Hello

My name is Steve Young and I would like to introduce myself as the manager of Gateshead Older People's Assembly.

I started work in November 2007 and I have very busy since.

I have spent my time looking at the Assembly and our plans for the future; I feel the next few years are going to be an exciting time for us and the older population of Gateshead.

We are looking at expanding the Assembly so we reach every area within our borough. With your help we will look at the real issues that matter to you and your local community, and then tackle them with our partners from across all sectors within Gateshead and at a regional level.

We see your voice as a powerful tool in getting your opinions heard and acted upon. This voice has become and will continue to be recognised as the main force to shape policy and service provision towards our older population.

Through your Assembly we see the issues that are connected with older people at the forefront of strategic thinking with every agency in Gateshead.

I have a long record of working in the community with older people and look forward to working with you and for you and if you are not already a member then please come along and join us during this exciting time.

We have also been successful in obtaining funding through The Tudor Trust to employ an Admin Support Worker, Kerry Pattison.

Kerry joined us in January 2007 and will support the work of the Assembly.