The differing ways in which the needs of elderly people are met in this country and the Far East will be explored first-hand when a member of staff from Town & Country visits Japan next week. Sam Gowan, who works as an Income Management Officer, is flying out to Tokyo on Monday to spend two weeks on an exchange programme organised and funded by the Japanese Cabinet Office.

The exchange aims to develop the skills of young core leaders of civil society groups (not for profit organisations) in Japan and to establish networks between Japan and other countries. Sam will see first hand how the Japanese are meeting the needs of an ageing population and a move away from the traditional way in which families have looked after elderly relatives. Japanese hosts will be keen to learn how elderly services are provided and funded in England. 

Sam will be writing a daily blog which will be published on the Town & Country website.

Sam is no stranger to Japan. He worked there as an English Teacher for 2 years and speaks Japanese fluently, which will help him gain maximum benefit from the visit.  In October 2009, Sam acted as a guide and translator when a group of nine Japanese delegates visited Tunbridge Wells to see how Town & Country and other local organisations provided elderly services.

This was part of an exchange which had seen Town & Country’s Specialist Housing Manager Rachel Murphy visit Japan earlier in the year. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to get an in-depth view of how another culture provides elderly services and I was honoured to be selected,” said Sam. “Throughout the two week programme I will be writing a blog and taking photographs of what I will be doing, so watch this space!”

The Japanese Cabinet Office is also organising similar exchanges for people involved in providing services for young people and those with disabilities.