During lunch near Stroud recently, after several service failures had been discussed, one of those present asked: ”Isn’t there a group speaking for older people?’ A few murmured ‘Age UK’ but in tones lacking conviction. Then – by chance – the writer heard a reference to ‘Silver Voices’ on the radio and found details online. Extracts follow:
Silver Voices is a web-based membership organisation for the over sixties who want a platform for campaigning on current issues to be channelled to the political parties and so influence national and local policies. It is a non-profit making company limited by guarantee (registration number 12883349). We have deliberately not applied to be a charity as we want to be free to campaign on political issues.
We have no allegiance to any political party. All subscription income and donations are invested in website, marketing, campaign and office costs.
The Silver Voices Office is run by Dennis Reed who was Chief Executive of the local government think tank the LGIU for eleven years. Before that he was a senior official with the trade union UNISON.
The Director is responsible for all organisational and financial matters, but policy positions and priorities are determined through regular membership polls and surveys, conducted by an independent survey company. Silver Voices is the only independent national membership organisation for senior citizens in the UK.
We have reviewed our systems to ensure we are compliant with the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): we will never provide individual data to any third party organisation. We are registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
The more members we have the more we can influence the political debate. We already have well over 6500 members even though we are a relatively new organisation.
RECENT BRIEFINGS (EXAMPLES)
NB Silver Voices Members can obtain back copies of specific briefings by e-mailing info@silvervoices.co.uk
THREATENED RISES IN THE STATE PENSION AGE
Briefing 8/24, dated 13 February 2024, covered fresh threats to raise the state pension age beyond 66 and Silver Voices’ opposition
ONLINE ONLY GP APPOINTMENT PROCESSES
Briefing 4/24, dated 19 January 2024, asked for information about GP practices adopting online only appointment systems, in breach of GP contracts
AUTOMATIC CANCER SCREENING
Briefing 3/24, dated 13 January 2024, confirmed that Silver Voices had registered a formal complaint with the EHRC, arguing that the Department of Health and Social Care was in breach of equalities legislation by putting age limits on automatic cancer screening services.
SAVE OUR LANDLINES
Briefing 1/24, dated 2 January 2024, provides advice to members on what they should do to prevent the forced switchover of traditional landlines to an internet-based system
About 200 MPs from all political parties receive our regular policy briefings and we try to work closely with other senior citizen organisations. We are now members of the Care and Support Alliance with 80 leading charities campaigning on social care and Silver Voices is also affiliated to Health Campaigns Together. We argue passionately for self-representation by senior citizens at all levels of society.
The subscription is £8 per year and you can join using the form below. However if you rely solely on the state pension and benefits you qualify for free membership. Simply e-mail your details to info@silvervoices.co.uk.
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