The over 50-year-olds in Torbay are about to get a powerful new voice with the upcoming launch of a new assembly.
As the day fast approaches when over 50’s will make up more than 50% of the population of Torbay, they are to be given a say in how statutory services are run in Paignton, Torquay and Brixham.
As part of the legacy of the Ageing Well Torbay programme, a six-year lottery Community Fund programme with two years left to run, the Torbay Over 50’s Assembly launches next month to ensure the work continues.
Everyone aged 50 and over is invited to the launch event which is being held at Preston Baptist Church in Old Torquay Road at 1 pm on Saturday, April 13th.
Interviews have already begun to appoint people to the Assembly Action Group which will oversee the work of focus groups being set up in Torquay, Brixham and Paignton, but applications are still being taken.
The Assembly Action Group will also liaise with statutory bodies such as the Health and Well Being Board and the local NHS.
Members are being sought from across the bay, and over 50’s can be involved simply as members, or as part of one of the focus groups, or subject to a short informal interview, one of the Town Representatives or Assembly Action Group.
Assemblies are already established in other parts of the country and influence decision making at every level of governance.
Particular areas of interest are transport, accessibility, health, housing, outdoor spaces, civic buildings and the environment and the plan is to allow over 50’s to have a say on all those subjects.
Project coordinator, Jess Slade, Participation Development Officer for Torbay Community Development Trust who is managing the project on behalf of Ageing Well Torbay has led a working group of over 50-year-olds for the last twelve months to formulate the plans
“These are very exciting times. The Assemblies are already well established elsewhere in places like Salford, Manchester and York and they are instrumental in ensuring the over 50’s needs are taken into account in all important decision making,” she said“We are hoping that as many people as possible will attend the launch – they might just want to sign up to be kept informed or want to become involved in one of the focus groups or possibly become an Assembly Action Group member.
If you are interested in attending the launch then tickets are limited but are available from: https://tofalaunch.eventbrite.co.uk If you are interested in finding out more go to: https://bit.ly/2U775CU or email ageingwell@torbaycdt.org or ring our offices on 01803 212638.
For further information or for interviews please contact David Gledhill, Ageing Well Torbay Marketing and Communications Lead by email: davidgledhill@torbaycdt.org.uk or call 07715 770303
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