Our Older People’s Advisory Group helped shape the Ageing Better in Camden partnership and supported each other.
OPAG meetings were open to all older people in the borough. Each month they discussed topics and met with decision makers to give their views on things happening across Camden, from transport and safer streets to the re-development of the Euston area. Click here to find out more and get involved, as OPAG will continue with Age UK Camden. You’ll also find our reports exploring the value of our Older People’s Advisory Group.
Ageing Better in Camden firmly believed in amplifying the voices of older people in our communities. We had strived to support our members to raise their voices and share their experiences. This happened to two ways: we created a mailing list of older people who belong to VoCuS - Voices of older Camden Seniors. They took part in many consultations and focus groups happening in Camden which provided lots of interesting opportunities. The other, a weekly OPAG newsletter circulated to all members, started during the Covid-19 pandemic and continued until March 2022. This enabled members to feel connected to each other and some members wrote about their personal experiences of lockdown. Click here to read Letters from OPAG: their first-hand experiences of Lockdown during the Covid-19 pandemic.
basil
"I do a bit of good". Basil talks about the support he got from Age UK Camden, and how he got involved with OPAG to find out how he can support older people in the community.
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phyllis
“To me it’s like a stew, it all comes together and it makes something very nice". Many older people come to OPAG representing various groups around Camden. Phyllis talks about the importance of sharing information and views across these groups.
frances
"Some people are quite alone, and this is the only platform they have to get their voice heard". Frances talks about the importance of OPAG as a platform for everyone to have their voice heard.
shahana
“What I wanted is, I should be active, to participate. I also want to help other people.” After joining OPAG and Vocus, Shahana has become very involved in local consultations, cultural events and volunteering in Camden.
stan
Stanley Freed sadly passed away in July 2020. He had been a dedicated member of OPAG since 2015, as well as a committed supporter of Age UK Camden, who he had worked with since 2008. We thank Stan for all he has done to improve the lives of older people in Camden. He is sorely missed by all at Ageing Better in Camden.
elizabeth ann
"By being consulted on things, I feel, even though I’m not working anymore I’m not useless". Many organisations, including Camden Council, come to consult with OPAG on their views on various issues, plans and programmes. Elizabeth Ann talks about her views being valued.
costas
"Without this group, we won’t have a way of being inclusive, of getting together". Costas discusses loneliness, re-connection, and why OPAG is an essential part of bringing older people in our borough together.
barbara
"A lot of sensible things come out of those discussions". Barbara tells us why bringing together different generations of ‘older people’ at OPAG is essential.