UK Day for Older People

Press release - 25 September 2007

Shropshire County Council's Community Services directorate and a host of partnership organisations are holding the UK Day for Older People event at Shrewsbury Market Square on Monday 1 October 2007 from 10am to 3pm.

The event in celebration of older people in Shropshire supports the annual ‘International Day of Older People’ established by the United Nations, to improve the quality of life for older people by promoting independence, participation, care, self-fulfilment and dignity.

Information, advice and a variety of activities will be available on the day including health and care support services, benefits advice, safety in the home and library services for older people as well as demonstrations from Acton Scott museum, dancing and live jazz music.

Free tea, coffee and biscuits will be served by local members Councillor Barbara Craig, Cabinet Member for Community Services and Councillor Stuart West, Older Person’s Champion for Shropshire.

Councillor Barbara Craig said: “The UK Day for Older People event is about acknowledging and valuing the enormous contribution of older people within their families and their communities. We hope our event will provide a positive and stimulating experience for all who attend.”

Councillor Stuart West, Older People's Champion for Shropshire said: "Older people are the building blocks of our communities. We are very fortunate that we live in a wonderful county that encourages longevity and quality of life and we should support and celebrate that. We offer a warm welcome and invite older people, their families and friends to come along and join in the wide range of activities, to socialise, have fun and enjoy the day.”

For more information about the event contact Community Services on 01743 253881 or visit www.shropshire.gov.uk.

ENDS

Further information

Representatives from the following organisations will be present at the event:

Shropshire County Council, Community Services
Department for Work and Pensions
Shropshire Primary Care Trust
West Mercia Constabulary
Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service
Age Concern
Shropshire Association and Shrewsbury Senior Citizens Forum
Community Council of Shropshire
Crossroads

Stalls include:

Older People services
Benefits advice and information
Meals on Wheels
Community Safety
Fire Safety in the home
Museums
Library services for older people
Countryside services – Walking for Life
Home made produce and soft furnishings
Adult learning courses
Carer Support
Podiatry
Assistive and visual technology demonstrations
Falls and extend class information
Access to services

Demonstrations and activities include:

- Demonstration of making lavender spills
- Falls and extend demonstrations

Activities:

- Memory board – Things you know now, that you wished you knew at 21
- Dancing
- Tai Chi
- Live music by local Jazz Band

For further information, call Ruth Houghton, Area Manager - County Wide, Community Services on 01743 253704
For media contact, call Maria Jones, Communications Officer, Community Services on 01743 253881