The next Stratford Community Forum meeting is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 3rd March 2010 at 5.30pm at Thomas Jolyffe Primary School, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6TE when the main topic will be 'Services for an Increasing Older Population in Your Town - Have Your Say'.
This will take the form of a 'Question Time' style debate where you can put your questions and comments about services for older people to panel of experts, including Kim Harlock, Head of Strategic Commissioning in Adult, Health and Community Services at the County Council and Town, District and County Councillors.
Kim Harlock, Head of Strategic Commissioning in Adult, Health and Community Services at Warwickshire County Council, said: "South Warwickshire has a rapidly growing older population which is increasing at a significantly higher pace than the countywide, regional and national rate. Between 2010 and 2030 the number of people aged over 65 in the Stratford District is expected to increase by 63%, from approximately 25,700 to 42,000. This compares to a 55% increase in Warwickshire as a whole, and a 50% increase in England.
"We are responding to the demographic changes with innovative new developments, which place the customer at the heart of what we do. The vast majority of older people in the county want to live independent lives, and our priority is to give older people greater choice and control over the services they receive. We are working together on a number of initiatives such as the provision of more extra care housing in the area and services such as reablement, to help people regain skills and retain their independence in their own homes.
"We value this opportunity to discuss people's comments and concerns, and encourage residents to have their say."
There will be a local surgery and Information Stands from 5.00pm - 5.30pm where you can find out more about services and support that may help you including Age Concern, Stratford SCAN Group, Warwickshire County and Stratford District Councils and Warwickshire Police and have your say on what should be a priority in the Town for your local Police Team.
Sergeant Mandy Crust, Team Leader for Stratford Safer Neighbourhoods Team said: "The older population is a valued part of our community in Stratford. In order to successfully address your policing needs, we need you to tell us about the local issues causing you concern."
Community Forums are an interactive event enabling residents to learn about issues big and small affecting their area, get answers to questions and influence local decision-making. Anyone with a question about a local issue can go along and put it to officers from a range of organisations.
For more information, or to book a lift to the Forum please call 01789 290784 or email alisonmainey@warwickshire.gov.uk
If you would like to suggest an issue for a future Community Forum meeting, or get involved, please contact the WCC Stratford Area Office on 01789 290784 or email: stratfordoffice@warwickshire.gov.uk
Community Forums are part of a countywide initiative involving Warwickshire County Council, District and Borough Councils, NHS Warwickshire, Warwickshire Police and Warwickshire Together partners. There are 30 forums across Warwickshire, which bring together elected representatives across all tiers of local government - County, District and Borough and Parish, together with a range of other community representatives.
