Decision details

Adoption of the action plan developed from the community conversation

RESOLVED:

1.  That the vision for an age-friendly Southwark as a place that has the following characteristics be agreed:

a.  Is welcoming; accessible to all where older people feel safe, are safe and are respected.

b.  Older people are able to access a broad range of affordable and accessible transport options to get about the borough easily.

c.  No-one is lonely; there are a range of opportunities for people to live healthy, active and fulfilling lives in Southwark.

d.  All older people, their friends’ family and support networks have easy access to information which makes their lives better.

e.  Older people have an increased healthy life expectancy supported by integrated health and social care services.

f.  Actively involves older people to deliver housing that meets the needs of an ageing population both in the private and public sector

g.  Ageing is promoted positively and older people feel worthwhile and valued as citizens of Southwark

h.  Older people actively participate in the borough through education, employment, training and volunteering.

2.  That it be noted that the following have been identified through the ageing well conversation as the priorities for people of Southwark and that officers be tasked with developing action plans that address these concerns to support delivery of an age friendly borough:

a.  Improvements to the experiences of older people getting out and about and using public transport, open spaces and public realm.

b.  Tackling isolation and supporting opportunities to meet people and have fun especially through community based activity and the voluntary sector.

c.  Improving communications and information and understanding that for many of the most isolated the best mechanism for information sharing may be through personal recommendation and referral.

d.  Supporting intergenerational interactions to break down barriers and the seeming increased polarisation of communities based on age.

e.  Developing more opportunities for skill sharing, volunteering and work for older people.

f.  Supporting people to stay healthy and active through schemes such as free swim and gym and outdoor gyms, as well as targeted Public Health information.

g.  Improving housing options and design through our planning and regeneration policies and decisions.

h.  Improving the skills of the workforce to provide good customer service to vulnerable older people.

i.  The strategic lead for this work will be the director of communities.

j.  That the council establish a multi stakeholder reference group to map progress of delivery of an age friendly Borough.

k.  The cabinet will receive an annual report on the progress of delivery of the action plan.

3.  That the strategic lead for this work will be the director of communities.

4.  That a multi-stakeholder reference group to map progress of delivery of an age friendly Borough be established.

5.  That an annual report on the progress of delivery of the action plan be received by cabinet.

6.  In addition the cabinet would like to thank the organisations that have contributed to the delivery of the community conversation and recognises that they played a key role in the success of this work.

7.  That it be noted how positive so many of the people who participated were about Southwark and what is on offer and how enthused people were to be involved in this conversation.