Call For A “Commissioner For Older People”
Older people are our biggest resource so says an influential group of individuals campaigning for a Commissioner for Older People.
At a meeting before Easter, Care England brought together the great and the good in the care for older people sector to thrash out how a Commissioner for Older People could change the way in which older people were perceived in today’s society.
Dame Esther Rantzen DBE who was guest of honour at the event and Founder of The Silver Line says:
“For too long the protection and support millions of older people need have been neglected or shuffled between government departments and competing organisations. They deserve better. It is high time to give them the focus that a Commissioner could achieve. Attitudes need to change, older people should be valued, and this requires looking at their needs and concerns in a holistic manner. Every generation will benefit from a healthier, happier, more productive older generation, and the appointment of an effective Commissioner for Older People will improve the lives of all in society”.
The event drew on the immense intellect, passion and commitment of those who have worked in and around the sector long enough to recognise the need for a Commissioner for Older People. Chaired by Avnish Goyal, Chair of Care England, Guests included: Dame Esther Rantzen DBE, Dame Helena Shovelton DBE a Trustee of Independent Age, Professor Norma Raynes, Executive Director of Intergen, Rabbi Baroness Julia Neuberger DBE, Chair Elect of Independent Age, Steph Harland, Chief Executive of Age UK, Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England, Andrew Parsons, Partner at RadcliffesLeBrasseur, Michael Voges, Executive Director at ARCO and Ann Mackay MBE, Director of Policy at Care England.
Anne Longfield OBE, Children’s Commissioner, says:
“There are many lessons to be learned from the establishment of a Children’s Commissioner. Older people are often discriminated against and have a raw deal, we need to move with the times and create an independent body that can champion the needs, rights and views of older people”.
