Older Peoples' Network

23 February 2012

Croydon’s Older Peoples Network (OPeN)

OPeN is a collective voice of older people in Croydon. The Network aims to enable Croydon’s older people to come together to discuss issues that matter to them and to influence service planning and delivery. OPeN influences services by the lived experiences of older people themselves and acts as a platform to raise issues with policy makers and other agencies, campaign for positive change and improve local engagement.

Since 2001 its membership has grown to 450 older people who attend quarterly meetings in Croydon Town Centre where guest speakers give presentations covering topics such as freedom passes, health and hospital, care and dementia services, housing and energy to name but a few; as well as regular mailouts.

15 elected representatives attend the monthly OPeN Planning Group and sit on themed partnerships such as Transport, Health, Police, Social Services and Voluntary Sector committees. Bi-annual elections are open to all members. Representatives from OPeN also sit on the London Assembly’s London Older people’s Strategy Group and the Greater London Forum for Older People.

Happy 10th Birthday OPeN!

Since 2001 OPeN has influenced the delivery of Health, Care, Environment, Policing and Transport services to name a few and continues to be a voice for older people in these key areas. OPeN have campaigned for free bus passes, fuel poverty and the need for a winter fuel allowance and increased benefits. We now have free bus passes, winter fuel allowance and pension credit. In recent years there has been a move to focusing on social and health care needs and quality of service. With this in mind OPeN, in partnership with organisations in the older people’s sector like Age UK Croydon, has signed up as a Dignity Champion to encourage high quality of service for older people that respects their dignity.

What does OPeN do:

OPeN is a voice for older people with the statutory sector;
OPeN works for positive change in partnership with others;
OPeN shares best practice;
OPeN campaigns for change
OPeN empowers older people to speak up for themselves.

Why not come along to OPeN's next wider meeting which takes place on Thursday 1st December at CVA's Resource Centre, starting at 10.30am - all welcome. You can click below to read our annual report:

OPeN's Annual Report

Presentation from OPeN's 10th Anniversary Celebration

who should join

New OPeN members are always welcome. Join if you live and/or work in Croydon, aged 50 and over, and are connected to a Croydon based community group or forum (formal or informal).
If you join the Planning Group, you will represent the voice of older people in Croydon and influence key decisions around service delivery and care in the community, in partnership with other groups, as well as accessing emerging policies and decisions. In return you commit to attending regular meetings, training and activities in your representative area; bringing the collective voice of OPeN and its linked group to the table.

Why should I join OPeN?

As a result of vigorous campaigning across the UK by organisations similar to OPeN, the Government has granted older people protection from discrimination as consumers with the Single Equality Act banning ageism in the provision of goods, facilities and services); followed hard on its heels by a rise in the Winter Fuel Payment to £50 for those over 65 and £100 for those over 80. This is why older people take part in OPeN.