A forum for older people is closing for good after dwindling numbers have meant it is no longer viable.
Welland Seniors Forum has been having issues with attracting new committee members and has been losing members more regularly than gaining new ones.
“People generally are retiring later and so are not available for forum meetings. Times have changed; those who retire often use the internet for information and do not have the need of an organisation like this,” said a spokesman for the group.
“Having been one of a network of about eight forums across the country at the outset, some 25 years ago or more, this group is now the only elderly person forum left in Lincolnshire,” he added.
Summer outings have been less well attended recently, with only around a dozen people. It’s also become more difficult to find guest speakers to take part.
At the group’s last meeting in September, the committee agreed that with the amount of information on the internet, all other groups and services available, especially social prescribers, there was no longer a need for the forum.
The spokesman said: “Whilst we are still a relatively healthy group in terms of numbers and finances our purpose has been superceded by the internet and a raft of other local support groups and services that are able to offer information and support in a more flexible way, so the time as come to call it a day.”
Funds (around £600 each) will be distributed between St Barnabas, Parkinsons Society, The Meadows, Age UK Lincs, St John’s Ambuiance and the Alzheimer’s Society.
