Award plaudits for later life's champions
Today Scotland's champions of older people were recognised at the inaugural annual Age Scotland Awards ceremony in the Scottish Parliament.
The aim of the Awards is to challenge popular myths about later life and our ageing population, demonstrate the vibrancy of older people's voluntary action, and inspire others to follow the example of Scotland's best services for, and by, older people. The winners include a 91 year old exercise class leader and a carer who undertook a marathon campaigning walk across Scotland.
The Awards were presented as part of Age Scotland's annual Scottish Parliamentary Reception, hosted by Jim Eadie MSP, which also falls on UN International Day of Older Persons.
Lillian Watson from Clackmannanshire Older Adults Forum, which won an award for partnership working, said: "It's wonderful to get this recognition from Age Scotland. We're absolutely amazed as the group has only been together for a year. Before that members were working in isolation, but we've found that there is strength in numbers and together we are making a real difference for older people locally."
Liz Hare from Citadel Arts Group, winner of the Age Scotland member group of the year Award, said: "This Award is a tremendous mark of appreciation. Citadel Arts Group tries to give a voice to older people. By recognising our work, Age Scotland helps to make our voice louder and more confident."
Scott McGill from Food Train Friends, winner of older people's service of the year, said: "We are all thrilled and extremely pleased to receive this award from Age Scotland. Thanks to the efforts of our wonderful volunteers, we are able to reach a growing number of older people requiring our services which hopefully results in positive outcomes and experiences for everyone involved."
Tommy Whitelaw, winner of the Campaigner of the Year Award, said: "I feel very honoured to win this Award."
Brian Sloan, Age Scotland Chief Executive, said: "We were overwhelmed by the quality of Awards entries, but all our winners stood out for their dynamism and dedication to enriching the lives of Scotland's older people."
Award Winners
Volunteer of the Year Award
Winner: May Wallace
Award sponsored by Solicitors for Older People Scotland
May, age 91, has volunteered with Westhill and Garlogie Day Centre for 24 years in a variety of roles, currently including exercise class leader.
Age Scotland Member Group of the Year
Winner: Citadel Arts Group
Award sponsored by David Urquhart Travel
Citadel Arts Group runs projects and activities that stimulate memory and creativity in older Edinburgh and Midlothian residents.
Jess Barrow Award for Campaigning and Influencing
Winner: Tommy Whitelaw
Award sponsored by McCarthy and Stone
Tommy, a carer for his mother until her death in September 2012, undertook a marathon walk across Scotland to raise awareness of the plight of carers.
Services for Older People Award
Winner: Food Train Friends
Award sponsored by Specsavers
Food Train Friends offers a befriending services to isolated older people in the Dumfries and Galloway area.
Patrick Brooks Award for Partnership Working
Winner: Clackmannanshire Older Adults Forum
Award sponsored by
Raeside and Chisholm
In just one year Clackmannanshire Older Adults has amplified the influence of its 16 member groups, making sure older people's voices are heard on topics from housing to transport.
