Wokingham

It’s never to late to learn new skills – and the Wokingham district’s older residents are already signing up for an empowering conference for the over-50s, hosted by Age Concern and Wokingham District Council.

The ‘Life is for Living’ conference will be held at the Salvation Army Centre, Chalfont Court, in Lower Earley on Thursday October 19 from 9.45am until 3pm. Places are limited and interested residents should contact Wokingham council’s Amanda Gordon on (0118) 974 6850 to book a place.

Speakers will include Nigel Appleton, independent consultant, on ‘Future options for Housing’ and Judy Baggott, solicitor from The Head Partnership, on ‘Personal Finance’, and topics for discussion will include computer skills, healthy living options, community wardens and how they can help older people, how to use ‘consumer direct’, crime prevention skills, energy efficiency and handymen.

Norman Raybone, a Twyford resident and member of the older people’s forum steering group said: “The aims of the conference are to make sure those aged 50 and over are being listened to, to give Age Concern’s useful information to as many older people as possible, and to reach new people who might benefit from being involved in the forums around the district.”.

Champion for Wokingham older people Cllr Bob Wyatt said: “This conference covers many skills that are valuable to all the district’s residents. We are determined to make sure that those over 50, who might find it more difficult to get access to information and help on these issues, have opportunities to learn about it all. I think the conference will be a lively and interesting day which will leave many people better informed. I do hope people will book a place and take this opportunity to share their views and concerns.”

Wokingham District Council