Poynton’s older residents were joined by local Member of Parliament, David Rutley, for the town’s Health and Wellbeing Fair, in the run-up to International Day for Older Persons on 1st October.
The annual event, which has no entry charge, is organised by Poynton Town Council, in partnership with Priorslegh and McIlvride Medical Practices Joint Patient Participatory Group. Over twenty-five local organisations, including Age UK Cheshire East, Poynton Men In Sheds, U3A, Clickety Click, Poynton Rotary Club, and Cheshire Constabulary were present, providing free information and advice on healthy living, finances, social clubs, and local services. Poynton Town Council was represented by the Mayor of Poynton, Cllr Sarah-Jane Gilmore.
The Fair coincided with the first ‘flu clinic’ of the season, which was, as always, well-attended by many older residents who received their flu jabs. Poynton Town Council also promoted its Poynton Easy Access Scheme, showing residents mobility scooters and wheelchairs that are available for hire, whilst Poynton Area Community Partnership gave an update on the important work it is doing to tackle loneliness.
As well being an important opportunity to bring Poynton’s older residents into contact with service providers that they might otherwise not meet, the Health and Wellbeing Fair enabled local organisations to publicise the good work they do in the community, and encourage volunteers to sign up to support their work.
Speaking after the event, David said, “The Health and Wellbeing Fair is a great way to promote the range of services available to older residents in Poynton, and help them get more involved in the community. I am grateful to all at Poynton Town Council, the Joint Patient Participatory Group, and all the other organisers for their work, which makes the Fair possible. It will continue to have my full and active support.”