Older People's Assembly needs you! (From Echo)

Older People's Assembly needs you!

3:10am Friday 10th October 2008 in Southend

A CAMPAIGN group championing the rights of elderly people has spelt out its plans for the future.

Since its launch eight months ago, Southend Older People’s Assembly claims significant progress, including a campaign to extend the scope of free bus passes.

Other issues the group now hopes to tackle include access to swimming pools for the elderly and disabled.

The group is still keen to hear from potential new members.

Chairman Simon Morton said: “This goes to show a strong combined voice from within the community can lead to changes being made.

“We pledge to make improvements for the people we represent. Changes don’t happen overnight, but we will strive for progress.”

The group has 15 members and is backed by Southend Council.

Mark Flewitt, Southend councillor responsible for adult social services, urged people to join the assembly. He said: “Now more than ever, we need the experience of our older citizen.”

Meetings are held every two months in the council chamber, at the Civic Centre, in Victoria Avenue. The next one is on Wednesday, November 12, at 1.30pm.

For more information, call 01702 510316.