HAC Steering Group Member awarded MBE

We are delighted to announce that Margaret Simpson, a longstanding member of the Healthy Ageing and Care (HAC) Network Steering Group and Public Advisory Group was awarded an MBE in the New Year's honours for services to the community.

She has many voluntary roles in Oxford including chairing the Oxford 50+ Network (OX50+) and has been a member of Brookes' Service User Recruitment Advisory Group (SURAG) for around 15 years.

Commenting on her achievement, Margaret notes “Being awarded the MBE did come as an unexpected surprise but I am very honoured, not only to have been considered for an award but then to be awarded an MBE”.

On her involvement with the Healthy Ageing and Care network, Margaret says that “Being a member of HAC has meant I have been able to encourage older people to participate in some of the relevant research programmes; promote the needs of older people, as well as learning so much myself”. 

“Oxford Brookes HAC has attended the International Oxford Older Peoples' Day event, for a number of years - one year having electric bicycles - in static mode! - available for the older visitors to try as part of the cycle BOOM research project”.

“Being a member of HAC has meant I have had introductions to many different opportunities which benefit older people, including intergenerational exchanges and partnerships - participation in sport research; housing and health projects; digital classes where the tutors are the Business School students helping and teaching OX50+ members. Now so popular there are 2 classes a week”.

“Being a member of HAC and SURAG is very stimulating, interesting and mind-expanding, as we hear about the evolving developments for the future and being able to introduce older people to participate in the potential future”.