National Older People’s Day was on 1st October and Gloucestershire County Council was delighted to welcome the Minister of State for Pensions, Steve Webb, to launch it’s month long campaign with partners and community groups and organisations at SkillZONE.

The launch offered information stands and demonstrations that will cover topics including planning for the future, staying safe and well at home, safer driving with age, housing support and NHS health checks. Free tours of the SkillZONE village were also offered.

Cllr Andrew Gravells, cabinet member for older people, said: “We’re delighted that Steve Webb was able to join us for the launch of Older People’s month. It’s a great opportunity for him to see firsthand just some of the many excellent services available for people in Gloucestershire to help them stay fit, healthy and safe and to give them the best opportunities when they’re older.”

To coincide with the national campaign, the council has decided to extend Older People’s Day to Older People’s Month and throughout October a series of roadshows will be taking place across the county. In Gloucestershire it’s no secret that we have an ageing population as people are living longer. For that reason, Gloucestershire County Council is keen to help people make the most of their golden years by staying fit, healthy and active and planning properly for later life.

At the same time, the council’s new Independent Living Guide was launched. It features helpful advice and information about local services for older people to help them to live safely and securely in their own homes for as long as they’re able to.

There will also be a display in the council’s mobile library which will be going around more rural areas of the county throughout October.

To make sure we reach people who cannot attend the events, all of the information can be found at www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/independentliving.

You can also call 01452 426868 for advice on any of the events or services being publicised.

 

Events will take place at: