The proportion of older people throughout Sunderland (and Europe) is growing. By 2012 there will be 23.8 million over the age of fifty years in the UK. In 2030, one in three Europeans will be over the age of sixty. This constitutes a large percentage of the population and a lot of political votes. It often seems to be the case that older people get a 'raw deal' in comparison with younger age groups.

Here at Age Concern Sunderland we are aiming to make the voice of the 50+ age groups loud and powerful through our 50+ Forums. These groups tackle the issues affecting older people. These issues can be on a city-wide basis - e.g. transport - or a more localised basis, such as putting a crossing on a busy road where there are a lot of older people living.

Once the issues are identified, they are taken to the Older People's Partnership Action Group (OPPAG). This is a group of people from both statutory and voluntary sectors. Their aim is to solve the issues or come to a compromise acceptable to the parties involved.

We produce monthly newsletters which can be downloaded here (Adobe Reader required). The April forum timetable can be downloaded here.

We are looking to recruit new members to the forums. So whether or not you have issues to address or whether you can have a say in what is needed to make Sunderland an 'Age Friendly' city in the future, please contact: