The spokesperson is like a representative but it’s a clerk, who mus not be a senior.

This is new position and it’s not obligatory for any municipality. 

The position of  the spokesperson of the seniors in Łódź was created by the local government in 2018. It was the first initiative  in Poland. 

The first spokesperson was Celina Maciejewska  and she works on the position till the time.

She has been involved in working for seniors, initially in non-governmental organizations, then as an official at the City Hall in Łódź for many years before.  She has the big experiences in the work with seniors like volunteer so it was the very important factor which decided about recruitment for this position.  

The spokesperson helps the seniors in solving daily problems like preparation the documentation, organization the contacts with the clerks of the municipality, intervention in difficult life situations. 

The others duties are: cooperation with NGO-s which work with the seniors for the target group,  the volunteers’ support,  popularization of senior themes, Consultation and assistance in implementing projects for senior, cooperation with the City Council of Seniors in the implementation of statutory objectives, monitoring and diagnosis of the problems of the elderly, responding to manifestations of discrimination and exclusion of seniors, contacts with the media. 

Apart form it the spokesperson is an initiator and provides assistance in the implementation of projects aimed at seniors. The person responds to manifestations of exclusion and discrimination against seniors. 

The seniors or their family, friends or neighbors  can ask about the support for the senior. The spokesperson works in the centre of the city and has the contacts with all departments of the municipality, so can help in near all different situations. The phone number to the person is on the web site, leaflets so a senior mus not come personally to the office. 

Łódź is the city, which have many seniors so the position is very important ans helpful for the target group. 

The source:  Rzecznik ds. Seniorów: Urząd Miasta Łodzi (lodz.pl)