Hundreds turn out to Bromsgrove MP's second Pensioners Fair - The Bromsgrove Standard

Hundreds turn out to Bromsgrove MP's second Pensioners Fair

Bromsgrove Editorial 6th Nov, 2017 Updated: 6th Nov, 2017   0

THE SECOND Bromsgrove Pensioners’ Advice Fair organised by town MP Sajid Javid was held at Parkside last Friday.

Around 500 visitors attended the event to find out more about the services and activities on offer to older people across the district.

There were 55 stalls from a number of organisations, including the Stroke Association, the Bromsgrove Lions, West Mercia Police, AgeUK, Sight Concern, the town’s Older People’s Forum, the Bromsgrove Society, Bromsgrove Royal British Legion and more.

Carole Tipping,chair of the Bromsgrove Older People’s Forum said: “It’s an excellent event for us because we can network with other organisations and residents and vice versa.”




Age UK promoted a variety of support services, including the Men in Shed and a computer group.

Jo Hughes, marketing manager at Redditch and Bromsgrove’s AgeUK, said: “We have had quite a lot of interest from people who now have a whole picture of what we do.”


The Stroke Association representatives took people’s blood pressure which is the main cause of stroke.

Jody Drust, the community development and partnership officer, said: “It’s a good chance to meet everyone, check people’s blood pressure and let them know about everything we do at the Life After Stroke Centre.”

Bromsgrove Lions promoted the ‘Message in a Bottle’ scheme where older people put their prescriptions in a container in fridge and a sticker on their window to let the emergency seervices know where they can find information about the medication they are on when needed.

Keith Godwin, from the Lions, said: “You don’t realise how many different organisations there are operating in the Bromsgrove community.

“We weren’t here last year, but after this year we will definitely be there in the future.”

West Mercia Police officers highlighted a number of schemes the force was running for people to reduce their chances of becoming a victim of crime.

Among them were the nominated neighbour scheme, property marking, the importance of making sure homes looked occupied when people were out, especially now when it gets darker earlier.

David Rischmiller, the Community Safety Partnership’s project officer, said: “There’s a lot people can do to prevent themselves being victims of crime and reducing their vulnerability.”

Sight Concern was there for anyone with vision problems from macular degeneration to glaucoma.

Helen Beardes from the charity said: “We can go out to residents’ homes and make sure they have everything they need to help make their daily lives easier.

“It might be better lighting, rails or even talking appliances like clocks and microwaves.”

Sight Concern also holds a peer support group every Thursday at Bromsgrove Methodist Centre.

There was also positive feedback from visitors to the fair.

One said: “I am so impressed by this Pensioners Advice Day – what helpful people.

“There is nothing like this in Leominister, but I am moving to Bromsgrove and I can’t wait, there is so much to do.”

Another added: “Very Interesting. Made me think about taking computer classes. Very helpful.”

And another person said: “An excellent event for the local community.

“A wide range of relevant organisations available to provide information.

“There are also good volunteer opportunities available.”

Mr Javid said: “It’s one of those things that I can do for the community that is non-political.

“It’s great to see so many people come along, have a coffee and a chat and learn about things that will be able to help them in their lives.

“It’s also fantastic to see so many local organisations showcasing what they do.

“The turnout shows how popular it is and what a benefit it is.

“I will continue to do these every year and would like to thank the Bromsgrove Standard for publicising the event.”

 

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