Weekly Members News – 05/02/2018

Opportunities for Action

Blue Badge Parking – Consultation on Eligibility

The Blue Badge scheme enables 2.4 million disabled people in England to maintain their independence through special national parking concessions. The government believes that the Blue Badge scheme should not discriminate in principle between physical and non-physical disabilities, and the Department for Transport has therefore launched a consultation about clarifying the eligibility rules for people with hidden disabilities. The current rules embrace all conditions, physical or otherwise, but the regulations and guidance are not clearly understood by local authorities. People with hidden disabilities may be finding it difficult to access badges, even though their condition causes them very significant difficulties when undertaking a journey.

The department has accordingly committed to look again at how the scheme works for people with hidden disabilities, to ensure that the rules and guidance are clear and that those with the greatest needs have access to a Blue Badge.

Details of the consultation, including how to respond, are available on the GOV.UK website.

Bring People Together

The Royal Voluntary Service and Prudential have launched “Bring People Together”, a new campaign seeking to encourage and empower more people to volunteer, particularly those aged 50-65. Specifically its aim is to inspire them to start their own activities or clubs for older people with the backing of Royal Voluntary Service.

Here are the details of how to get involved.

Digital Inclusion and use of ICT by older people

Positive Ageing in London and Age Platform Europe (UK section), with help from Wise Age Ltd, have jointly  organised a conference and focus group on the subject of digital inclusion and the use of ICT by and for older people.
Speakers include a speaker from Age Platform Europe network, Moira Allan from the Pass It On Network, France on best practice and innovation across Europe, Hannah Marston a specialist from the Open University and member of the Institute of Gerontology, Stuart Anderson, a leading academic and specialist in this field, plus Freddie McMahon, an innovation and digital entrepreneur.

• Date and time: 22 Feb – 1030 for 1100 start to 1530
• Venue: Europe House, Smith Square, London, SW1P 3EU

Attendance is free and you can book a place via Eventbrite. For more details contact Chris Walsh at positiveageinginlondon@gmail.com.

For Information

Latest research and policy about ageing

The Centre for Ageing Better has published its latest collection of journal articles about ageing – covering fulfilling work, pensions, homes and neighbourhoods, care and support, and health and wellbeing.

Do you have an item you would like to feature in the Weekly Members’ News …or a blog you would like to feature on the AAA website?

Get involved! Send it to us at: info@ageactionalliance.org

For more information please check out the Age Action Alliance website

It is packed full of useful resources across nine main themes, along with nine sector specific employer toolkits. Visit the website.