Welcome to the COPE Forum (Cambridgeshire Older People's Enterprise)
COPE is a registered Charity run entirely by volunteers. 

Registered Charity No. 1110887.

COPE sees its role as sign-posting, discussion, consultation, co-ordinating, campaigning and representing the views of our members.

Membership of COPE is FREE, and open to anyone aged 50 or over in Cambridgeshire.   Anyone living in Cambridgeshire is welcome to join COPE and add to our voice. 

Registered individual membership today is over 2,927.   Our strength is in our Numbers! 

DON'T COMPLAIN - CAMPAIGN!

When COPE succeeded to "Retain the Cheque Book" COPE members collected signatures to "Bring back the Cheque Guarantee Card" in 2011

Our campaigns for 2010 were to "Retain Cheque Books" and "The Best Bus Driver Award" in Cambridgeshire.  Please contact 01223 364303 for more information.

What are forums?  There are currently over 800 Senior Citizens' Forums in the UK, with a total membership in excess of 100,000. By working together in forums, older people are making their voices heard on the things that really matter to them, influencing the planning and provision of local, regional and national services. Although they vary in size from small groups to those with members numbering many hundreds, forums all have a number of important features in common: they are independent organisations which give a collective voice to older people, in order to influence decision-makers on matters which impact on their every-day lives. They are run by older people, for older people. All members are volunteers. They are democratic and inclusive. They decide their own agenda, sharing information and raising issues of concern. Forums help combat disadvantage by providing a platform where older people can speak out on the issues that concern them. As well as their campaigning efforts, many have social activities, run trips and hold open meetings, helping to break down isolation by providing opportunities for older members of the community to socialise, meet new people and keep in touch with local news.

About COPE

Cambridgeshire Older People’s Enterprise, is a voluntary organisation comprising Cambridgeshire residents aged 50+ that fulfils various important health-related functions for older people including social contact, friendship support, policy influencing and information-giving to members.

COPE, a self-help Forum and registered Charity run by a small team of volunteers, speaking up on issues affecting the over 50’s.  COPE currently has a registered individual membership of 2,891.  Membership is free.  COPE informs members with regular free Newsletters, and Forums with keynote speakers and a “Question Time” session.  COPE is run for members by members.

 COPE has helped with campaigns on several issues e.g. Free Concessionary Bus Fares for “Over 60’s and the Disabled”; keep Davison Ward at Brookfields Hospital open; the proposed suggestion of new tests for drivers over 70 years of age; save Post Offices; increase Pensions and Right Care, Right Deal. "The Best Bus Driver Award"and "Retain Cheque Books" were the 2010 campaigns.  Over 12,000 signatures were collected in the latter campaign.  In 2011 we are campaigning to bring back the Cheque Guarantee Card, which supports the cheque.

Our Research team have produced easy to read leaflets with local information on "COPEing with............."  - Benefits, Bereavement, Campaigning, Discharge from Hospital, Elder Abuse, Homecare, Housing, Medication, Neighbours and your Neighbourhood, NHS, Pensions, Personal Safety, Public Transport, and Useful Local Telephone Numbers.  These "COPEing with....." leaflets are available free to COPE members. 

Reasons why people join COPE:

• To meet like minded people with similar interests



• To go on organised trips to theatre, shows and other places of interest for educational or just fun.  Also local venues for scrabble, quiz, pub lunch and walks



• Monthly Newsletters full of information and interesting articles, in simple language and no jargon – a good easy read – with recipes, jokes – a very informative ‘Did you know’ corner and general interaction with membership through the snippets page



• Representing, Signposting and Campaigning on issues affecting seniors in Cambridgeshire

If you would like a COPE member to come to talk to your Over 50’s club or group please phone the COPE Secretary on 01223 364303 or email

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