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How inclusive is the decision making process in Wales? We have complaints from people who are concerned about food and health policy, that meetings are held in private, at a time when with work commitments, they cannot attend. This added to the time and cost of attending meetings, is quite beyond the scope of many interested individuals, community groups, and small organisations. This leaves a gap in information and views that are never heard.
This is contrary to numerous National Assembly statements, which endorse a 'socially inclusive approach'. Please let it be noted that WFA have consistently held very low, or no cost events. If we as a small organisation, with little funding can do this, why not everyone else? Let us not forget the least to be consulted, and those that are most vulnerable, are not computer literate. To alleviate this problem, and in response to the Assembly initiated Wanless 'Health and Social Care Review, WFA propose the National Assembly investigate establishing a Healthcare Policy Forum. This would also help to integrate health, social care, and well being issues. This could be a method of communication, in supporting wider public participation, that could help in developing future services. We hope this policy can be accepted. |
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The National Assembly are seeking views, by 1st November 2003, on the proposed National Partnership Forum for Older People in Wales. Copies from (    02920 823206 ). At WFA we believe in dignity and independence, and propose that this be a Forum with (and not for) Older People. They should play a significant part in developing this Forum. Recommendations have been included in many reports over the past thirty years. We hope this Forum ensures action. What has been required is political will, and the necessary resources, to turn proposals into reality. We urge you to respond. |
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A form can be found at our web site, or write for details to Secretary, 13 Cefn Coch, Radyr, Cardiff, CF 8BJ. www.welshfoodalliance.org.uk WFA is a non-profit making knowledge based policy development and promotion network. It brings together multi-disciplinary expertise to link all aspects of food policy in an integrated way, which is disseminated in its quarterly newsletter. We aim to provide a new perspective on food policy founded on the principle of informed public participation in the policy development process. |
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At our May AGM, new officers were elected: Jean Sullivan (chair), Elinor Plow (secretary), and Hilda Smith (treasurer). David Smith retired as WFA's secretary and Food Adviser, and he was thanked for his enormous voluntary effort over the past five years. |
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We hope readers enjoy our quick easy to read, twopage newsletter. Our members have the benefit of more detailed information. We welcome contributions from our readers. Acknowledgements to Word Up Design, A Print, and our skilled volunteers who wrote and distributed this edition. |
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Help us to help our senior citizens The National Assembly is developing its policies for older people. The Welsh Food Alliance has already submitted evidence about the importance of people being able to afford, carry and prepare the food required to enable them to live independently in their own homes.
The purpose of this survey is to capture the experiences of a larger number of people, and what improvements have occurred since our June 2002 survey. Our May 2004 newsletter will report your views. In using the information no person will be named. Data will not be stored in a computer. Thank you for your help.
[ Please copy and distribute to those who may value their say ]
Please tick as appropriate:
We are sure that you know what a healthy diet is in old age, and that there is a lot of information to help if you are unsure. Do you have other difficulties in obtaining a healthy diet?
(1) Is a Healthy Diet difficult to afford? YES [ ] NO [ ]
If so what do you find is most expensive?
(2) Do you have any of the following difficulties:
(a) Do you have difficulties - Going out shopping?
Always [ ] When the weather is bad [ ] When you are not well [ ]
Please comment:
(b) Do you have difficulties - Reading labels? YES [ ] NO [ ]
Please offer examples:
(c) Do you have difficulties - Obtaining the right sizes for certain food items?
(Small loaves, small packs of butter, flour, sugar, etc.) YES [ ] NO [ ]
Please offer examples: (d) Do you have difficulties - Using facilities inside the food shop? YES [ ] NO [ ]
Please offer examples:
(e) Difficulties - Carrying home heavy items ie. potatoes & tins, or opening containers?
Please explain: YES [ ] NO [ ]
(f) Is distance from the food shop a problem? YES [ ] NO [ ]
(g) Do you have to use public transport for shopping? YES [ ] NO [ ]
Any problems expereinced?
(h) Do you have other difficulties in shopping, preparing and cooking food, or carrying cooking equipment, due to infirmity? YES [ ] NO [ ]
Please explain?
(i) Other difficulties, or solutions to problems?
(3) Do you ever use 'Meals on Wheels', and if so do you like them?
Please explain
(4) During inclement weather, or illness, would you order 'Meals on Wheels' if available? YES [ ] NO [ ]
Please explain:
(5) What is your experience of trying to manage the home delivery of food and or prepared meals? Please explain:
(6) Do you enjoy any other community activity that includes a meal, such as a church group, or lunch club?
(7) Do you still enjoy cooking these days?
Please explain
(8) Have you any comments about food provided in hospitals?
(9) Do you live in a rural [ ] urban semi [ ] urban area [ ]. Please tick one box.
(10) What is your local authority?
If possible, please reply by early December 2003. Forms should be returned to Hilda Smith, WFA, 216 Stow Hill, Newport NP20 4HA. You can contact us by phone for the cost of a BT local call from anywhere in Wales on 0845 3304926. |
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