Committee Member

Who Are We?

The Horsham District Older Peoples Forum (HDOPF) is an independent, non-political, voluntary group that is free to attend and participate in. It acts as the 'ears' and gives a 'voice' to people aged 60 and over who reside in the Horsham District Council area or care for someone who is.

The Forum exists for anyone to raise issues related to or affect local older people. The Forum holds quarterly public meetings for issues to be raised and discussed, plus guest speakers, currently held at Age UK, Lavinia House, Dukes Square, Denne Road, Horsham RH12 1GZ or supporters can attend via Zoom.

Where possible, we act on issues raised. This could be with local councils, or supporting projects, for example, our mobility scooter user safety training courses.

We act as an information hub and consultative group for anyone seeking the views of older people in the district on plans, topics, or schemes that may affect older people.

The Role

Not ready to sit back and retire completely?

Are you looking for a way to put something back into your community?

Are you willing to put in a few hours a month to make a difference to local older people?

The Forum seeks new committee members with life experience who would enjoy participating in the Forum. We work closely with and are supported by Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove, and Horsham District Council. The Forum currently has an active and supportive committee of seven.

Whilst most of your time on Forum activities would be spent working from home, we have quarterly public and committee meetings at Age UK’s Lavinia House in Horsham that you would be asked to attend.

You will need to be 60 or over to take on this role, in which you can make a real contribution by sharing your wisdom, your lifetime of experience and, giving a voice and listening to local older people (and those that care for someone who is). You can make a positive difference in this role.

Could this be you? Contact us to find out what is involved and what a difference you can make.

What skills do I need?

What skills do I need?

• The willingness to participate in the Forum committee and our public meetings, to contribute your own life experiences, a thirst to know what's going on, to be aware of and be able to express your knowledge about older people's issues.
• Willing to learn about relevant information and which organisations, charities, groups, councils and local councillors are involved with or take an interest in local older people.
• The role of a Committee member is not demanding, it's what you want to put in and make of it.
  
• It requires access to the internet either by phone, tablet or computer for emails or Zoom meetings.
• An interest in older people's issues is a must.