Macclesfield good cause Age UK Cheshire East has launched a survey, to better support local issues among older people in the Macclesfield area.

The Big Old Survey will help the charity - which has two stores in Macclesfield - deliver their services even better, by building up a better picture of their wants and needs.

Macclesfield MP, David Rutley met with the charity's newly appointed Chief Executive, Lynne Elliot, to hear more about the survey's aims and how Age UK Cheshire East hopes the findings will make a positive difference locally.

The survey – the first of its kind to run locally – is focused on those aged 50 and over from Macclesfield and across Cheshire East.

Question topics include some about personal health and wellbeing issues, but also those affecting responders' families, friends and wider neighbourhood, as well as the services and activities that Age UK Cheshire East offers.

According to a statement from Mr Rutley's team, "Lynne told our town's Conservative MP that Age UK Cheshire East is always looking at how it can improve the already much-valued services it offers, but that, as we move out of the pandemic, it became clear there was a more pressing need to review the concerns and issues that older people face.

"That includes action to address social isolation, as well as improving physical activity, with many older people having been required to shield or stay at home during the pandemic."

The results of the survey will support plans that Lynne already has underway to develop an active network alongside other charities and community groups that support older people, to best serve their needs. That work is ongoing, which is why charities like the Deaf Support Network (formerly the Cheshire Deaf Society), as well as Healthwatch Cheshire East are helping to promote the survey, so that it reaches as many local people as possible.

There has already been a positive response to the survey, and there is still time to have your say. Any older residents who haven't yet filled the survey in can do so online at this webpage.

Their are 18 questions, and it should take you about half an hour.

Paper copies are also available in local libraries such as Macclesfield Library on Jordangate, or Bollington Library on Palmerston Street.

Written copies can can be submitted either by post to Age UK Cheshire East, New Horizons Centre, Henderson Street, Macclesfield, SK11 6RA (freepost envelopes are provided), or by scanning a copy and emailing it to [email protected].

Speaking after the meeting, David said, "The last couple of years have been like no other, which makes Age UK Cheshire East's 'Big Old Survey' even more worthwhile.

"The charity carries out vital work locally and seeing how older people's needs have changed during the pandemic is key to shaping its future services. It will only take a few minutes to complete the survey, so I would encourage any older residents who haven't yet taken part to do so.

"The feedback received will make a real and meaningful difference to older people in our area at this important time."

Lynne Elliot, who joined Age UK Cheshire East in November 2021 after an eight year stint as CEO for The Vegetarian Society, was glad to have our town's MP shout about the survey.

"It was lovely to meet David," she said.

"He has always been an active supporter of Age UK Cheshire East and I was very impressed with his local knowledge about what is available for older people in Macclesfield.

"It's great to have his support for 'The Big Old Survey'. We want as many people as possible to tell us about later life in Cheshire East so we can plan for the future and make sure we are helping to provide the support older people need in the years to come."

The survey can be filled in here. And Macclesfield constituents can contact Mr Rutley with any issues here.

See Also: Potential New Macclesfield Scam for Vodafone Customers.

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