Local authorities have placed significant emphasis on engaging older people and promoting their participation.
To do this, local authorities have established over 50+ fora which have enhanced the participation of older people in local government and promoted social inclusion. Many have also established intergenerational initiatives which bring younger and older people together to generate understanding and respect between the generations.
The 50+ engagement project sought to ensure that people who are 50+ are at the heart of the decision-making processes around commissioning, planning and the delivery of services for older people and other local governance arrangements.
The project is targeted at people who are 50+, who have strong views and opinions about local governance and the service provision for the 50+, who given the right encouragement, support and opportunities would become engaged if the current barriers were removed.
It also seeks to target professionals planning, commissioning and delivering services for people who are 50+, Who might not fully appreciate the added value that can be provided through effective engagement, or, who do not currently have the tools to facilitate effective engagement with the 50+.