Older People's Forum Raises Concerns Over Cost of Living
Event gets assurances from council leader that action was being taken
Over 80 attended this year's Wandsworth Older People’s Forum
November 26, 2024
A packed annual conference of the Wandsworth Older People’s Forum (WOPF) held earlier this month focused on the challenges of the rising cost of living.
The event, held on Tuesday 12 November at the Anchor Centre on Garratt Lane, discussed funding concerns with a top table of senior officials from the council and other external funding bodies, including the Leader of Wandsworth Council Simon Hogg.
Speakers from agencies such as Age UK Wandsworth, Citizens Advice Wandsworth and the Council outlined what advice was available, including help filling in forms, and how to access that help. For example, Community Spaces for this winter will be launching in the next few weeks, a wide range of council and voluntary sector-led spaces that offer hot drinks and meals, activities and links to other support.
A key panellist was Ben Threadgold, the Cost of Living Programme Manager at Wandsworth + Richmond Councils. He said the Pension Credit campaign to encourage everyone eligible to sign up is being repeated. As well as giving extra income, all applications submitted by 21 December will also be eligible for the Government’s Winter Fuel Payment of £300.
Threadgold thought the audience of nearly 80 was keen to learn from the day. “Hearing directly from those attending is really valuable in helping to understand what's working well, the challenges people are facing, and things we can do better to support older people in the borough” he commented. “I gained lots of valuable insights, and was reminded about the importance of planning communications for people who are not online.”
The council leader gave assurances about action being taken to mitigate challenges for older residents. He said, “When the Wandsworth Older People's Forum speaks, the council listens and can I remind the audience our borough has the biggest cost of living support fund anywhere in London".
He said Wandsworth had the biggest and most generous Cost of Living support in London and was a leader in Adult Social Care. The Council is offering a wide programme of support, including community spaces, Warm Packs, which he says has saved more than 1,900 residents up to £200; and the Pension Credit campaign which has already put £1m in the pockets of more than 200 residents.
WOPF Chair Mrs Syeda Islam MBE was very heartened by the outcome of the conference. “The challenges faced by our older residents are real, but so is the power of community. Today we turned dialogue into action. From addressing the cost-of-living crisis to ensuring no-one is left behind, the discussions have shown when we come together - as neighbours, organisations, and leaders - we can create meaningful change.”
Wandsworth Council leader Simon Hogg offered assurances to those at the event
Among residents, Tooting-based 67-yearold Esther Persaud said she was “delighted this forum opens up the room for people to raise these issues. The cost of living crisis is hard for older people, and it’s worse for those who are isolated so the support helps.
“It uplifts you having chance to talk to other people, find out about services and be part of this wonderful network.”
Residents of any age are able to access Cost of Living support from Wandsworth Council by accessing its online hub.
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