Just champion as Rochdale proud host of older people’s network

David Halpin MBE, Older Peoples Network Manager with Councillor Billy Sheerin, Mayor Ian Duckworth, Mayoress Christine Duckworth and members of the North West Older People's Network

Older people’s priorities were top of the agenda when ‘councillor champions’ from across the region came together in the splendour of Rochdale Town Hall.

Rochdale Borough Council played host at the latest gathering of the North West Older People’s Network, which is made up of 26 councillor champions from local authorities across the region.

The network provides a vibrant and active campaigning voice for older people, ensuring key issues around health and wellbeing are the top of the local, regional and national political agenda.

Members, including a number of councillors from across the borough, enjoyed a packed agenda which included a run through Rochdale’s award-winning Intermediate Tier Service, which has helped Rochdale buck the national trend and reduce the number of delayed discharges from hospital. In the last 12 months 2,000 local residents have benefitted from personalised and comprehensive care at home and in community beds.

Councillor Billy Sheerin, assistant cabinet member for adult services, has been Rochdale’s older people champion for the last five years.

He said: “It was a proud day for the council to host such an important meeting and I was delighted to see so many people from towns and cities across the north west attending.

“As people live longer and healthier lives, we need to ensure older people's priorities and concerns are listened to. That’s why the network is such an important campaigning organisation.

“Rochdale is setting the pace with innovative, pioneering and award-winning policies for elderly people. It was great to showcase our success stories to health partners from across the region.

"Many thanks to those who came along; it was an inspiring and successful day.”