Where have all the Chairs Gone?
Soroptimist International, Nantwich and District club put forward a project called, “Where have all the chairs gone?” to a region meeting and were pleased when it was chosen to be the regional project 2008-9. The idea was member Linda Bond’s brainchild. Linda realized that for people who are not well or who are more senior in years, being able to take sit down and take a rest on the way, means that you can still get out and about. She realized that many chairs have been removed from shops and there were very few seats about in public areas, for example on routes to and from the shops.
The following facts show how important this project is:
10% of people over 75 don’t go out at all
1 million over 65 year olds feel trapped in their own home
Older women are twice as likely to feel more trapped than men
42% of older people do not have access to a car
37% live alone
S I Nantwich members have surveyed parts of Nantwich, Crewe and Alsager looking for seats both in and out of shops. We found that there is usually adequate outdoor seating (if you can reach it) so you can go out if the weather is good, but inside shops, chairs are lacking, particularly from those shops which elderly people really need to use. Alternatively you can pay to sit, for example by having a coffee in a cafe, but not everyone can afford this option.
Members of Soroptimist International throughout our region of Cheshire, North Wales and Wirral have all surveyed parts of their own towns and villages and data has been collected on the number and types of shops with seating. Also the positions of public seating in relation to sheltered and elderly person’s housing and the shops. An interim report entitled “Where have all the Chairs Gone?” has been published and will be used in lobbying for better seating provision.
The beauty of this project is that all members can participate. We can make a real difference with simple action and in doing so we can raise the profile of Soroptimism both locally and nationally. It is also an opportunity to work in partnership with other agencies such as Age Concern, local authorities and with the business community. At Nantwich we would love to hear from you about this project so we can share ideas. A copy of the interim report will be available to download soon.