Older Persons Information Day keeps residents informed
More than 200 people attended an Older Persons' Information day at Winchester Discovery Centre last Wednesday 22 October. The event, which was organised by the Winchester District Older Peoples Partnership, attracted visitors from as far afield as Portsmouth and Southwick.
Winchester City Council, Hampshire County Council and HM Revenues and Customs all worked in partnership to provide advice and information on the day.
Margaret Fowkes, a Winchester resident who attended the event, said:
"This was such an interesting and useful event. I hope that it will be held again so that even more people can take advantage of all the information and help that is available. It’s reassuring to know that so many local and voluntary services exist to help us as we get older - I had no idea there were so many organisations."
The organisations themselves also found the event useful as a way of engaging with older people and learning what help and information is most important to them.
During the course of the day, the pension service arranged over 50 referrals and the Fire Service arranged a number of home visits to fit fire alarms and carry out safety checks.
Cllr John Cooper, Winchester's Portfolio Holder for Communities & Safety said:
"The success of the Information Day shows just how important it is to ensure that our older residents are given access to the help and advice they need. We received such wonderful feedback from those who attended that we hope to hold further similar events around the District in future."
Over 55s Action Forum
Following on from the success of the Information Day, members of the Winchester District Older People’s Partnership have arranged an informal meeting for interested residents over the age of 55 to explore the possibility of establishing an ‘Over 55s Action Forum’ for the Winchester District.
The meeting will take place on:
Tuesday 4 November, 10.30 am, United Church, Jewry Street, Winchester
If you’re interested in coming along or wish to find out more please telephone Nicola Lawrence on 01962 848497 for further details.