The Older Voice is a project of Voluntary and Community Action Chichester District which aims to give older people in Chichester District a voice using new technology, this is part of a project funded by Lloyds TSB Foundation. This forum provides people with the opportunity to tell us about your experiences, and your thoughts on a number of issues, as listed below.
If you would like a new topic to be set up, please let us know and we will do this for you, either phone us 01243 528615 or email info@vcacd.org.uk
It has come to the attention of Ron Stewart, the chairman of the senior forum, that uneven pavements have been responsible for falls in the Chichester City area.
The senior forum would therefore like to hear of any incidents that you are aware of relating to this issue and will look to campaign if it seen to be a significant problem.
During a recent Silver Surfers’ day, the organisers asked Dame Vera Lynn to record a video message encouraging people to learn how to download music, while Terry Wogan has been telling everyone who will listen that ‘It’s so easy that any old Janet and John could get online’.
Would you like to be able to use a computer to access the internet or send email? Perhaps you would enjoy being able to create memories for your family, or send photos to your grandchildren? Do you have family abroad that you would like to be able to see as you speak to them over the internet. There are so many opportunities available and many practical tasks can now be done from the comfort of your own home, including ordering your weekly supermarket purchases for delivery to your door.
Let us know what you feel about these opportunities and what you would most like to be able to do. If you are already a user of the internet, let us know your experience and how it has helped you in your daily life.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Voluntary and Community Action Chichester District has been running some courses called Get Connected training complete beginners to use a computer, surf the internet and set up an email account. Ray was one of the participants, listen to his story…
Do you have photos and memories that you would like to record on computer? Would you like to be able to use a digital camera and print your own pictures from the computer, or perhaps share them with friends and family living at a distance or abroad? Would you like to personalise greetings cards, Christmas and birthday cards or other special events?
If so, would you be interested in attending an informal sessions specifically aimed at older beginners to digital photography? This opportunity would be specifically aimed at helping you to enjoy sharing your memories with those around you. Listen to one of the course participants talking about her experience.
Do you have a mobile phone and do you feel confident to use it? Could you make an emergency call if you needed to?
We are planning a session to support older people in the everyday use of a mobile phone, from making and receiving a call, to make and receiving a text message. We can also help you to add new telephone numbers, set calendar reminders (particularly useful for hospital or medical appointments), and so much more.
Let us know what would be useful to you or perhaps you can recommend to others how you found a mobile of use to you.
Remember you are never too old to learn new skills.
Have you seen the information about Action for the Older Voice (AOV) and how you can influence future provision for older people through having your voice heard? If not, click here to find out more about how you can get involved.
Are there any issues that affect older people in your local community? Let us know and we will help you to find or form a group that enables your voice to be heard by the relevant authorities.
Have you heard of time banks and how they work? If not, click here to find out more, or watch the video below as an example of an existing time bank.
Would this kind of opportunity benefit your community and support you to remain independent in your home? What are the skills that you would benefit from receiving from others and what skills would you be able to offer to another person? Remember that all skills are equal and equivalent in time banking.
Tell us about the potential skills available for ‘trading’ in your community.
Did you know that there is a time bank in Selsey and one being developed in Midhurst?
Do you look after a relative, neighbour or friend who is ill, disabled or frail? If so, then you are carer.
Are there issues that you find particularly difficult in your caring role and what kind of support services would make a difference to you? Do you have access to respite services that enable you to take a break from your caring role.
Check the Information Page to find out about services that may be of interest to you.
As an older person, what are your needs with regard to public transport? Do you have difficulties with parking/disabled parking, car park charges, off peak travel times, or any other issues?
Why not let us know what the issues are so your voice can be heard.
