Your voice counts: Bethnal Green Event

Healthwatch Tower Hamlets undertook research on the views of older residents about health, wellbeing and ageing well in the borough. They spoke to 47 people at a Your Voice Counts event held in Bethnal Green on 11 December 2017, which was organised to help shape actions within the Tower Hamlets Ageing Well Strategy. 

Participants reported generally active social lives and highlighted the importance of social activities, volunteering, learning opportunities and physical exercise in maintaining wellbeing. Popular suggestions included IT classes, tai chi, guided walks and befriending schemes. People felt that tackling loneliness and social isolation should focus on helping older people remain active contributors to their communities through volunteering, mentoring and sharing skills, rather than simply being recipients of support.

Discussions about ageing identified concerns about social care funding, access to support at home, future care needs and the challenges faced by older people with disabilities, dementia or limited social networks. Participants supported better access to transport, intergenerational activities, culturally appropriate services, support for carers, community-based social opportunities and assistive technology to help people remain independent. They also stressed the need for more inclusive activities for older LGBT people and greater support for people living with dementia and their families. 

The report concluded that older people value independence, social connection and opportunities to remain active in their communities. Participants called for better information about local services, more accessible leisure and community activities, improved support for carers, greater investment in social care and a range of communication methods, including both digital and non-digital approaches, to ensure older residents can access support and stay informed.