About Us
Our History
The Elders Council evolved out of an organisation called The Older People’s Network and is Newcastle's older people's forum. We have been operating as The Elders Council since 2001.
In May 2002 we received a £43,000 grant from the Northern Rock Foundation, securing our immediate future.
In June 2003 the Elders Council published a strategy called The Way Ahead, which looked at how older people’s quality of life in Newcastle could be improved. That strategy was later backed and funded by Newcastle City Council.
Our Structure
“It’s amazing how all our different views can be brought together in one recommendation.”
The Elders Council of Newcastle has more than 2,300 members, who come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Our role as the voice of older people in Newcastle is carried out through our working groups, which address issues that matter to older people across the city.
The current working groups are:
- Transport and Highways Group: Looks at issues including the cost of travel and the quality of bus services.
- Lifetime Homes, Lifetime Neighbourhoods: Key messages from a number of different projects/workshops which members have participated in shows that having a warm, comfortable home in a neighbourhood where you feel safe, supported and can access basic facilities is really important to older people. There is a wealth of information, ideas and topics that the group would like to now explore.
- The Older Person Friendly City Group: Undertakes surveys of everything from pelican crossing times to public toilets with the aim of making the city centre easier for older people to use.
- Health and Social Care: This group meets monthly to look at health and social care as well as broader issues like active ageing or crime and community safety.
- Communication Group: Comments on leaflets from different agencies with the aim of making sure that materials are clear and easy to read; broadcasts its own radio programme, 'Everyone's tomorrow - today!'; and is also responsible for publishing the Elders Council newsletter four times a year. And we oversee this website.
- Learning and Culture Group: Makes sure that older people have plenty of opportunities to stay active in mind and body.
- Outreach Group: Produces publicity material and organises talks about the Elders Council to older people’s groups across the city.
Achievements
“It’s good to get involved in things such as surveys and discussions and realise that we really can make a difference.”
2002 - “Image” conference and exhibition at St James’ Park
A conference and exhibition organised by the Elders Council examining the needs of older learners and attended by more than 1,000 people.
2003 - Publication of the first Older Person’s Friendly City Centre report
This report looked at how Newcastle city centre was suitable for and accessible to older people and covered issues including public toilets and seating. You can read the report by clicking into our Publications/Reports section.
2003 - Publication of “The Way Ahead” Action Plan and presentation to the City Council
"The Way Ahead" is a strategy drawn up by us to improve older people's quality of life in Newcastle. Newcastle City Council accepted "The Way Ahead" plan and now contributes to funding the Quality of Life Partnership, a group of organisations that work together to make life better for older people.
2004 - Launch of the video “Newcastle Past Present and Future”
An arts project where members of the Elders Council worked with photographer Sharon Bailey and storyteller Pascale Konyn to produce a DVD of their own photographs and thoughts about the city centre.
2005 - Launch of the DVD “Life on Shields Road”
A similar project about the Shields Road area of Newcastle’s East End including memories of how the area used to look and older people’s thoughts and views on how the area could be made to thrive again. If you would like to purchase a copy of the DVD (cost £3.00) or get a copy of the report, please give the office a ring on 0191 233 0200.
2006 - Senior Games Week - We worked with Newcastley City Council's Year of Exercise and Sport and invited people from Austria, Ireland, France, Denmark, Scotland and Turkey to join us to celebrate. The weather was glorious and the events from abseiling to dancing were enjoyed by everyone. The Mayoress met our visitors and gifts were exchanged. Definitely a great success. See our report and photographs in Publications/Reports.
2007 - Launch of Information NOW (Newcastle Older People’s Website) – a comprehensive information resource bank for older people.
The Elders Council and the Quality of Life Partnership
The Elders Council is a vital part of The Quality of Life Partnership, a body that brings together older people in Newcastle with the people who make decisions that affect their lives.
The partnership is controlled by a Management Group made up of members of the Elders Council Board and representatives from Newcastle Healthy City, Age Concern Newcastle and Newcastle City Council.
Current projects being worked on by the partnership include:
- Active Ageing programme – this wide-ranging programme is trying to ensure that older people are given the opportunity to take part in fun, interesting and challenging activities which help them to lead healthy, active lives
- Trades Register – a comprehensive database helping older people find friendly tradespeople they can trust
Everyone's Tomorrow - The Strategy for Older People and an Ageing Population in Newcastle upon Tyne
The Quality of Life Partnership and Newcastle City Council have published Everyone's Tomorrow - The Strategy for Older People and an Ageing Population in Newcastle upon Tyne, with the support of the Elders Council of Newcastle, Newcastle Primary Care Trust and Age Concern Newcastle amongst others.
There is an Executive Summary, an Action Plan, and an Outcomes Framework, which summarise the key themes.