DURSLEY community organisation World Jungle is delighted to have received support from the Gloucestershire Police & Crime Commissioner.

The office of the Gloucestershire PCC will help World Jungle map services available to older people in Cam and Dursley and to highlight pockets of need and areas to develop.

The funding was made available through the ‘Older but not Overlooked’ scheme, with the aim being to point out needs of older people in the community and help combat issues of isolation and exclusion as a means of keeping people safe, active and healthy.

The project is being launched today (16), as part of World Jungle’s ‘Full of Life Fayre’ taking place in the Chantry Centre, Dursley, from 10am to 3pm.

Over 40 organisations and groups from across the county are coming together for this special event aimed at older people.

There will be a range of interactive stalls, information stands and free activity sessions in a bid to share the best of what is happening in the local area.

Police and Crime Commissioner Martin Surl said: “It is important for older people to know what services are available to them. I hope many will come along, together with their friends and relatives, and be reassured they are not alone and isolated.

"Much of my police and crime plan is based on schemes that are rooted within local neighbourhoods because I believe working together is the key to safer key communities.

“Schemes like this one bring communities together, give people a sense of purpose and reduce feelings of fear of crime and isolation among the elderly”.

Ben Ward from World Jungle is thrilled that the organisation has received support from the PCC.

“On October 16 want to welcome older people, their family, carers and friends, in to the Chantry Centre to find out more about what is available in our local area and to encourage the use of the Chantry Centre in Dursley as a vibrant hub for the whole community to benefit from.

“We are really excited to deliver this event in partnership with the Police and Crime Commissioner, Gloucestershire County Council, Stroud District Council, and the NHS. It sees the coming together of many groups and organisations, working to a common goal of shining the spot light on issues affecting older people and working towards improving services and provision. “

The project is linked in with other events marking International Older People’s Day, which took place on October 1, celebrating older people and highlighting the issues that affect their lives.

For more information contact Ben Ward at World Jungle on 07889 512644 or via email on ben@worldjungle.org.uk. For more information on World Jungle visit www.worldjungle.org.uk.