Agenda item - Members' Update

Lynne Shields

• I have been involved in Age UK research about eating well as we age.
• The Falls Prevention Steering Group is organising a “fit for life” dance routine with various groups engaged in keeping active in later years. The project will culminate in a “flashmob” dance on the Level in June.
• The Age Friendly City Forum has continued to meet with the support of Age UK Brighton and Hove. Our facilitator Matthew Moore works for the Dementia Alliance.
• I attended the East Hub of Citywide Connect  (organised by Possability People) This group continue to network and involve many third sector organisations in the provision of services to older residents. The aim is to ensure a more cohesive support system to prevent those at risk “falling through the net”.

John Eyles - Members report

via EST committee 14/3/17:-

* The city's clean-up programme is proceeding with emphasis on controlling fly-tipping

* Hove station footbridge, Mike Gibson presented petition to improve cleanliness and appearance, secure funding for replacement for the 110year old structure and provide lift access.

  Owned by Network Rail & may be included in the Hove Station Quarter proposals.

* Review of Hanover and Elm Grove parking zones (Top Triangle), Pankhurst Estate to lose 170 parking spaces. Questions on number of Business permits allowed.

* Brighton & Hove bike share scheme, possible competition to name the scheme ... suggestion that  councillors 'ride the sea front' to publicise the scheme. Hubs will have GPS to retrieve and re-distribute cycles.

* Electric vehicle charging points may be provided adjacent to City Car Club bays.

*Concerns expressed about road safety in Francis Street and access for pedestrians.

*Surrey Street traffic affected by Taxis occupying East side of road, too many licences issued for the bays available now causing noise and air pollution.

* Old Shoreham Road cemetery toilets North side used as store, South side available, need for funds to   re-open south side for visitors.

* Local Transport Plan, capital programme, £6.4m transport funds. £1.4m repairs to surfaces and pot-holes, including: structural repairs, £135k allocated, budget allocation can be amended to meet demand

* The Paddock Roedean, much discussion on a disputed Right of Way (public) with the land owner BHCC, recommended that residents refer to the Secretary of State

* St. Annes well gardens spring festival to start Sat May 13th 11.00 to 6.00 pm, look out for 'Red Mutha kids rave! They still have their health walks from the cafe.

Francis Tonks

·       Attended Pensioner Association meetings at Patching Lodge- reducing numbers and the only remaining officer is the Treasurer

·       University of Brighton, linked to the Universities of Birmingham and Lincoln,  is undertaking research on people paying for their own care and has appointed a research fellow

·       The Patient Participation Group is holding a Healthy Eating event in the Open Market on June 10.

John Cook

His main focus of work is on dementia. There are dementia cafes in Patcham and Patcham Lodge, which are to collaborate and mix resources. The Alzheimer’s Society closed their cafes in Brighton & Hove due to lack of funding, although there has been an award of £100m for this condition. Praised the name – Dcaff. He was keen to make Grey Matters an authentic voice of older people.

Nick Goslett’s work has been focussed locally and is about to set up social ping pong.

Michael Whitty is part of the Withdean & Patcham Network and the campaign to identify older people in need in the area. The newsletter was handed out at this meeting and more volunteers are needed for distribution; already using the Fire Service and young offenders. The aim is to encourage people in need to contact services, issues will be produced quarterly and there will be a report back to the council. If this pilot is successful, then it could be extended out to the whole city.

Mike Bojczuk

Although recovering from a foot injury he has:

·       Updated the OPC website, including the link to the leaflet and Latest TV programme 

·       Attended the SHAG meeting which has decreasing numbers of attendees and will now be held twice a year unless a significant issue arises

·       South East England Forum on Ageing is experiencing similar funding issues as the OPC and has made a decision to seek funding elsewhere.