National Older Person's Day - 1st October 2008

 

For the first time in the Western Isles, National Older Person's Day on the 1st October 2008, was celebrated with a series of events throughout the islands. The events were organised by the CHaSCP in conjunction with the Older People's Partnership, to celebrate and acknowledge the contribution older people make in our society.

The main event held in Stornoway Town Hall was opened by Lord Lieutenant of the Isles, Sandy Matheson, with introductions conducted by Iain Gordon MacDonald, Vice-Chair of the CHaSCP Committee. Also there on the day was Ella MacBain, Chair of the Older People's Partnership.

 

Sandy Matheson in his opening speech summed up the principle of the day and the intention of all those there by saying

" It is a day to mark new and refreshing attitudes to the progression of our lives through the process of getting older. ....Quite simply there are five key words for us to share, to remember and to put into action..Independence, Participation, Care, Self-Fulfillment and Dignity"

The event in the Town Hall consisted of a drop-in facility for the public, so they were able to come and browse at their leisure. With a large variety of stalls on display, there was something of interest for everyone.

Health Promotion gave information on the effects of smoking and alcohol, as well as providing a range of healthy snacks alongside the teas & coffees distributed by the ladies from Lewis & Harris Breast Cancer Support Group. Other health information on display came from Long-Term Conditions, CHD (Coronary Heart Disease) and the Re-Hab services of Podiatry, Dietetics and Occupational Therapy.

There were displays from Trust Housing, offering information regarding shelted housing facilities, Taigh Blath with information on grants for home efficiency measures and DoorStoppers, giving advice about rogue traders. The Coastguards also had a display, focusing particularly on fishing/sea safety. Faire had a display in partnership with Tunstall Telecoms, showcasing a variety of their aids to enable people to remain independent within their own home.

Also on offer was financial information regarding pensions and benefits, with the option of having a one-to-one session with the financial awareness officer, alongside information on Travel & Transport and the Blue Badge scheme. On the Community Support side there were information stalls from Social Work and Home-Care, as well as Carer support information from WICCF (Western Isles Community Carers Forum), CrossRoads, Lewis & Harris Alzheimers, MacMillan Nurses and Advocacy. There was also information regarding the Clisham project and its work with dementia sufferers.

In addition to the main event, there were coffee mornings held in Uist at Sacred Heart House, where they had a podiatry clinic operating on the day and also the use of a Wii to encourage both physical interaction and fitness.

Michael Cook, General Manager CHaSCP, stated "My thanks go to all those who particpated on the day throughout the islands and for all their hard work in putting together such a fantastic event. This event highlighted the importance of joint working that took place between the Comhairle, Health Board and Voluntary sector and the positive impact that such initiatives can have. It is the intention of the CHaSCP and Older People's Partnership to make this an annual event in future years, with a more intergenerational focus."