By Desmond Halestrap

The Older and Bolder group of NIACE is keen to point out to members that many Local Authorities were considering cutting funding to adult education for older people, and have urged members to look at their local provision to find out what cuts were envisioned and to support what provision there was.

While I believe that Adult Education provision in Wolverhampton is as good as any in other parts of the country such was my concern to retain this lead that I thought my support would be welcome.

It is my contention having used the service that while there are undoubted educational benefits there are a number of social and health benefits.  These accrue to users of the service especially as health benefits to older people. I realise that education for older people might be considered non-vocational or leisure learning. But beneath the fun there are serious contributions to healthy living.

We decided to let our local MP have a look at the matter and we have been delighted with his response. Mr Marris has taken this matter up with great support and vigour - even letting us have copies of the correspondence he has conducted.

I would be very pleased to get readers response to this - my email is desmondhalestrap@hotmail.com