, is an ever-changing one. Living Links is a Heritage Lottery funded project which seeks to help communities collect and record their changing histories, making connections between the past and the present.

It can help you:

* Discover how to collect and record local history
* Care for and manage local records by providing free training and advice
* Access mainstream archives to help build up local research and knowledge
* Make projects sustainable and lasting by offering funding and advice.

Living Links is pleased to have welcomed members of ESPOPF to the Record Office for training days and to have supported the hugely enjoyable Community Information Fair on September 16th, 2009.

To find out more visit our website:
http://www3.hants.gov.uk/archives/living-links/

April 7th, 2009
Diane was invited to the Launch of the new charity, which will unite Age Concern England and Help the Aged. The main speakers were the Rt Hon Alan Johnson MP Secretary of Health and Social Care, Sir Michael Marmot Professor of Epidemiology and Public Health at University College London, Matthew Cherian CEO HelpAge India, Dr Nicola Brewer Chief Executive Equality and Human Rights Commission and Rt Hon Theresa May MP Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.
Click on the link below for the full text of her presentation.