What are forums?

There are currently over 400 Senior Citizens' Forums in the UK, with a total membership in excess of 100,000. By working together in forums, older people are making their voices heard on the things that really matter to them, influencing the planning and provision of local, regional and national services.

Although they vary in size from small groups to those with members numbering many hundreds, forums all have a number of important features in common: they are independent organisations which give a collective voice to older people, in order to influence decision-makers on matters which impact on their every-day lives. They are run by older people, for older people. All members are volunteers. They are democratic and inclusive. They decide their own agenda, sharing information and raising issues of concern. Forums help combat disadvantage by providing a platform where older people can speak out on the issues that concern them. As well as their campaigning efforts, many have social activities, run trips and hold open meetings, helping to break down isolation by providing opportunities for older members of the community to socialise, meet new people and keep in touch with local news.

Our publication, Senior citizens forums: a voice for older people (PDF) explains in greater detail what forums are and how they increase opportunities for older people's involvement.

Want to join a forum? Get in touch with the Speaking Up co-ordinator in your area.

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Speaking Up for Our Age

Speaking Up for Our Age is a national programme run by Help the Aged and dedicated to supporting Seniors' Forums. The programme

• works with older people who want to set up a forum;
• gives practical support to individual forums;
• provides start-up and development grants to forums;
• provides regular newsletters to keep forums in touch with each other; and
• holds conferences and training sessions across the country.

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Starting a forum

If there is no forum in your area and you would like to start one, the Speaking Up programme can offer plenty of help and advice on what to do. Contact our Speaking Up co-ordinators who can help you through the early stages.

Speaking Up For Our Age is part of Community Living - services that help older people to stay healthy, active and engaged with the community and society as a whole.