The Power of the OPRG

Bringing People Together

"We're agents of change, a guide for people to do what's right."

The OPRG or Older People's Reference Group is a collective of people aged 50+ who meet regularly to voice opinions on important issues, influence decision makers and shape their local communities.

The groups are made up of residents that come along to the meetings and offer a whole range of experiences, expertise and knowledge of the borough they live in and the main issues that affect older people.

The meetings are also a chance for older people to meet other likeminded people and get involved in their community. At every meeting it’s evident how much members get from participating in this co-production with the council, the NHS and other organisations. There’s so much value for members in being heard. I’m proud of the part I play (as OPRG coordinator, employed by Age UK East London) in helping ensure that the voices of older people are listened to in Newham, Hackney and Tower Hamlets.

"In my experience, these are the best forums for older people, and particularly those from ethnic minorities, to discuss and inform themselves on the issues that concern them."

Leadership

Each OPRG is chaired by an elected leader who advises me on the direction of the OPRG and prioritises the themes of the meetings. These elected leads are inspiring individuals who motivate their peers in the boroughs to get involved in the community and be the voice for older people.

In City & Hackney we are led by Dr Cynthia White, who is also part of the C&H Safeguarding Adults Board. In Newham Hazel Watson is acting chair (in place of Violet White), Hazel is a retired nurse and was Newham Governor for East London Foundation Trust from 2016 until recently. And in Tower Hamlets, Angela Hancock leads the OPRG. Angela is also Chair of Governors at Stepney All Saints.

"We represent the needs of the people that can't be here, we are privileged to be able to listen, for so many people that can't." Dr. Cynthia White 

Purpose and Impact

The OPRG’s have been going strong for many years and are vital in connecting the communities of older people in the boroughs and influencing decisions. Over this time we have achieved a great deal for these groups to be proud of.

In City & Hackney the OPRG have worked extensively with the council on projects such as Connect Hackney - Ageing Better, a programme that aimed to reduce and prevent the social isolation of older people.

In Newham the group helped to introduce red trays at hospitals ‘to help staff identify which patients need extra attention when eating, or need foods that have a modified texture’ which has been invaluable in improving older people’s experience in hospital.

In Tower Hamlets the group fought back against the council when, without any scrutiny, they moved all parking permit requests to online only, and withdrew the scratch card system that was in place to phone up for vouchers. This hugely affected older people in the borough and the activism of the OPRG induced the council to bring back the scratch cards, which was a huge win.     

These are just a few of many past and ongoing achievements of these inspiring groups of older people. Recently, Age UK East London were fortunate to hold consultation events with each of the OPRGs, and subsequently created a Working Group of eight residents from across the three OPRGs. These working groups will be crucial in shaping Age UK East London’s strategy for the future. It is important that we continue to utilise the voice of our OPRG members. Their experience of, and expertise in the boroughs that they live in and their understanding of the challenges that older people face should be heard by us all.

"The OPRG is doing good work, helping people in the community."

Join us!

There are many benefits to being part of the OPRG including:  

1. A purpose: motivation, determination and drive to support others and have their voices heard
2. Being part of the diverse community of East London: Connecting with different people from different backgrounds and sharing many different experiences and insights
3. Engagement: Involvement in co-production and focus groups, the group is the first point of contact for services (council, NHS, public health) to gain feedback about older residents in the boroughs
4. Up-to-date information: of localised services
5. Socialising: meeting other likeminded people and having face-to-face interactions

The power of the OPRG is its members and their drive and spirit to be the voice for older people. If you would like to join your OPRG please get in touch with me, Grace Patient (grace.patient@ageukeastlondon.org.uk) or call us on 020 8981 7124.