Red Squirrel Volunteer of the Year Award

WITH approximately 36,000 native red squirrels in England, Wales and Northern Ireland fighting for space, food and nesting sites against up to 2 million plus American greys, the work of the red squirrel conservation volunteers in these areas, who work tirelessly to protect them, is vitally important.

Recognising the work of the 1000+ volunteers spread across 100+ groups is the objective of the Red Squirrel Survival Trust's David Stapleford Volunteer of the Year Award. Volunteer groups are asked to nominate an individual working with them who has shown commitment to his or her work over many years.

Since the greys were introduced from America as a novelty species in large parks and gardens in the mid-1800's, red squirrel numbers have plummeted. Some greys carry a pox that is harmless to them but fatal to our native reds. The greys are also larger and better food foragers. The 2 species cannot coexist.

Mark Henderson, volunteer advocate of the Red Squirrel Survival Trust said:- "Volunteers continue to be the key factor in arresting red squirrel decline. They protect the remaining colonies, and their work helps increase numbers. They are absolutely vital to ensuring the survival of this beautiful native species."

For further information and to download the nomination form visit:- RSST.Org.UK, or click here.

Are you ageist? People from the North West experience high levels of age discrimination as England's 1st ever anti ageism campaign launches

THE Centre for Ageing Better is launching Age Without Limits, a hard hitting new campaign highlighting the issue of ageism. With new data from the charity revealing almost a third of people in the North West don't expect to be in good physical health (35%) or don't think they'll continue to be as effective in their:- job / profession / vocation when they're old or as they get older (17%) when they're old, and are worried about it, the campaign is set to change the way we all think about ageing, tackle prejudices and empower people to age with confidence. Data1 also revealed � of adults aged over 50 in England have experienced age discrimination in 2023.

For people in their 50s and 60s who experienced discrimination because of their age in the past 12 months, this happened most commonly in work (37%), followed by social media and television, movies or news reports (32%), and as a consumer (32%).

For people aged over 70, age discrimination was most keenly felt on social media, television, movies or news reports (44%), as a consumer (43%) and in health or social care settings (29%).

Other areas of life where both age groups experienced age discrimination include social situations (highlighted by 22% of people in their 50s and 60s) and public transport (mentioned by 23% of people aged over 70).

The new data demonstrates the way people internalise the negative stereotypes and misconceptions about ageing. This can lead to a self fulfilling prophecy, affecting the way people perceive themselves, their self esteem and what they think they are capable or worthy of. People in the North West hold the following views;� and are worried about them:-

31% don't expect to be financially comfortable when they're 'old.'
30% don't expect to be mobile when they're old.
27% don't expect to be independent when they're 'old.'
15% don't expect to have plenty of friends and family around them when they're old.
13% don't think they'll look good when they're old.

With at least a 3rd of people holding ageist beliefs, and many likely not realising that they do, the campaign will be calling on the nation to change the way we think about ageing for the benefit of everyone.

The campaign makes the case that ageism, whilst often dismissed as being harmless, is actually detrimental to the lives of millions of people, impacting their opportunities, livelihoods, health and mental wellbeing. This has a knock on effect on our productivity and the economy. As our population is rapidly ageing, ageism has the potential to cause significant harm to our society in the future.

The 3 year campaign will use advertising, PR and social media to spark debate and conversation about what ageism is and to challenge the way we all think about ageing. A new website will provide information, tools and resources, including:- a quiz for the nation to answer the question:- "Are You Ageist?." Every year, there will be an opportunity for individuals, organisations and communities across England to join Age Without Limits in a day of action.

Dr Carole Easton OBE, Chief Executive at the Centre for Ageing Better, said:- "Ageism is the prejudice that's hidden in plain sight. We see and hear casual ageism every day, it's embedded in our society and even accepted as normal by many of us who are older. Ageism scars lives. It is often dismissed as being harmless, but if you look at the research, or speak to people whose lives have been affected by ageism, you will soon realise ageist ideas or beliefs can be incredibly damaging for us as individuals and for wider society. That is why we are launching this campaign to get the nation thinking differently about ageing, for the benefit of us all as we grow older."

The Age Without Limits campaign builds on previous work from the Centre for Ageing Better which has detailed the extent of, and harm caused by, ageism in society. This includes research which explores public attitudes and the impact of ageism on different aspects of life including health and employment.

Did you know that ageism has a detrimental impact on the workforce? 460,000 people aged:- 50 to 64 are currently out of work, but would like to be in work and ageism is 1 of the key barriers they face!