Some Recent ACOOP Projects
Tuesday, August 12th 2008
SENIORS FORUMS:
ACOOP is working with Help the Aged to set up the first Seniors Forums in prisons in the United Kingdom.
What is a Seniors Forum?
Help the Aged facilitates the development of such groups in local communities. There are now over 450 in existence in England, with a total membership in excess of 100,000. The purpose of Senior Citizens Forums is to develop independent organisations that give a collective voice to older people to influence decision makers on matters which impact on their everyday lives. They are run by older people, for older people, are democratic and inclusive, non party political, and are formally constituted and organized. All members are volunteers. Groups produce their own newsletters, can invite speakers to their meetings and decide their own priorities. We attach more detailed background information on Forums for your information.
Why Seniors Forums in Prison?
The advantages for prisons and the older people within the prison of having a Seniors Forum are:
· To allow older prisoners articulate issues of concern
· To explore issues that are likely to impact on older prisoners on release, e.g. pensions, housing etc.
· To foster organsiational skills and teamwork
· To provide intellectual stimulation
· To make links with community based groups that offenders can join on release
· To assist commissioners/policy makers to consult user groups through a representative body
· To provide a link with local communities to begin preparing prisoners for rehabilitation and release
What has happened so far?
ACOOP and Help the Aged are working in partnership to develop Seniors Forums in prisons in the South West. The very first such Forum was set up in Leyhil. Prisoners were recruited to set up a steering group and were responsible for writing a constitution, recruiting members and arranging the first AGM in July. The Forum now meets monthly and invites speakers along to discuss issues of interest and concern.
ACOOP and HTA are now developing Seniors Forums in Dartmoor and Channings Wood prisons, and discussing rolling out the programme to further prisons before the end of the year.
DARTMOOR VETERANS IN PRISON (VIPs) and CHANNINGS WOOD AGE CONCERN EXECUTIVE SENIORS (ACES)
ACOOP runs an over 50s group every fortnight in both Dartmoor and Channings Wood prisons in Devon. The groups aim to help older prisoners maintain their health and well being and prepare for release and rehabilitation.
A wide variety of speakers and activities take place including:
· Book group
· Chair based exercise
· Quizzes
· Pensions and benefits
· Staying well
We need volunteers for both groups – role descriptions are available on the “Volunteering” page of the website.
The first group of ACOOP volunteers finished their induction and training in August, and are now fully involved in developing the group activities in Dartmoor.
SHEPTON MALLET BEFRIENDING SERVICE
We are currently developing a service offering befriending to older lifers in Shepton Mallet prison. Volunteers are needed to expand this project.
FUND RAISING
Every penny that ACOOP spends on delivering services comes from voluntary sources. We need the help of experienced fund raisers to help us secure funding so that we can expand our innovative work.