Basingstoke & Deane “Young at Heart” Over 55’s Forum was established in 2004 as part of the strategy “Promoting Quality of Life for Older People in Basingstoke & Deane”.
It is a voluntary organisation for everyone in the Borough over the age of 55 and aims to:
- Provide a voice for the over 55’s in the Borough, putting their views to authorities and other organisations;
- Work to ensure a better quality of life for the over 55’s;
- Promote health, well-being and good citizenship for the over 55’s;
- Oppose unfair discrimination on grounds of age;
- Provide information on the services and facilities available to the over 55’s.
Lawrie McMenemy is patron to the Forum.
What do we do?
The Forum participates in local affairs and promotes the views of the over 55’s through representation on many groups, including the Local Strategic Partnership, the NHS Foundation Trust, Basingstoke Voluntary Services, the Older Persons Special Interest Group and the Disability Forum.
Regular meetings are held, usually every two months, with high profile speakers from energy companies, local housing groups, transport companies, police force, fire service, NHS, HCC, educational services, pensions, Royal Mail, local clubs and associations and many, many more. These meetings provide members with the opportunity to meet and share their views with others and to have their say on local issues.
We work with Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council and local voluntary groups in organising special events for the annual International Day for Older People, including variety shows, featuring local talent. We also work with public services to promote initiatives on health, nutrition and safety, such as free home safety visits by the Hampshire Fire & Rescue Service.
Why join?
In addition to the Forum meetings, members receive a regular Newsletter, providing additional information on matters of interest to the over 55’s.
Through Forum meetings and Newsletters, you will be provided with information to help you make informed choices on matters personal to you. Your needs and views will be heard by the relevant bodies and there will be opportunities for you to raise the issues that are important to you.
The Forum also provides the opportunity to meet with old friends and to make new, not only at the meetings but also by organising coach trips, holiday breaks and other social events.
Coach trips planned for the rest of this year:
21 August Wisley Gardens £15 members £17 non members
1 September Isle of Wight & Waltzing Waters £23 members £25 non members
19 September Fullers Brewery, including a meal £24.50
25 October Calais & Cite Europe £23.50 members £25 non members
22 November Gloucester Shopping Trip £11.50 members £13 non members
For more information or to book tickets, contact the secretary, Gerald Merritt, telephone 01256 412119.
How do I join?
If you are interested, come along to an Open Forum meeting and give us a “test drive”, with no commitment. We meet at 09.30, for a 10.00 start, in the Carnival Hall in Basingstoke and meetings include tea/coffee and a buffet lunch.
Membership costs only £5 per annum - if you would like to join, contact the Secretary at gerald.merritt@ntlworld.com or telephone 01256 412119
Meetings for the rest of the year
Saturday 27th September 2008 - (1.30 to 5.30) - International Day Event at Queen Mary College
Wednesday 15th October 2008 - Additional Meeting by popular request
Wednesday 10th December 2008 - Includes the AGM