Celebrating the contribution of faith
communities to supporting older people
Reception in the Scottish
Parliament 9th June 2015
Richard Baker MSP and Sandra White MSP, Convenor of the
Cross Party Group on Age and Ageing, kindly hosted a reception for Faith in
Older People (FiOP) to acknowledge and support the work undertaken by faith
communities in support of older people.
This friendly event highlighted the range of work that is being
undertaken across Scotland which had been highlighted in a major survey
undertaken by FiOP with the support of the Joint Improvement Team.
There was a strong emphasis on celebrating the lives of
older people and their contribution to supporting other older people in the
community. The activities embraced
bringing people together in churches, synagogues and mosques to continue
worship; providing community activities that enabled people to feel connected;
visiting at home wherever this might be and continued friendship.
Continuing a
social life or receiving care in dementia clubs were all part of the spectrum.
‘Meaning and purpose’ is fundamental to our lives and the
opportunities offered by faith communities to people who live in the local
community are part of an inclusive and sharing approach.
The evening offered the chance to bring together people who
have contributed enormously to the work of FiOP by bringing their expertise on
specific issues and working collaboratively to highlight issues of importance
which contribute to delivering good person centred care and clearly acknowledge
a person as an individual.
Maureen O’Neill
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