Darren Jones MP visits Age UK Bristol and meets older people to discuss issues affecting them

Darren Jones MP visited Bradbury Hall in Henleaze for a meeting with local older people hosted by Age UK Bristol on the 12^th July.  Darren is the Labour MP for Bristol North West, and has been an MP since 2017 but he is now Chief Secretary to the Treasury in the new government.

During the visit, Darren met some of the people who use or volunteer for Age UK Bristol's services to discuss the things that concern them most at the moment.  They also met with Age UK CEO Paul Farmer who reflected on the findings of their recent national survey of older adults about the issues most important to them right now.  The discussion covered health and social care, employment, public transport, pensions, climate change and housing. 

Kay Libby, Chief Executive of Age UK Bristol said: “There was a lot of enthusiasm for this meeting and Darren was happy to discuss a variety of issues affecting older people in detail, covering the needs of older adults as well as net contribution to the city whether as workers, volunteers, carers or grandparents.  People asked about measures to improve opportunities for young people too, reflecting that the solution to an ageing population lies in getting things right for all generations." 

Paul Farmer, Chief Executive of the national charity Age UK, said: “We appreciated the time that Darren has taken to meet with older people in Bristol, especially at the end of a busy first week in Government. It was clear from the conversations that there are many issues facing older people, especially social care, and financial security. We’re looking forward to working with Darren both locally and nationally.” 

Age UK Bristol is a local independent charity that provides support to people aged 55+ across the city. Their services include a range of practical and social support including free advice on claiming benefits and help to adults going home after a hospital stay through day services and local opportunities for socialising.  For more info on how Age UK Bristol help older people and the services they offer go to https://www.ageuk.org.uk/bristol/

For more info on Age UK's Blueprint for Improving the Lives of Older People go to https://www.ageuk.org.uk/globalassets/age-uk/documents/campaigns/ge-202425/general_election_manifesto_2425.pdf