Third annual SOPA to be the best yet

The third annual Scottish Older People's Assembly (SOPA) takes place on Tuesday 25th October 2011 at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC).

 

 

Taking the podium as keynote speaker will be Nicola Sturgeon MSP, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy.

SOPA is a one-day conference for older people and their representatives, supported by the Scottish Government and arranged by the Scottish Older People's Assembly Steering Group. Its aim is to enable older people from across Scotland to debate key issues of interest and concern. Themes for this year's event include active ageing, personal finance and care and support linked to the Scottish Government's Reshaping Care for Older People programme for change.

Steve Webb MP, Minister of State for Pensions, will input by live video link from Westminster. The link will also allow the involvement of older people from House in the Park, in Hamburg, Germany, showcasing the work of this care complex. Closer to home, it will enable members of Dumfries and Galloway Seniors' Forum to speak about their work, and Highland Senior Citizens' Network to present on an innovative project linking care homes and older volunteers.

Also included in the programme is an intergenerational showcase on the theme of "The Voice of a Generation - Are You Being Heard" with participants from A City for All Ages and the Scottish Youth Parliament.

The Assembly will be opened by Assembly Steering Group chair Agnes McGroarty, and facilitated by BBC Scotland's Gary Robertson. A spokesperson for the Steering Group, said: "We look forward to meeting and talking to older people, getting a clear picture from them of their needs and hopes for the future. We want the third Assembly to be the best to date."

For the previous two Assemblies Age Scotland played an enabling role, however this year it has taken a step back so that the Assembly can grow and develop independently. The Charity continues to contribute through membership of the Assembly Steering Group.

Age Scotland Senior Policy and Parliamentary Officer Callum Chomczuk said: "It's great to see the Assembly continue to go from strength to strength in its third year. With addresses from the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing, Nicola Sturgeon MSP and Pensions Minister Steve Webb I am sure all delegates will relish the opportunity to grill two of the most important politicians dealing with older peoples issues."

Older people's groups and organisations from across Scotland have been invited to send representatives to the Assembly and the Steering Group expects over 150 participants on the day. For further information and to find out if places are still available call Glenda Watt on 0131 469 3806 or Anne Elliot on 0131 469 3764 or email acfaa@edinburgh.gov.uk. If you are unable to attend you can follow the event on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube - visit the SOPA website to find out more.