Teresa has backed a campaign calling on the Government to create a dedicated Minister for Older People. Grey Pride, run by older people’s housing and care provider Anchor, aims to celebrate growing old and champion older people, giving them a voice at the highest level.
Last Friday Teresa attended a coffee morning at Anchor’s Stone Court on Erith High Street to hear why a Minister for Older People is so important to older people. She also signed the Grey Pride petition calling for such an appointment.
Older people are fast becoming one of the largest groups in the United Kingdom, but despite making up 40% of voters, there is no Government minister dedicated to the well-being of older people. A nationwide petition and Early Day Motion in Parliament are calling for a centralised Government portfolio that prioritises the needs of older people and ensures that their views and interests receive dedicated attention. Teresa has already signed the Early Day Motion.
Teresa said:
“Older people already make up 25 per cent of the population and life expectancy is only set to increase as people live happily into older age. I want to ensure that older people living in Erith and Thamesmead are represented at the highest political level and enjoy dignity and respect in their later years. Creating a dedicated Minister for Older People and launching Grey Pride is a step towards ensuring that.”
Stone Court Manager Robert Wise added:
“Within the Government’s equality agenda there is a dedicated minister for women, the disabled and children, but none for older people, who represent nearly 25% of the population. Anchor’s Grey Pride campaign will redress the balance, reclaim growing old as a positive experience and break down the barriers preventing older people leading happy, fulfilling lives.”
To sign the petition yourself click here. Read more in the News Shopper.
