Bracknell

Older people in Bracknell Forest are being invited to comment on proposals to make their quality of life better.

Bracknell Forest Council hopes many of the borough's more mature residents will air their views and give opinions on its 'Adding Years to Life' strategy which will help it design services for the future to enable more independent and active living.

The Bracknell strategy consultation, which is aimed at residents aged 50 and over, begins on March 30 and runs for six weeks.

Copies of the proposals can be found in libraries across the Bracknell borough, council offices at Easthamsptead House, Time Square, Seymour House, the Look In cafe in the town centre and on the Bracknell Forest Council website www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/OPS

The documents contain contact details so people can make their views known.

The Council is also working in partnership with Bracknell Forest Volunteer Action to target specific groups such as charities, local community groups and health care providers.

Cllr Dale Birch, Executive Member for Bracknell Adult Services, Health and Housing, said: "A better quality of life for older people is a very important issue.

"As the population generally ages and lives longer we have to make sure people in their later years feel valued, feel they have a positive contribution to make to the community and that services are in place that will allow them to live as independently as possible for as long as possible.

"This strategy addresses all those matters but we want even more input so we are really aware of what the community needs and wants. I would urge everyone who is affected by these issues now and in the future to take part in the consultation."

Cllr Cliff Thompson, Pensioners' Champion, added: "We would particularly urge people between 50 and 60 to think about the strategy and contribute to it.

"Many people in this age group need to plan for their future: where they live after children have left home; perhaps caring for older relatives; thinking about retirement or even working past 65. They need to join the debate as do older people to help shape their future.

"Contributions on the strategy from the younger generations will also be welcome."

The Look In Cafe in Bracknell town centre is hosting an open day on Monday, April 27 between 10.00am and 2.00pm where people can talk to a representative of Bracknell Forest Council about the 'Adding Years to Life' strategy and make their views known.

Bracknell Forest Council