Nationwide Councillors set to win Age UK award

Councillors from Lambeth to Cheshire in The Frame To Win National Award for Championing Older People.

Local councillors around the country are being recognised for their role in improving neighbourhoods for older people.

The shortlist for Age UK's Pride of Place C'llr Achievement Award 2012 has just been announced. The award is one of the CCLA LGiU C'llr Achievement awards 2012, and acknowledges a councillor who has taken a lead in championing the voices of older people and made a real commitment to improving neighbourhoods for them, for example by improving public seating, lighting, public toilets or in other ways.

The five contenders who have beaten off stiff competition are Councillor Sue Cooley from Manchester City Council, Councillor Edward Davie (London Borough of Lambeth Council), Councillor Olwen Foggin (Devon Council), Councillor Robert Johnston (Winchester City Council) and Councillor Howard Murray (Poynton Town Council).

Judging for Age UK's award takes place later this month. The judging panel will include Monty Meth, a veteran campaigner on neighbourhood issues and President of Enfield Over 50's.

The winner will be announced on Monday 27 February at 6.30 pm at Westminster City Council and presented with their award by Eric Pickles Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.

Michelle Mitchell Charity Director General of Age UK said: 'Too often this kind of work goes unrecognized but improvements to neighbourhoods can transform daily life for older people and make it easier for them to stay active and engaged in their communities. These councillors deserve to be applauded nationally for their work and the example they are setting.'

-ENDS-

Media contact: Mallary Gelb‚ Senior Media Officer
Tel: 020 3033 1682
Email: mallary.gelb@ageuk.org.uk

Ref : mmfcca

Notes to editors

Age UK's Pride of Place campaign is calling on all councillors to improve neighbourhoods in their ward or division. Small improvements to local neighbourhoods can have a big impact on older people, enabling them to go on getting out and about and contributing to the local communities.

The Local Government Information Unit  (LGiU) is a think tank which  works to  strengthen local democracy and put citizens in control of their own lives, communities and local services. It works with local councils and other public services providers, along with a wider network of public, private and third sector organisations. www.lgiu.org.uk.

Age UK

For media enquiries relating to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland please contact the appropriate national office: Age Scotland on 0131 668 8055, Age Cymru on 029 2043 1562 and Age NI on 028 9024 5729.

About Age UK: Age UK is the new force combining Age Concern and Help the Aged, dedicated to improving later life.

We provide free information, advice and support to over five million people; commercial products and services to over one million customers; and research and campaign on the issues that matter to people in later life. Our work focuses on five key areas: money matters, health and well being, home and care, work and training and leisure and lifestyle. We work with our national partners, Age Scotland, Age Cymru and Age NI (together the Age UK Family), our local Age UK partners in England and local Age Concerns. We also work internationally for people in later life as a member of the DEC and with our sister charity Help Age International.

Age UK is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England (registered charity number 1128267 and company number 6825798). Age Concern England and Help the Aged (both registered charities), and their trading and other associated companies merged on the 1st April 2009. Together they have formed the Age UK Group ("we"). Charitable services are offered through Age UK and commercial products are offered by the Charity's trading companies, which donate their net profits to Age UK (the Charity).