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 and campaigning.

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 2,734.   Our strength is in our Numbers! 

DON'T COMPLAIN - CAMPAIGN!

Our campaigns for 2010 are 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 600 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

COPE, a self-help Forum and registered Charity run by a small team of volunteers, speaks up on issues affecting the over 50’s.  COPE currently has a registered individual membership of over 2,734 living in Cambridgeshire.  Membership is free.  COPE informs members with regular free Newsletters, and Forums with keynote speakers and a “Question Time” session. 

COPE aims to alleviate loneliness, promote active ageing and encourages isolated members to attend social events. 

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" and  are the 2010 campaigns.  Nearly 11,000 signatures have been collected in the latter campaign.

Our Research team have produced easy to read leaflets with local information on Benefits, Bereavement, Elder Abuse, Homecare, Housing, Medication, Pensions, Personal Safety, Public Transport, and Useful Local Telephone Numbers. 

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



• Campaigning to make things better for all 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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