Maidenhead & Windsor

Services available to older people in the Windsor and Maidenhead Royal Borough will be the focus of a one-day conference on Wednesday September 19.

Representatives from more than 20 Windsor and Maidenhead voluntary organisations will be on hand to offer advice and raise awareness of the many services available to older residents. Among the exhibitors will be dental and nutrition advisors, charities which support older people, mental and physical health professionals, a falls co-ordinator and benefit advisors.

As well as the stalls, there will be two interactive sessions, one highlighting the benefits of SMILE (So Much Improvement with a Little Exercise) – the borough's exercise and fitness service for the over 50s, and the other focusing on older people's mental health and wellbeing.

Cllr John Story, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead adult services, said: "We are running this conference for the fourth year following the excellent feedback we've received for the event in previous years. The conference provides an excellent opportunity for older people to find out about the huge range of services available to them within the borough and to hear from people who have benefited from these services."

The conference will be opened by the Deputy Windsor and Maidenhead Mayor, Cllr Dorothy Kemp, and speakers will include three members of the Older Persons' Advisory Forum (OPAF) who will talk about their experiences of being a carer, living with visual impairment and working and volunteering after retirement age. Also taking part will be Cllr Story, Jim Gould, the borough's corporate director of learning and care, and Donna Derby, the PCT's director for locality development.

This free event is for all people and organisations who have an interest in health and social care services for older people within the borough. It will be held in the Desborough Suite, Town Hall, Maidenhead, from 9.30am to 3pm. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

Sheila Holmes, chairman of the Older Persons Advisory Forum, said: "This event, called Learning from the Voice of Experience, is an opportunity for all older people in the borough to take part in sessions which will focus on activity, learning and independence, as well as visit information stands from organisations and groups providing care and support in the community.

"There will also be the chance to join the Older Persons' Advisory Forum, in order to have your say on key issues involving services for older people."

To find out more about the event or to reserve a place on the day contact Catherine Mullins by email at catherine.mullins@rbwm.gov.uk or call Louise Gray on 01628 683709.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead