Jean Friend

Oldham

Our reporter, Jean Friend, is a photographer, and enjoys the theatre, cycling, art, politics and campaigning on LGBT issues.

She wants to use her photography skills in the Talking About My Generation campaign as well as learn new skills and build confidence.

Jean, who is a retired science teacher, along with being a volunteer for Age UK Oldham for 15 years and founder of the Owt and Nowt photography enterprise, wants to highlight issues faced by minority communities and thinks older people are viewed in many ways as a “strain on the system, past it, stuck in the past” but should be seen as a valuable resource.

Jean says: “I would like to see more older people used in advertising campaigns, fashion shoots, sports events and in general getting a higher exposure in the media – to help to change perceptions along with intergenerational events.”