Agenda item - Secretary's Update

338    SECRETARIAL REPORT - SEPTEMBER 2017

• Age Friendly City - the September steering group meeting was postponed as Annie Alexander, the Chair of the Steering Group, had yet to be replaced. We understand that her replacement is David Brindley who will start late September.

The AFC Forum met at Age UK on the 4th September. We met with the new, interim, Chief Executive of Age UK, Bernadette Ashcroft who is in post for 6 months and will be organising the appointment for a full time Chief Executive.

The forum wants to decide which issues to prioritise for discussions with the new Chair of the Steering Group. The next meeting of the Forum will be on Monday 23rd October at Age UK at 10.30.

• Older People’s Festival - this runs from the 25th September to the 8th October and is being organised by Impact Initiatives. The OPC are in discussions re an intergenerational debate at Portslade Aldridge Community Academy on the 28^th September. Festival programmes should be available and also see opf.org.uk .

• Annual Report - drafted by OPC members with design and print by BHCC. Thanks to all OPC members and Justin in design and print for all the work involved.

• Community Works - The new Chief Executive is Jess Sumner, previously at Age UK. We shall be seeking a meeting with Jess in the near future.

• Tower House - OPC members lobbied hard about the future of Tower House when the Council decided to withdraw the service. We are pleased that St Vincent de Paul has taken over the running of Tower House and will be providing facilities for older people including lunches. They are looking for volunteers - contact vickyh@svp.org.uk or 0755 7562718. The official opening is on the 19th September at 4pm.

• Consultation on Private Rented Housing Licensing Scheme proposals – A response was sent to BHCC from the OPC, thanks to Michael Whitty for the detailed focus on fire safety in these properties.

• Active for Life - A meeting was held on the 6th September to discuss a range of issues concerning older people with Freedom Leisure and BHCC officers. The OPC were particularly concerned about the take up of the Leisure Card with a 40% reduction for those on Pension Credit and / or Attendance Allowance. A communication campaign is underway with leaflets and a Grey Matters radio interview & social media. Also discussed a range of activities and ways to get older people active.A further meeting is planned in 2018 to evaluate any improved take up as a result of the campaign.

Events

• Working Together -workshop for people who are deaf on Wednesday 27^th September at 4.30 to 7.30 at Brighthelm. Contact  valerie.harper@brighton-hove.gov.uk

• Brighton & Hove Big Health Conversation - on GP practices on Wednesday 27th September at 10.00 to 13.00 at Friends Meeting House. Also a Focus Group on Extended Hours on Wednesday 4th October at 18.00 to 20.00 at Friends Meeting House. Contact meg.lewis@nhs.net or 0127-238743.

• Active Forever - Tuesday 3rd October a free event for older people at the King Alfred Leisure Centre from 10.00 to 1.00. A taster event with a range of activities, stalls and talks.

• Trust for Developing Communities - AGM on Thursday 12th October at Brighthelm at 6,00. Contact katharinetrevelyan@trustdevcom.org.uk or call 01273 262220.

Newsletters/Information

• Age Action Alliance - transferred to Employers Network for Equality & Inclusion in August. Previously DWP & Age UK and in transition will be assisted by English Age Network and International Longevity Centre UK. Newsletter should continue.

• Healthwatch - press release re overall rating for the Royal Sussex has changed from Inadequate to Needs Improvement. The hospital remains in special measures with 60 issues needing action. The two local hospitals have a £67m deficit.

• Strike a Light - Life History Book course at Strike a Light Studio in Open Market on Thursdays in September.

• Care Quality Commission - monthly update re mental health issues, Annual Report and Local system reviews of health & social care. 12 Local Authorities in review which includes East Sussex but not Brighton & Hove.

• Digital Brighton & Hove - newsletter - they are appointing a new Project Manager. Information about campaign at DigitalBH@citizensonline.org.uk.

• Age UK - Medicines a report on Older Peoples experience in Brighton & Hove August 2017.

• Friends, Facilities & Travellers Newsletter - info re petition against use of Public Space Protection Orders on Gypsies & Travellers.