I am writing to ask your readers to join Anchor’s Grey Pride Campaign and sign our petition calling for a Minister for Older People to help end the prejudices faced by the elderly.

My colleagues and I are passionate about improving the well-being of older people and research commissioned by Anchor shows there is widespread ageism among the 18-24 age group.

The most shocking statistic is that 41 per cent of young people say there are not enough jobs for older people to be in work, and they are less productive in the workplace than younger workers.

There is a Minister for Women and a Minister of State for Children and Families, but older people’s issues are scattered throughout government departments.

So sign our Grey Pride petition which will be presented to 10 Downing Street later this year. My colleagues will be in Leigh Broadway, from 10am to 3pm on Friday, June 17, during Anchor Grey Pride Week. Alternatively, people can sign the petition online at www.greypride.org.uk

Patricia Welch
Anchor Trust
Hillside Crescent
Leigh