The Canterbury & District Pensioners Forum covers Canterbury, Herne Bay, Whitstable and the surrounding villages within the Canterbury City Council area.

Our aims are:

• To promote the welfare and interest of older people.

• To provide a platform where matters of concern can be raised and action taken

• To raise these issues with the relevant decision makers.

We are affiliated to the National Pensioners? Convention and promote the aims of the Pensioners? Charter agreed by the Pensioners? Parliament in May 2005.

The aims of the Charter are:

• A basic state pension set above the official poverty level and linked to average male earnings.

• A warm and comfortable home.

• Free health care based on clinical need and annual comprehensive health checks.

• Free community care and services to assist living at home

• Free long- term care.

• Free nationwide public transport.

• Free education, access to and participation in leisure and cultural activities.

• Goods, services and benefits without age discrimination.

• Active engagement and consultation on national and local issues affecting older citizens.

• Advocacy, dignity respect and fair treatment in all aspects of their lives.