Age - Useful links

We have the following useful links related to our Age regional network.

South West Seniors' Network

South West Seniors' Network (SWSN) is the network of Older People's Forums in the region, providing a means of communication between forums, a focus for their interests and a channel for pursuing older people's issues with regional and national authorities.

It is a voluntary organisation, run by older people elected from member forums. It has funding from Age Uk.

For more information visit http://www.swsn.org.uk/

Regional Youth Work Unit

The Regional Youth Work Unit (RYWU) is a strategic youth work development agency in the South West region. It supports, develops and advocates for youth work and young people, acting as a representative voice of both the voluntary and Local Authority (LA) youth work sectors across the region. It supports the work of the South West Members of the UK Youth Parliament, and is the home of Voluntary Youth Organisations South West.

For more information visit the Unit web pages on the Learning South West Website

UK Youth Parliament

UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) aim to give the young people of the UK, between the age of 11 and 18 a voice, which will be heard and listened to by local and national government, providers of services for young people and other agencies who have an interest in the views and needs of young people.

UKYP provides opportunities for 11-18-year-olds to use their voice in creative ways to bring about social change. UKYP was launched in July 1999. There are currently over 500 elected MYPs (Members of Youth Parliament) and Deputy MYPs who represent both young men and women, including young people from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, and with physical and learning disabilities.

For further information about regional priorities and contact details for the SW Regional Co-ordinator visit http://www.ukyouthparliament.org.uk/264979/index.html

To find a list of South West MYPs visit: http://www.ukyouthparliament.org.uk/20418/index.html

Age UK

Age UK, the result of a merger between Age Concern and Help the Aged, is the principle national charity for older people. Its work includes campaigning for older people, researching later life issues, and providing information and advice.

The national group also supports a network of local Age UKs and Age Concerns which, as independent charities in their own right, provide direct services to older people. These can include information, advice and advocacy services; day centres and lunch clubs; home help and 'handyperson' schemes; and IT and other training.

For more information please visit http://www.ageuk.org.uk/ Local Age UKs and Age Concerns can be found at: http://www.ageuk.org.uk/about-us/local-partners/

The South West Forum on Ageing

The South West Forum on Ageing brings together older person's representatives and officers from voluntary and statutory bodies, such as Age UK and the Department for Health. The Forum raises awareness around ageing and seeks to engage older people in policy-making decisions.

The work of the Forum feeds directly into the UK Advisory Forum on Ageing.

Information and contact details can be found at: http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/ageing-sw-regional-forum.pdf

Employers Forum on Ageing

The employers forum on age in an independent network of leading employers who recognise the need to attract and retain valuable employees - whatever their age. To find out more: http://www.efa.org.uk/

Local Groups and Organisations

Dorset Age Partnership

This partnership focuses primarily on issues affecting older people in communities in Dorset. The DAP meets in 6 localilties on a quarterly basis.

To find out more please see: http://www.dorsetforyou.com/index.jsp?articleid=345085

Age Concern Somerset

Age Concern Somerset works with and for older people in the county of Somerset and North Somerset. They aim to promote the well-being of all older people, and to help make later life a fulfilling and enjoyable experience. All money raised is spent within the County.

To find out more please visit their website: http://www.ageconcernsomerset.org.uk/ or telephone: 0845 643 4621
Email: IandA@ageuksomerset.org.uk

Pride Youth - Swindon

Pride Youth in Swindon is for any perosn between the ages of 13-21 who is lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or unsure of their sexuality. Their aim is to provide a safe, confidential and relaxed environment to meet new people, make new friends, talk about issues or discuss forthcoming events. The also offer a monthly parental support group.

For further information visit PrideYouth Website or email: info@prideyouth.org.uk or you can send a text 07766 872565 and they will reply by text.