Lambeth (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Age-Friendly Lambeth joins global movement to amplify older residents’ voices, promoting ageing well & communities through effective communication & support.
At the most recent Age-Friendly Forum, those who are trying to make Lambeth the place to age well gathered at Lambeth’s Assembly Hall to talk about training, jobs, skills, and communication.
Cllr Tim Windle, Lambeth Cabinet Member For Healthier Communities and Lead for Age-Friendly Lambeth introduced the event saying:
“Ageing well is an important commitment in our Borough Plan for 2030 – making Lambeth the best place to grow up and grow older.
The Age-Friendly Lambeth Action Plan that you’ve already been part of planning is now ready to go for council approval. It’s about doing things that we must do to support one another as we grow older.”
Leading the forum on behalf of Lambeth Council, Johnny Zander of Kaizen Partnership reminded everyone that age-friendly is not just Lambeth’s goal but a global movement started by the World Health Organization (WHO).
It’s about bringing together at the local level the various factors that matter as people age, including housing, employment, transportation, and health.
Despite the local focus, Lambeth may work with the Centre for Ageing Better and other age-friendly communities throughout the UK to increase older residents’ voices and the significance of aging well.
Small groups of people at each table talked about communications. A news bulletin for the borough’s senior citizens has already been determined to be a desirable proposal.
This was an opportunity to concentrate on the topics that locals were most interested in hearing about, such as how to voice their opinions, free or inexpensive local events, municipal services, and more.
Following background information on the importance of older residents’ voices in creating a skills and employment strategy that benefits the entire borough, the groups talked about potential training, obstacles to older people’s employment, and potential solutions.
One of the main goals of the plan is to encourage senior citizens to participate in civic affairs and communal life. This involves giving people the chance to volunteer, take part in local government, and work on community initiatives.
Lambeth provided evidence that work can be crucial in addressing poverty and improving health and wellbeing. By establishing employment opportunities that are accessible to all, Lambeth’s Skills and Employment Strategy aims to develop an inclusive economy.
Incorporating the opinions of the forum’s attendees into Lambeth Council’s efforts, including the creation of the Skills and Employment Strategy, is the next stage.
On April 1st, from 10:30 to 12:30, the Assembly Hall will host the next Age-Friendly Forum.
What are the key focus areas of the age-friendly Lambeth?
The program highlights the value of efficient communication that is suited to senior citizens.
This involves keeping older persons updated on services, activities, and opportunities that are available to them by making sure that information is clear and easy to understand.
Through forums and focus groups, Lambeth Council has spoken with more than 700 locals to learn about their preferences and requirements as they age.
The goal of this participatory method is to guarantee that senior citizens’ opinions are heard and taken into account when making decisions.
The program aims to improve older individuals’ abilities so they can use technology and obtain information more efficiently.
Putting in place support systems, such as the Older People’s Forum, which gives senior citizens a forum to exchange stories, talk about problems, and work together to develop solutions that encourage healthy aging.