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Older people voice concerns in 'Tea with MP' scheme

BBC Wera Hobhouse and an older couple sitting opposite each other on a table on pink chairs with a few bookshelves in the background in what looks like a community hall or room.BBC
Liberal Democrat MP for Bath, Wera Hobhouse, met constituents at the event organised by Age UK

An initiative that allows older people to speak face-to-face with their local MP has been launched.

Age UK hopes its Tea with my MP scheme will provide a platform for constituents have their voices heard on the issues affecting them most.

The charity said the Covid pandemic "hangover" and an "increasing digital divide" had made it harder for older people to reach out.

Martin Creeth cares for his wife, who is living with dementia, and spoke with Bath MP Wera Hobhouse in the first session. He said: "It is a really good idea."

A group of older people sitting in a row on chairs, listening to Simon Allen who is standing up addressing them in a red jumper with Wera Hobhouse standing to his side in a smart jacket and jeans
The initiative is set to be rolled out nationally

"I think the chance to be able to have a face-to-face chat in a relaxed atmosphere is brilliant," he added.

"I would be really thrilled if she could raise the topic of dementia in Parliament. It's a real problem of our age."

Simon Allen with a grey beard and black rimmed glasses smiling at the camera
Age UK's Simon Allen said that the "digital divide is increasing"

Ms Hobhouse said: "It is often very easy to not see a particular section of your constituents and therefore that they actually reach out and make me come to them is really important.

"Here, people are in a group where they can talk about their issues together and feel maybe less inhibited to talk about their financial and digital problems."

'Digital divide'

Age UK's Bath and North East Somerset CEO, Simon Allen said it was "really clear" that the "digital divide is increasing".

"Don't underestimate the hangover of the pandemic and the lockdowns," he said.

"There's still a great many people who haven't fully regained the confidence to get back out in our community."

He said the new scheme is a "great opportunity" for people to share their concerns.

"Ultimately what we hope is that our local MP will be the champion for older people's voices in Parliament," he added.

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