VIDEO: Sussex Police runs workshop to get views of older residents

Sussex Police is reaching out to elderly residents, to find out what support they need from the Force, and what their concerns are when it comes to crime.
Katy Bourne, PCC for Sussex. Taken at County Hall, LewesKaty Bourne, PCC for Sussex. Taken at County Hall, Lewes
Katy Bourne, PCC for Sussex. Taken at County Hall, Lewes

The Sussex Elders’ Commission (SEC) was launched in January to give older residents an opportunity to support, challenge and inform the work of the Police & Crime Commissioner.

It builds on the successful model of the Sussex Youth Commission, which is enabling young people to get involved and influence the future of policing in the county.

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The 28 members are aged 60 to 85 and have a wealth of experience in both the private and public sector.

The video (above) shows clips and interviews from a recent Elders’ Commission workshop with presentations from Sussex Police and partners on scamming, elder abuse and cyber crime.

Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner, Katy Bourne said, “I have an elderly mother and know it is important that we listen, help and act on the concerns of our older citizens. That is why I have set up the Sussex Elders’ Commission.

“Twenty per cent of the Sussex population is aged 65 and over and the biggest population increase is in the over 80s. The SEC will provide a much-needed platform for older residents to inform and challenge my work and feedback on local policing in their area.

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“Over the past month members have been visiting their peers in the community via organisations like Age UK, sheltered accommodation providers and other senior forums. Feedback so far has been very positive with most people telling the members that they really appreciate having the opportunity to talk to somebody who will pass their views on to the Police and Crime Commissioner.”

Jonathan Hopkins, from Citadel Policy and Communications who spoke at the recent SEC workshop said, “It is by engaging directly with older people and their experiences across Sussex that issues can be evidenced and solutions found from within local communities. The SEC members are getting to grips with difficult issues from elder abuse to cyber-crime and the challenges for local policing. This will play a major part in shaping and influencing policies and improvements for older people living in Sussex”.

Find out more about the Elders’ Commission here.

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