South Lanarkshire is proudly celebrating International Day of Older People – 1 October 2024.
The day is dedicated to honouring the invaluable contributions of older individuals in our community.
Last year, South Lanarkshire became the first Scottish local authority to become an Age Friendly Community, joining a growing UK network of communities that involve all partners and people working together to make the area a great place to grow older.
And Professor Soumen Sengupta, Chief Officer of South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP), said the global day resonates deeply with local mission and values.
“Older individuals play a vital role not only as beneficiaries of our care but as active participants in shaping the very services designed to support them,” said Professor Sengupta.
“At the moment, for example, we are engaging with all communities to inform a key plan (Strategic Commissioning Plan) for the ongoing development of local health and social care services.
“Older people’s perspectives are crucial in helping craft such policies and strategies that truly address their needs and enhance their quality of life.
“Beyond their contributions to service development, older people enrich our communities in countless ways. Many generously volunteer their time, share their wisdom, and offer support in various capacities. The work of Seniors Together is a glowing example.
“Overall, older people’s involvement strengthens community connections and fosters a sense of belonging and purpose. Whether through formal volunteer roles or informal caregiving, their impact is profound and far-reaching.
“International Day of Older Persons offers us a moment to celebrate these contributions and reaffirm our dedication in South Lanarkshire to fostering environments and communities where older people can thrive.”
As part of the celebration, the UHSCP has showcased a range of case studies, bringing into sharp focus outstanding contribution older people make to the partnership and wider communities.
Spotlight: Colin Angus
When he began volunteering in the state hospital more than a decade ago Colin realised how important patient voice was. Since then Colin has been actively involved in a number of Clydesdale, South Lanarkshire and national forums and partnerships.
He was the patient chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners which enabled him to have a patient voice in strategic issues and presenting at UK wide conferences. He is the vice chair with South Lanarkshire based older person’s project; Seniors Together and this allows him to support the voices of older people in South Lanarkshire and at a national level.
He is part of the local community partnership, and also sits on the Clydesdale locality implementation group, the South Lanarkshire Health & Social Care Forum, Clydesdale GP forum, a local patient participation group and the NHS Lanarkshire area drug & therapeutic committee, all of which he thoroughly enjoys while making sure patient voice is heard.
In particular, he has been able to influence the SLUHSCP strategic commissioning plan. He has also worked with the values and sustainability group to ensure engagement around proposed care home closures follows government guidance.
He is currently involved with a piece of research with Edinburgh & Newcastle Universities about improving care transition, giving his feedback on aspects of care such as hospital discharge. Colin is a full time carer for his wife and says the move to more online meetings has helped him to balance his volunteer role with caring responsibilities.
Colin said: “People need to know they have a voice, times are changing and we can influence change. Being part of these groups gives me the platform to take local feedback and issues to the right people/forums. We need to think differently about how services are delivered and this is especially important in Clydesdale.”
Spotlight: Eleanor McLean
Following a family bereavement twenty-five years ago, Eleanor’s family encouraged her to join the Royal Burgh of Lanark Community Council, she is now the secretary. Being part of the Community Council created other opportunities for Eleanor.
She went on to join the Lanark Community Development Trust and now sits on the board. She volunteers with the Tolbooth in Lanark and is also a trustee, she has written four booklets about Lanark as she feels that it is very important to keep the heritage and history of town alive.
Eleanor worked as a public servant throughout her career and says that she likes helping people. When her husband passed away three years ago, she also started supporting Clydesdale Foodbank and volunteers with them weekly. She recently agreed to become the Chair-person of the Woodstock Lanark Patient Participation Group.
She works with the practice, group members and local people to feedback on what is going well, and not so well, and how we can improve the service. The group ran their first Health Fayre & Wellbeing Fayre in September which was a success, with lots of local partners attending, to offer advice and support to the community.
Eleanor enjoys helping others, meeting new people, learning new things and to keep busy. Culture change is the biggest challenge. She continues to work with others to support local people and organisations.
She said: “Being involved with local groups, meeting people, keeping active, helps my own mental health, with a sense of achievement when there are positive outcomes.
Spotlight: Dr Iain Kane
Dr Iain Kane became Chair of the Friends in 2013. Prior to retiring he had served as a GP in the Douglasdale Practice for over 30 years and his wife of 51 years was a Nursing Sister there too.
Dr Kane said: “We would probably never have got together had it not been for our shared workplace. So really, I’ve been involved with Lady Home Hospital in some way or other for over half a century!”
The Friends of Lady Home Hospital was formed in 1988 and since then have donated many thousands of pounds to the Hospital to “promote the welfare and support of patients undergoing treatment at the Hospital” as the constitution states.
These donations have been used for a wide variety of purposes including the purchase of additional equipment to make patient stay as comfortable as possible. The Friends have financially supported development of communal areas and outdoor space within the Hospital grounds. They also give their time to support some hands on planting of the garden’s raised flowerbeds. They also work throughout the year to support local events.
Dr Kane said: “The most remarkable fact about the Friends to me is, that in all the time I’ve been in the Chair, we have never had to fundraise-quite unlike any other voluntary organisations in which I’ve been involved. We always seem to have a steady stream of donations-of all sizes-usually from relatives of patients who have recently been in-patients and occasionally from local organisations that have heard of the wonderful reputation of the level of dedicated care in Lady Home. I remain proud of my association with this fantastic local facility, and I trust that it will continue to provide its much-needed role for many years to come.”
Spotlight: Peter Brotherston
About 25-30 years ago, Peter was asked to a meeting at Kello Hospital by the Late Charles Thorpe. A
committee was formed and it was called the Friends of Kello Hospital.
Peter was very interested in joining as his parents had both been cared for by Kello hospital in the past and they were very well looked after.
Peter said: “When I joined the Friends of Kello, the years were busy trying to raise money but as time went on money started to come in. This meant we could support Kello Hospital with donations to help make the patient’s stay as comfortable as possible. I hope that the committee can go on and continue to help in the years to come.”
Spotlight: St Andrews Dementia Hub Volunteers
Project manager Lesley Reid said: “The Hub is open to anyone living with memory difficulties, their unpaid carers, and family members. We run three sessions per week – Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Sessions are supported by our staff however, we could not run our sessions without the support of our volunteers, they are invaluable.
“Our youngest volunteer is 17 years old and our oldest volunteer is 84 years young! As well as the three sessions, we have a gardening project and can also offer a Virtual Reality workshop to help people understand the daily challenge people face living with memory and some ageing symptoms.”
Here is what the volunteers had to say:
I knew when I retired, I would volunteer in some way. When my husband was diagnosed with dementia we came to The Hub, and we loved the atmosphere & friendship everyone gave us. When he passed away, I knew it was the best place for me to do something meaningful. My life would be empty if I didn’t volunteer at St Andrew’s. (A)
My mum and I came to The Hub after she was diagnosed with dementia. I took some time away from the hub after she passed away, but I knew I would return to volunteer when the time was right for me. I now volunteer once per week and love being able to help people who are in the same situation as I was with Mum. I have lifelong friends at The Hub. (A)
The Hub has given me some structure to my week since I retired a few years ago. Not everyone can make the weekly commitment, but we are flexible with each other and work well as a team. You need to have patience, be kind, and be prepared to muck in. I became interested when I joined the weekly walking group which meets at St Andrew’s. (J)
I was a member of the church and was asked to help when the hub started 12 years ago. I enjoy volunteering at St Andrew’s as it gives me a sense of purpose and makes me feel that I am doing something worthwhile. I have the time to commit to the people living with dementia who come to the hub as seeing familiar faces helps. (E)
Started coming to the hub as my husband had dementia. It’s worthwhile and I like seeing how it helps people living with dementia. Volunteering at St Andrew’s helps me to stay active and gives me a sense of satisfaction (S)
Initially, I came because I had time on my hands following a period of illness and had undergone tests for dementia which turned out to be something else. I felt I could sympathise knowing what people were going through and thought why not give something back? (J)
I get lots of satisfaction from volunteering at St Andrew’s. It’s lovely to realise what people are capable of doing and makes me proud I can help in a small way. Volunteering gives me an interest and keeps me busy. I’ve made lots of friends and was made welcome by the other volunteers, the Hub staff, those living with dementia, and carers. (L)
Volunteering gives me structure to my week and enjoy helping others. I’m not sure how people would manage without having somewhere like The Hub to come to. If you got some free time, give it a go. (EE)
The person EE volunteers with said “I could not do what I do without EE. She is patient and encouraging and I enjoy having a coffee and a chat with her”
Liz Kennedy – Clydesdale Locality Care at Home Staff Member
Liz has worked in care for thirty-two years, she has worked over retirement age while being a busy mum and gran. She enjoys her job caring for all service users and to help them with the tasks of everyday life.
Liz said: “As carers we are dealing with people life’s and we have got to respect their needs, to be kind and thoughtful. I went through a few personal experiences in a short period of time, and it was the service users that really helped me overcome this and to feel better.”
Liz began her career working in a local nursing home, she was looking after a lady who really liked the way she worked and she asked her if she would be interested in doing a tuck in service for the council so that’s how she got into care with the council.
Liz went onto say that she has continued to work past retirement age because she loves her job and helping other staff and service users alike. She said: I am there for the person and the family and do the very best I can.
Her manager said: Liz is a valuable member of our team, she has such a wealth of knowledge and experience which she readily shares with her colleagues.
Healthy Valleys – Volunteer spotlight
*Helen came to us (Healthy Valleys) following a family bereavement, we realised very quickly that she had lots of great skills to give, she has volunteered for over five years now. Initially helping at the community café, she now helps at some of the group work sessions and mental health courses. She also drives and supports beneficiaries to their group. Helen really is willing to help with anything and one of her star qualities is that she helps the beneficiaries feel welcome and valued.
A Project Worker said “We are so grateful to have Helen volunteer with us. She brought a wealth of experience with her, and she is so kind and caring.
Helen said: “I love being busy and out the house. I feel like I’m making a positive difference. I’m also now involved with another couple of groups and treasurer for one of them! I thought that once I retired that life was going to be quiet and that no one would need me however this is far from the truth. I’m delighted that I’m out and about, learning new information and helping others.”
*Helen is not her real name.
