IN A bright and thought-provoking presentation at the Age Concern Crediton Annual General Meeting, Exeter GP Dr Niall McLeod explained that 93 per cent of NHS funding is directed towards Treatment of clinical conditions, but that only seven per cent were targeted towards Prevention.

Dr McLeod has made the application of these matters a focus for several years, and suggested that the obvious disparity can be tackled in many ways, among which are found adjustments to lifestyle in terms of how we live, eat, socialise, exercise, and use leisure time.

Each is effectively a medical treatment, and can serve to enhance the prevention of ailments. The huge range of options open to us could, he postulated, be linked by a Specialist based in a “well-being hub” as part of local surgeries; the role of the latter he expected to undergo major changes in the foreseeable future.

The work of Age Concern Crediton, he affirmed; by replacing sedentary and lonely existence with weekly outings in good company, supported by good food and diverse and relevant activities was a good example of the concept.

Earlier, at the Annual General Meeting, Age Concern Crediton reported that it was focusing activities on “Prevention”, to make it easier for elderly guests to reduce reliance on NHS services and enhance their lives at home.

In addition the Day room had been made more dementia-friendly in line with increased awareness in this sector. An increasing aspect of its work was to enable carers have vital days of respite from a demanding schedule. Over the year the number of guests had increased from 1,604 to 2,320, and the Charity was now working at a small profit, enabling provision to be made for contingencies.

Growth was reported in Fitness sessions at Lords Meadow Leisure Centre, Footcare, Home Support, and the Art Group. The High Street shop, as ever, provided a vital source of income, soon to be augmented by the introduction of a Gift Aid system.

Chairman of Trustees, John Musty, stated that none of this would have been possible without the tireless dedication of the nine staff and 40 volunteers, headed by Beverly Whaley, and to whom a massive debt of thanks is due.

He also added that there was always room for more retail assistants, drivers, day centre carers, fundraisers, and even Trustees, to share this onerous load a little.

Mr Musty thanked all of those who attended, and cheese and wine were then offered in celebration of the performance of the charity throughout the past year.