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- Telephone 01254 503046 ■
- E-mail enquiries@olderpeoplesforum.org.uk
Focus Groups
Members consultation about the Future of the Forum – May 2011
This is a summary of the discussions that took place at the event.
What do you value about the Forum and would like to continue?
Gets people out for an hour and meet other members – new, old and interesting; Speakers with their particular information; Friendship; Companionship & community spirit; Newsletters we like the new smaller size but needs more detailed information about focus group discussions; Information including health & well being; Coffee mornings; Outings; Forum Meetings; Social activities (including domino & beetle drives); Opportunities resulting from speakers; Specialist focus groups; Meeting new people; Having a voice that might influence local & national decisions; Being able to contribute to other organisation’s meetings; Speaking up for the isolated people; Being able to say that older people are higher expectations and are more active; Availability of staff & volunteers; Easy access to meetings – sensible times & venues.
Is there anything you would change? In what ways?
We all agree that the variety and contents are quite suitable; More varied meetings; Entertainment; Organise meals out locally with possible discounts; Lunch clubs; Speakers – interesting subjects both light hearted & serious; Membership charge; Improve publicity and communication; Volunteer training; Develop sub committees; Better sound system in Blackburn Town Hall; Bring back refreshments at meetings; Speakers need to stand up; Leaflets at the end of meetings only.
This is your Forum. What would you like it to offer you?
Services
Keeps us up to date with local concerns; Handy Person Scheme – could it be re-introduced; Podiatry – This needs to carry on; Telephone links; Time Bank; Plot who lives in which neighbourhood; Prompt updates on critical information; Car sharing; Health information; Transport; Police, Fire & Safety talks; More lobbying.
Social Opportunities
Outings – these are always successful & pleasant at full cost; Other activities in appropriate areas; Organise a person to pick up cheap, organised coach trips; Holidays; Entertainment; Exercise classes including seated exercise; Meals out; Theatre visits – local, amateur; Lunch clubs; Tea dances; Car sharing; Table top games – rummy cup, scrabble, whist; Beetle drives; Coffee morning in Darwen; Wine tasting; Quiz nights/ afternoons.
Meetings
Continue monthly at present; More talks on old Blackburn; Home safety; Slide shows; Fund raising activities; Local museum curator; More workshops; Speakers relevant to organisation’s aims; Follow up sessions.
Anything else not already covered
A most satisfactory talk at this table; Music; Slide shows; Bye gone days (photographs); Introduce a small subscription; Talk from Imam/Council of Mosques; Further education opportunities; Gardening club including sharing equipment, bulk buying, swapping cuttings etc.; Cookery classes.
How will you help the Forum to survive?
Attend as regularly as possible; Get more members to promote interest; Communication with younger members to participate in assisting; Word of mouth to advertise the Forum which may get additional help; By paying a small subscription; People who do not attend meetings should not get information about trips; Annual/ biannual fund raiser; Mystery tour; Using text messaging for communications about meetings; Contributing more to discussions.
Rehabilitation Services – June 2011
The NHS in Blackburn with Darwen is planning to move the general rehabilitation beds from Pendle Hospital and bring the service back to the Borough. This group considered the needs of the people using the service.
Many of our focus groups are called at short notice between
publications of the newsletter.
If you would like to be contacted about these, please indicate your interest by phoning the office on 668584.
As they become known you will be sent details and an invitation to attend.
