2022/2023
Annual Report
THE GREATER LONDON FORUM FOR OLDER PEOPLE
www.greaterlondonforum.org.uk Registered Charity No: 1074368
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION…………………. 3 REVIEW OF THE YEAR………… 4 STAFF REPORT…………………….5 LOOKING AHEAD…………………6 LONDON FORUMS.……………..7
The GLF is funded by:
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GREATER LONDON FORUM FOR OLDER PEOPLE (GLF)
The GLF is the overarching organisation for older people's Forums in the Greater London region. Its primary objective is to coordinate the voices of older Londoners and engage with decision-makers whose policies impact the lives of older residents, whether at the local, panLondon, or national level.
The GLF is committed to ensuring that all older Londoners have a say in their representation to decision-makers, regardless of gender, class, religious affiliation, disability status, or ethnicity, including Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic, and Refugee (BAMER) communities.
Furthermore, the GLF provides support services to Borough Forums by facilitating capacitybuilding, offering training, hosting conferences and seminars, leading campaigns, fundraising efforts, and sharing best practices
PRESIDENT : Baroness Sally Greengross OBE
PATRONS
Professor Allan Walker Professor Jill Manthorpe
TRUSTEES :
Chair : Asoke Dutta Vice Chairs : Peter Denton and John Ball Hon. Treasurer : Diggi Jadeja Social Media : Glenn Davies Secretary : Tony Tuck
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:
Beulah M East Bryan Naylor Chelliah Lohendran Cliff Reynolds Colin Lomas Fay Sandler Gorman Collins James Cowling Margaret Oyemade Peter Denton Suresh Gupton
Registered Charity No: 1074368
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Chairs Report Asoke Dutta
It gives me great pleasure to present this annual report of GLF. We have made significant progress with Borough Forums. Many of them have engaged with the older generation in their areas. Local Age UKs have been excellent partners in amplifying the voices of older people through local Forums.
The GLF is actively involved in engaging with local Forums and is also assisting in setting up Forums in areas where none exist. Zara Ghods has played a pivotal role in spearheading this crucial work.
This year has been noteworthy because the COVID-19 pandemic has not subsided. All of us had hoped that we had seen the last of the dreadful COVID-19, but it seems to have resurfaced. COVID-19 booster vaccines are available for those aged 60 and above, but we believe that vaccines should be made available to younger people as well.
Alan Walker, Professor of Social Policy & Social Gerontology at Sheffield University, delivered a speech titled 'Who Cares About Aging?' which was published in Senior London. He emphasized that the poor health of older people is not solely due to genetics but also results from poor diet, lack of exercise, deprivation, air pollution, inadequate housing, and unhealthy work environments.
The GLF is collaborating with other organizations dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for older people in London. We have also established a Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic subcommittee to address the issues faced by the BAME community. Issues that have come to the forefront include physical and mental health, as well as poor housing.
An area of our work has been focused on making London an Age-Friendly City. While the Mayor of London has championed this cause, it is the case that local boroughs are better suited to create Age-Friendly environments within their jurisdictions. The London Age-Friendly Forum is actively working on this initiative, in collaboration with Age UK London, the Greater London Authority, and other stakeholders. Forums have been collaborating with their respective borough councils to ensure the implementation of measures that enhance the quality of life for older people.
I would like to extend my gratitude to all members of the Borough Forums, the Mayor of London and GLA, Age UK London, Abigail Wood, and John McGeachy.
Members of the GLF Executive Committee have made valuable contributions by sharing insights from their own boroughs. I hope to see every borough establish its own Forum and continue to share their experiences with others. My sincere appreciation goes out to the Executive Committee.
Tony Tuck has dedicated considerable effort as Secretary, and I would like to express my gratitude to Tony. Diggi Jadeja served as a valuable treasurer, and I thank him for his important role. A special thank you goes to Zara Ghods, Outreach and Engagement Coordinator. Without Zara, it would be challenging to envision how GLF could thrive. She consistently supports Forums and encourages other boroughs to establish their own.
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Outreach and Engagement Manager
Zara Ghods
The aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic has generated a prevailing sense of uncertainty. Collaborating with the forums to encourage them to reassess their activities and align them with the needs of their members and the broader community has become of utmost importance. Many older individuals harbour concerns about their integration into the community and have been hesitant to engage in various activities. Consequently, this has posed a significant challenge for numerous forums, making it difficult to organize in-person events as they did before the
pandemic. Consequently, they have had to explore alternative methods of communication to ensure that their members’ well-being is not overlooked.
Despite the myriad of challenges, older people’s Forums have continued to play a pivotal role in advocating for the rights and well-being of older individuals. They have demonstrated remarkable resilience and resourcefulness in adapting to the evolving
needs of older populations, all while striving to ensure that their voices remain an integral part of the decision-making processes.
Online meetings have been ongoing, providing Forum chairs and officers with the opportunity to exchange essential information and learn from one another. This year’s focus has been on dedicating more time to support the forums and offer assistance, including guidance on governance requirements, updated policies, fundraising strategies, and aiding with applications. On several occasions, assistance has also been provided in restructuring their activities.
Senior London has played a significant role in raising the GLF’s profile through numerous current news articles related to older people’s issues across the region. The distribution of the publication has been extensive, with copies sent to all London MPs, Councillors, GLA members, pan-London organizations, and Forums, further amplifying the GLF’s outreach and impact.
The BAME Sub-Committee has been actively involved in all of the GLF’s activities, with communication primarily conducted online to reach individual groups and offer support where necessary. Plans to expand the programme to better serve the diverse demographics of older populations are of utmost importance, given the increasing diversity and evolving needs within this demographic. The GLF is committed to working closely with the Forums and their diverse memberships to bring attention to these changes.
Conversely, the Transport Sub-Committee has held fewer meetings, but it has seized numerous opportunities to contribute to Transport for London’s strategic policies
LOOKING AHEAD
As the world continues to grapple with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The GLF will need to navigate ongoing uncertainty and adapt to the “new normal.” This adaptation may entail exploring innovative methods of engagement with Forums and the broader community, such as hybrid meetings and virtual events, as well as holding safe in person meetings.
London’s status as a diverse city is reflected in its older population. The GLF must proactively address the needs and concerns of a wide range of older individuals, including those from Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic, and Refugee (BAMER) communities. Promoting inclusivity and cultural sensitivity will be pivotal in this endeavour.
Furthermore, as the population continues to age, the GLF will play a pivotal role in advocating for age-friendly policies at the local and regional levels. This advocacy will involve the continuation of our campaign for the adoption of the World Health Organization’s Age-Friendly Community Framework by all 32 London Boroughs and the City of London.
Encouraging older individuals to remain active and engaged in their communities will remain a top priority for the GLF. We can provide valuable learning opportunities for Forums to collaborate with local organizations and initiatives, thereby creating avenues for older people to volunteer, share their knowledge, and participate in social activities. This approach aims to boost Forum membership and support their committees.
Addressing the digital divide among older individuals is of utmost importance. Forums can forge partnerships with tech literacy programmes and local governments to ensure that older residents have access to online resources and services. The GLF will actively campaign to raise awareness of the needs of those who are unable to access online resources.
Lastly, ensuring that Forums have strong and dynamic leadership will be essential for their sustainability and effectiveness. The GLF will actively encourage the involvement of younger leaders and volunteers to inject fresh perspectives and energy into these organizations, ensuring their continued relevance and impact
Tony Tuck , Secretary
London Forums and Action Groups
Barnet Seniors Association Bexley Borough Pensioners Forum Brent Pensioners Forum City of London Pensioners Forum Enfield over 50s Forum Greenwich Pensioners Forum Hammersmith and Fulham Older Peoples Group Haringey over 50s Forum Havering over 50s Forum Hounslow Pensioners Forum Islington Pensioner Forum Kensington and Chelsea over 50s Forum Kingston Pensioners Forum Lambeth Action Group Lewisham Pensioners Forum Merton Seniors Forum Redbridge Pensioners Forum Seniors Action Group Ealing Southwark Action Group Sutton Seniors Forum Waltham Forest Action Group Wandsworth Older Peoples Forum Westminster Senior Citizens Forum
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GREATER LONDON FORUM FOR OLDER PEOPLE ACCOUNTS FOR PERIOD oil0112022 TO 3111212022 Total balance @111122 22,211.00 Income Tf L BACS credit Total 25,000 io 25,010 Expenditure bank comrnission Offi suppli secondmentto AUKL 94 831 30,955 Totals 31,880 balance @ 31112122 14.985
The Greater London Forum for Older People 12 Cyril Mansions, Prince of Wales Drive, London SW11 4HR
E-mail address: greaterlondonforum@hotmail.co.uk
www.greaterlondonforum.org.uk Registered Charity 1074368
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the London Forums and Groups for granting us the privilege to learn from and draw inspiration from their unwavering commitment and sheer determination.
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