Petition to Encourage "Grey Pride"

Younger people today are too often unaware of the prejudices faced by older people. Eagle House care home staff from Sheffield recently worked to change this. They marched in honor of “grey pride,” encouraging passers-by to sign a petition for the appointment of a minister for older people.

Workers from Eagle House on Stalker Lees Road were involved in collecting signatures on Ecclesall Road.

The leader of the campaign, Jason Axford, said that the main protest is against the basic lack of “voice” that older people are suffering in government. There is no minister focusing specifically on the needs of this growing sector of society.

When facing council cuts, pensions, care funding, and issues like library and post office closures, older people who are affected need someone in government to stand up for their concerns.

Many people are in agreement. According to a report in The Star, the first half hour of collecting signatures saw 40 people signing up.

Emphasising the importance of the issue, Mr Axford said: “There’s no actual minister looking after the welfare of older people. There’s one for children and families but not one for the elderly - I think there’s a requirement for it.”

Even the Sheffield Central MP Paul Blomfield has recognised the importance of the petition and offered his support.

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