Agenda item - Older People Public Health/Age Friendly Cities

David Brindley, BHCC Public Health Programme Manager – Ageing Well, will present on public health and older people, including Age Friendly Cities

360.1  This item was introduced by David Brindley, BHCC Public Health Programme Manager.

360.2  Mr Brindley briefly outlined the history of the Age Friendly Cities (AFC) programme, noting that Brighton & Hove joined in 2013. Although some good work has been done in making the city more age friendly, the local AFC programme requires refreshing

360.3  In response to questions from members, Mr Brindley agreed that there was an issue with a lack of older people actively driving the AFC work (e.g. in terms of older people sitting on the AFC Steering Group). This would be addressed.

360.4  In answer to questions about the number of AFCs in the UK, Mr Brindley said that he thought there are around 13, but he would send round a link to the relevant website to confirm.

360.5  There was discussion of the successes and failures of the AFC project to date. It was noted that the link between the city Age Friendly Forum and the AFC Steering Group was key, with the Forum informing the work of the Steering Group. However, this relationship has not worked well.

360.6  Mr Brindley noted that the AFC work features in the most recent Director of Public Health Annual Report (copies will be circulated to members) and that AFC is an important strand of Brighton & Hove Caring Together.

360.7  Members noted that there was an initial enthusiasm for AFC amongst BHCC Councillors, particularly from former Councillor Geoffrey Bowden. However, this interest has not been maintained.

360.8  Mr Brindley told members that he would seek to review AFC progress to date; to update the Terms of Reference to reflect the current situation (e.g. making the link to Brighton & Hove Caring Together clear); to forge close ties with the Dementia Friendly Alliance and with Carer groups; and to re-model the AFC Steering Group. Local people will be involved in the work going forward, partly via on-line surveys/consultations (although the issue of digital exclusion is recognised by Public Health and alternatives will also be employed).

360.9  There have been some achievements to date, with AFC ideas embedded in commissioning practices, particularly in terms of Falls Prevention (DB will circulate more information on this).

360.10            The Chair suggested that it would be helpful if the AFC work reported directly to a BHCC committee, and Mr Brindley agreed, noting that this should be the Health & Wellbeing Board.

360.11            Suggestions for areas that AFC could usefully focus on included: housing (i.e. what can be done to encourage older people to down-size), urban design (i.e. street-lighting which illuminates pavements rather than roads); and the enforcement of the ban on pavement cycling.