5050Vision - Regional Framework for Ageing in the North West Region (UK)

Acting on behalf of Northwest Development Agency (NWDA) as the lead organisation for the region, 5050vision (the North West Forum on Ageing) has commissioned the development of a Regional Framework for Ageing for the North West through an independent Manchester based consultancy, Organisational Development Services (ODS).

Developed with partners, NWDA, 4NW (NW Regional Leaders Forum), Government Office NW (GONW), NHS NW (Strategic Health Authority) and Department of Health, NW (Regional Public Health), the Regional Framework for Ageing provides the necessary response to the challenges and signposts the opportunities of an ageing population. Through broad and effective engagement with partners and stakeholders, the Framework defines the outcomes that the North West must achieve and provides recommendations and priorities to support the implementation and delivery.

The Framework has been developed around 4 policy areas or ‘pillars', Economic, Housing, Transport, Health & Wellbeing and each pillar is supported by 4 building blocks - key areas identified to inform and support the pillars from which priorities, actions and outcomes have been developed. This work is underpinned by the driving principles of equality and diversity, sustainable communities, information, intelligence & advice and choice.

For further information about the Framework please contact Liz North, Project Manager, 5050vision by email to liz.north@nwda.co.uk or by telephone on 0781 649 4633

Background: An external evaluation of the work of 5050vision (the NW Forum on Ageing) was undertaken at the end of 2007, commissioned by NWDA. One of the key recommendations was for NWDA to initiate the development of a Policy on Ageing for the Region, recognising that how the region responds to the relevant issues today will clearly affect the outcomes that occur tomorrow and that this would support a coherent Regional response to the impact of demographic change and an ageing population.

As the baby boomers begin to hit retirement, the implications of an ageing population are becoming more critical and as the Region moves towards a single Regional Strategy incorporating economic, spatial, housing, transport, health and social care strategies, the Regional Framework for Ageing will underpin and provide a coherent approach across policy areas and agencies in the region.

Next Steps: The Regional Framework for Ageing has now been signed off by the partner agencies and work is now ongoing to develop a series of priorities for action and implementation. The Framework and the partner's commitment to action will be launched in April 2009 and a pre-publication copy of the Framework is available by visiting our website www.5050vision.com