An action plan is being drawn up to set out how the district's growing older population is supported and what role it will play in the future
The Older People's Partnership Strategy - 'Thinking about Tomorrow: Taking Action Today,' being presented to Bradford Council's Executive on Tuesday 18 December, seeks to strengthen the role of the district's growing over 50s population in the years to come and that of the Older People's Partnership.
The Older People's Partnership, set up two years ago, has a wide range of members including Council departments, NHS organisations, the Department of Work and Pensions, Job Centre Plus, the Fire Service, voluntary and community sector groups, older people, Age Concern and Bradford Older People's Alliance. It is led by Moira Wilson, Strategic Director of the Council's Adult Services.
Its vision is for "all people over the age of 50 to be able to maintain their independence, feel valued and lead healthy, active and productive lives, confident that support will be available for them when and where they need it."
The strategy seeks to address the fact that the population of older people in the Bradford district is set to grow at a rapid rate, particularly for those aged 85 and above, expected to rise from 8,800 in 2007 to 14,000 by 2026.
It will look beyond just the provision of health and social care services to other aspects of people's lives e.g. housing, the neighbourhood, employment, social networks, getting out and about, information, health and healthy living. The strategy will also aim to tackle age discrimination and ensure people are instead judged on their abilities and life experiences.
Coun Dale Smith, Executive Member for Adult Services, said: "Speaking as an older person myself, if older people are going to form a larger proportion of our population in the future it is vital that we use our voice to play an important role in transforming society.
"This strategy is a first step in ensuring older people do take their place on centre stage, rather than being sidelined or judged only by their age."
Achievements by the Older People's Partnership over the last two years include:
The appointment of a new Older People's Champion, Coun Michael Kelly to ensure older people are given priority and respect at the highest levels
The appointment of the Older People's Fire Safety Co-ordinator within West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Services
Joint research carried out with the Economic Partnership on over 50s being out of work
Work across all Council departments to identify how their services contribute to improving the lives of older people
Officer/Contact
John Howarth
Manager Commissioning and Service Improvement
Telephone: 01274 437565
Media Relations Officer
Kathy Grillo
Telephone: 01274 433526
Fax: 01274 432005
Email: press.communications@bradford.gov.uk
Date: 12.12.07
