Since its inception, the Group has progressed rapidly. The initial steps for the formation of the Group were taken in July 2005 and it was launched in January 2006. During 2006, the Group organised a number of workshops on health issues, approved its constitution, held its first AGM and constituted its Executive Committee.

The current year saw the Group consolidate it position further in terms of introduction of new programmes, increase in the number of membership and initiative in launching this website.

During the year we had three workshops on health-related issues, a trip to the Swaminarayan Temple and the Houses of Parliament in London on an Open Forum "What does Slough offer to its Senior Citizens?"

The Slough Senior Citizens Group plays an active part in raising Health Awareness amongst its members and the Community, working on projects with the NHS (East Berkshire Division).

Dr. Bhaskar Mandal, a Consultant Physician from the Ashford Hospital, made a presentation on Healthy Ageing on the 15th February 2007. This included vital information related to the following:

• Physical and Mental Well-Being
• Ageing
• Healthy Eating
• Awareness of Elderly Abuse

It was a hugely popular event and prompted a keen response from all present at the event.

In our session on 19th April 2007, the Assistant Chief Executive of the Age Concern, Slough, Ian Crump, and the Advocacy Team Leader, Sally Blackden, made a presentation on Elder Abuse. The topic included aspects such as signs and symptoms of elder abuse and working with schools and clubs to highlight older peoples' needs. The Project Co-ordinator, PCT, Rafina Ashaq spoke on Slimming on Referral and Body Mass Index.

We also had the pleasure, during this year, to have Dr. Philip Brooks, from the East Berkshire Primary Care Trust, who made a scintillating presentation on Loneliness. He believes that the most effective way for older people to avoid loneliness was to keep themselves occupied mentally and physically. It is vital for them to join social groups and look for new experiences. Pensioners should have a healthy diet, exercise and drink sensibly. Dr. Brooks said that the people might simply find they no longer feel like going out, because of their low self esteem, depression or confusion. GPs need to be more aware of depression among older people today and in the future.

On 25th July 2007, the Group organised a successful trip to the Swaminarayan Temple, in Brent and also the Houses of Parliament.

Besides the trip organiser, 20 members and their guests enjoyed the day long trip. The Group wishes to place on record its appreciation to our Member of Parliament from Slough, Fiona McTaggart and her staff in making the visit to the Parliament possible. The Open Forum What does Slough offer to its Senior Citizens? discussed presentations:

• Benefits
• Safety
• Loneliness

by representatives from the Age Concern, Thames Valley Police and the Berkshire Fire and Rescue Services.