Irvine Seniors Forum

We have been successful in obtaining 3 grants to help raise our profile these were:

Grants

1) Voluntary Action Fund :

We asked for funding to consult Irvine Seniors on the issues that affect them, we also wanted to engage all of our members in this activity. The activity was entitled, Cake and a Blether. Initially we had targeted 3 events but due to circumstances this turned into 6 meetings. We supplied the tea, coffee and cakes and in return engaged the participants in conversation and helped them fill in our questionnaire about their issues.

Issues Affecting Older People – Report on Questionnaire Results

Introduction

Irvine Seniors Forum undertook a study of issues that affected older people in the area around Irvine. The aim was to obtain this information from socially active older people, who are involved in activities centred around community centres and similar facilities. The issues addressed included housing, transport, technology, care services and family concerns. The study was funded by a Voluntary Action Fund grant. Results will be posted soon on our new website

The six venues were:

• Vennel Gardens 60 attended
• Vineburgh Community Centre, seniors bowling group,24 attended
• Castlepark Community Centre ,Lunch club, 25 attended
• Bourtreehill Age concern 24 attended
• Fullarton health and community centre ,this was a new centre and because the hand over was delayed only 8 attended
• Meadow park men’s group 35 attended
• Overall we had contact with over 170 senior citizens in different venues an average of 7 members attending each venue.

we also recruited some new members to our group . The questionnaire will be analyzed and the informationUse to raise the issues of concern. The main issue raised was, waiting times at doctors surgeries.

North Ayrshire Council Community Grants

We asked for funding to hold an open day, provide some lunch and entertainment.

The event was held in the Volunteer Rooms in Irvine and opened by provost Ian Clarkson. On the day we had over 200 senior citizens attending and 20 stalls ranging 

from, Fire service, Solicitors for older people , Thistle care, NAC care, WASPI , Hearing loss Scotland, Age Scotland, Clasps, Dementia Scotland, Macular Degeneration, Irvine Seniors Forum, Energy home services, Ayrshire independent living, Coastal watch, Maritime Museum and My bus, there were a few services who sent in there apologise.

We also had a free lunch of soup, sausage rolls, sandwiches tea, coffee, cakes and entertainment from Music Box. The keynote speaker was Bill Johnston chair of Scottish Seniors Alliance who outlined the national issues facing senior citizens. He urged people to attend the SSA conference on the 4th of October

speakers included Aileen Campbell Minister for Public health and sport. There will be other speakers.

The open Day closed with the Raffle, prizes were donated by Thistle Care. Tesco

Irvine Seniors Forum meet on the last Tuesday of the month in the Woodlands Centre Kilwinning Road Irvine 1-30 till 3-30 all seniors welcome.  Contact Ian Wallace secretary 07796613480 

GSK Local Ayrshire community awards.

We were successful in applying for funding to produce a short promotional video and a web site .

This will be completed by the end of September.