Ageing with opportunity

New approach to ageing with opportunity

Staffordshire County Council tore up the rule book at its recent "Ageing with Opportunity" Conference.  Its planned future approach for improving the lives of Staffordshire's over-fifties was considered, energetic, vibrant and positive.

Chair for the day's mix of presentations, videos and working groups was Deputy Corporate Director, Alan Lotinga, who was pleased with the reaction: "It was encouraging to see so much willingness to make a difference to the lives of Staffordshire's older residents.  I feel sure everyone benefited from the day, which will go a long way towards shaping future services for older people in Staffordshire. 

"The challenge for us now is to make sure our draft strategy and its proposed actions deliver what older people actually want, and demonstrate to them that progress is being made."

Lead member for Social Care and Health, Councilor Susan Woodward commented: "Instead of high-brow presentations and theories you often get, delegates had practical, down-to-earth presentations followed by excellent participatory working groups.  Around 100 like-minded people from statutory and voluntary sector organisations attended the conference and talking to some of them afterwards showed that the event had been really positive and worthwhile."

Following the consultation process, the aim is to finalise the draft strategy by mid June and then have annual reviews of progress.  Further events with older people and their representatives are planned in the coming months, and more will be arranged.

A video is available.

Page Last Modified: 30/01/2007 16:03:25

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