The Older People's Network recently launched in a big way, holding a very successful Consultation Event on Thursday 31 May 2007.  The event was hosted by Ann Reaney, from Parish of Bilston Special Projects alongside partners of the Network - Mel Passmore from GAPP; Phil Deeming from WREN and Martin Sarling from Age Concern.

The event, which was the first of many, was held to bring together the partners of the Network (alongside sectors with a vested interest in the work of the older peoples network, such as the PCT) to talk to members about their views, issues, problems, and general feelings to be able to build on an Action Plan specific to the older people of Wolverhampton - hopefully going someway to aiding resolutions to problems which many currently face in the City of Wolverhampton.  It was received with a strong committment and enthusiasm by all those present. 

This time, guest speakers included Dee Harris from the Priority Care Project in Wolverhampton and Paul Southan, Public Health Practitioner, who spoke about how the work of the Network will directly link into the work of the PCT and specifically projects such as Priority Care. 

The attendees were also able to voice their opinions in groups based around the areas of Health and Social Care, facilitated by Janet Chand of Heantun Housing; Policy led by Martin Sarling; Leisure facilitated by Cheryl Dando from Wolverhamtons Voluntary Sector Council, and Learning facilitated by Dana Tooby of Adult Education.  Mel Passmore said "these events are all about letting people know they are able to be part of the decision making about services in their area, and this really came through today."

The consultation events will take place on a monthly basis in various locations across the City and a different guest speaker will be present at each.  The next one will be held at 10.00am on Wednesday 27 June 2007 at St Leonards Church, Bilston. 

Anyone interested in the work of the Older People's Network should contact Kim Payne on 01902 550975 or e-mail KIMBEN@aol.com