Falkirk's Make It Happen group doing exactly that

A young group for older people has been recognised with a national award after 18 months of campaigning.
Members of the forum with Eddi Reader and Age Scotland Chief Executive Brian Sloan (far left)Members of the forum with Eddi Reader and Age Scotland Chief Executive Brian Sloan (far left)
Members of the forum with Eddi Reader and Age Scotland Chief Executive Brian Sloan (far left)

Make It Happen Falkirk and District Forum was presented with the Jess Barrow Campaigning and Influencing Award by singer Eddi Reader at Age Scotland’s annual conference in Perth last month.

The award comes just 18 months after the group first got off the ground with the aim of giving people over 50 a voice in their communities.

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It now holds meetings in Bonnybridge, Grangemouth, the Braes, Larbert and Falkirk and has over 100 members.

Colin Ferguson, chairman said: “There were lots of groups across Scotland considered for this award so we must be doing right.

“In the forum, it’s all about helping each other and fighting our corner and making it happen, like our name says.”

Since starting, the forum has been involved in the fight to keep public toilets open, bus route issues in Denny and Bonnybridge, shopping transport for people from the Talbot House lunch club. It also instigated the University of the Third Age which provides learning for older people. It also raises awareness of issues facing older people and runs assistance projects.

A meeting for anyone interested in joining will be held at St Francis Xavier Church Hall on April 20 at 2pm. Visit www.makeithappenforum.org.uk to find out more.