Valuing Older People (VOP)
Local Networks
Many older people are not comfortable with formal meetings or with raising issues in front of a crowd. They are often more concerned with local issues rather than citywide plans and therefore there is the opportunity in some parts of the city to join a local VOP network.
The basic idea behind the VOP network is that by working together in a defined geographical area, agencies can improve services for and importantly, with older people. The aim is to create a model for building communities that is inclusive of older people and critically, meet their diverse needs and enable them to shape their neighbourhoods.
A VOP network is an approach that brings together all interested parties in a locality in order to identify:
- Local concerns
- Take collective action
- Share ideas
- Find local solutions to local issues
The VOP networks have the potential to become the focal point for a range of activities and they all provide and coordinate local information about services and opportunities in the area. They produce a local news sheet every couple of months and hold regular public events for local residents to meet up with services and voice their opinions.
We currently have nine VOP networks across the city, covering the following areas:
If you'd like further information on a specific network or would like to find out how you or a local group can get involved, contact Rebecca Bromley or Tracey Annette in the VOP team on 0161 234 3391.
