On Friday 11th November, from 10am to 12.30pm, Jo Churchill MP hosted an ‘Older Persons’ Information Fair’ in Stowmarket. Held at the John Peel Centre in Stowmarket, the fair provided every day advice, information and support to people across the Constituency, many of whom are over 65. The fair was attended by a range of local, national organisations and service providers including; Citizens Advice Bureau, Suffolk Careline, the Department of Work and Pensions and Age UK. The event also welcomed Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Needham Market Internet Café and the Rural Coffee Caravan as well as many more.
Speaking after the event, Jo Churchill MP said: “This event has been a roaring success with over thirty exhibitors and visitors in the hundreds. It has been great to see so many people turn out and engage with our fantastic local organisations which contribute considerably to our community.
In my experience, I receive a concerning amount of correspondence regarding access to local information and support for the more mature members of our community. That is why I wanted to host this ‘Older Persons’ Information Fair’, to help ensure that individuals are aware of, and can access, the full range of services available to them.
In feedback from the fair, residents discovered not just about the help they can get, but also the help they can give to other local residents; for instance through befriending services and good neighbour schemes. I am delighted at the success of this event and look forward to hosting similar events, in the future.”