We are thinking of doing a project later this year to run through the winter months about how to eat well and stay healthy in the cold weather, including some practical cook and taste demonstrations. If there is enough interest, we will apply for funding to enable us to run the project.
Our initial thoughts are that the project would be based at JNR8, led by a local nutritional therapist, but we would also like to run sessions at other local venues such as sheltered housing organisations in Whalley Range. The idea is that we could get people together in an informal, friendly way to meet, eat, chat, and get some tips on easy ways to cook for one and how the right foods can help you to stay well through the winter.
As a first step, we would like to know what you think – does this project sound as if it would be of interest to you or are there other ways to do it?
Drop Chris a line at agefriendlywhalleyrange@gmail.com
to register your interest in taking part and put forward any other ideas you might have about food/eating/healthy ageing
The Manchester Strategy has been through the City Council’s Executive and the public consultation period is now running until 2nd October 2015. To have your say and to spread the word on the consultation across Manchester, go to:
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) consultation opportunity
TfGM have produced the Greater Manchester Transport Strategy 2040: Our Vision, which is out to consultation. It sets out a vision for the transport network that Greater Manchester needs by 2040 to deliver ‘World class connections that support long-term sustainable economic growth and access to opportunities for all’. The consultation on the vision runs until mid October. Transport is very important for older people so get involved! Here’s the link to have your say:
The Age-friendly Manchester Design Group has identified their areas of focus for the next 12 months. These include age-friendly parks, age-friendly home design and age-friendly seating. To find out more about the work of the group, contact Patrick hanfling on p.hanfling@manchester.gov.uk or 0161 234 4188
AFM Older People’s Charter update
Thanks to everyone who commented on the draft charter across May and June 2015. The charter sets out the existing rights of older people to live in an age-friendly city. The AFM Older People’s Board will be agreeing the charter on 17 July. The Board will then work on the planned launch of the Charter on 1 October 2015. Updates will be made in this news column! For more information contact Patrick Hanfling on p.hanfling@manchester.gov.uk
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual older people report available
This report has been produced by the Manchester LGBT Foundation and Manchester City Council.
Have you got an idea about you make the city a better place for older people? Contact Patrick Hanfling on p.hanfling@manchester.gov.uk or 0161 234 4188 to find out about the Age-friendly Manchester Challenge and how to make your pledge.
We are working with local organisations who want to promote their businesses and services as ‘age friendly’, taking into consideration the needs of older residents in terms of the physical environment, products and services they provide.
Businesses who sign up to the Charter will be listed on our websites and noticeboards and will be able to demonstrate that they are working to make their premises/services more age-friendly and accessible to older residents by taking a few simple steps.
We realise some shops may not be able to provide toilet facilities for instance, for insurance reasons, but the list below outlines some of the basic steps organisions can take to improve access – and to show their commitment to recognising some of the needs of older residents.
As we build up the list of businesses/organisations who adopt the charter, we will identify what is provided and where – improving access to services hopefully making shopping etc a less stressful and more enjoyable experience for older residents.
Example:
Age-Friendly Whalley Range
Age-Friendly Business Guidelines
JNR8 Youth & Community Centre
is working to make their business age-friendly by:
Physical Environment
o Providing a place for customers to sit and rest
o Placing products on shelves that are reachable or readily offering help to customers
o Allowing customers to use any available toilet facilities
o Keeping flooring even and clutter free to prevent trips and slips
o Moderating excessively loud music and noise
o Providing adequate lighting throughout the business
o Being mindful of the safety of steps and stairs
o Keeping the immediate pavements free of dirt, snow, leaves, clutter, and other obstacles
Products and Services
o Providing a warm and friendly welcome
o Selling food, products, and/or services that are tailored to the needs of our older customers
o Promoting discounts or special offers for older adults when possible
o Offering extra customer service for older adults, such as providing a drink of water if asked
o Highlighting the availability of any drop-off or local delivery services
o Using large, clear fonts for signage, printed materials and websites.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Age-friendly usiness Directory – please contact us by email at agefriendlywhalleyrange@gmail.com, by telephone on 0161 881 3744 – or by post:
AFWR, JNR8 Youth & Community Centre, 82 Cromwell Avenue, Whalley Range, Manchester M16 0BG
Businesses/groups who sign up will receive a signed laminated copy of the Charter to display in their premises.
Photo from Age-friendly Old Moat’s Take a Seat initiative
“Our 18th Celebrate Festival took place on Saturday June 27th, 2015, with the theme
Light up Your Life – in recognition of the global International Year of Light Festival 2015.
We are grateful to Rev. Robert Boulter for agreeing to let us hold Celebrate 2015 at the St Margaret’s Centre and Playing Fields on Brantingham Road.
The original plan was to hold the event during the solstice with 6 different themes representing dance, faith, the environment, learning, space and participation, but due to venue unavailability, the date was put forward a week. Nonetheless we went ahead as planned – and the sun shone on the beautiful grounds of the St Margaret Centre…”
