+ GMOPN Working Groups
Our three Working Groups cover:
The Working Groups offer older people the opportunity to discuss the issues that matter to them. Our groups meet every two months and are a way for the network to engage with bigger pieces of work going on in Greater Manchester. Please contact us if you'd like to join a Working Group.
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+ Housing & Neighbourhoods
Chair - Judie Collins
The Housing & Neighbourhoods Working Group meets every 6 – 8 weeks. Recently we have produced a report titled Housing Options Information for Older People in Greater Manchester. This was in partnership with Care & Repair England and with support from the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University. Eight members of the Housing and Neighbourhoods Working Group took part in the project as co-researchers.
We have also discussed the Housing, Planning and Ageing Group led by GMCA recently. Our Chair, Judie Collins, attends these meetings and informs the group on the work they are doing.
The wider aspect of homes within communities already forms part of our work, with discussions on green space, facilities, what links people to their neighbourhoods and the barriers to engaging. Housing topics have included downsizing, design and housing options. We have worked extensively with Care and Repair, and supporting people to stay safe and well in their homes remains high on our agenda. Each borough in Greater Manchester is very different and we are anxious that all voices are heard.
Do come and join us and share the views from your area.
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+ Transport & Out and About Working Group
Chair - Colin Bayley
We know from our own research and wider studies that transport is often the top concern for older people. In our Transport working group we have worked extensively with Transport for Greater Manchester, highlighting the key issues for older people. We have looked at Clean Air proposals and the future of buses, as well as sharing concerns around COVID-safety.
Our group members come from across Greater Manchester and we benefit from the knowledge of projects and initiatives taking place in all the boroughs. Our meetings are currently taking place on Zoom which although a challenge for some people, has also made it easier for people from outer boroughs to attend, without having to travel into Manchester city centre. We held an event on Transport in 2018 and produced a report and recommendations afterwards.
We always welcome new members who would like to get their voices heard and work for positive change.
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