SOPA held its first evening reception from 6-8 pm on 9th September in the Garden Room of the Scottish Parliament with MSP Christine Grahame sponsoring the event. People representing many of Scotland's organisations came together to socialise, network and discuss their common and particular concerns about later life. Alex Neil, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Communities and Pensioners' Rights addressed the assembled guests along with various other speakers, including SOPA chair Tom Berney.
Traditional Scottish music, refreshments, stands promoting their work by other organisations and the wonderful setting of the Scottish Parliament made this a memorable and engaging experience for all attending. See Facebook and Twitter for more pictures.
What others have said:
Alex Neil MSP: “It’s important to celebrate the important contribution older people make to their communities and so I’m delighted to support SOPA’s first parliamentary reception. We are committed to improving the lives of older people across Scotland, and are working to tackle pensioner poverty and inequality, and help older Scots live healthy, active and independent lives. As a Government we greatly value and appreciate SOPA’s work providing a strong voice for older people about their concerns and experience of life in Scotland. The Scottish Government will continue to support the free travel pass and will also address people's concerns about the rising cost of funerals."
Christine Grahame MSP, sponsor of the event: "Pensioner power is enormous and as an older person myself, I wish there were more pensioners in parliament. We are positive contributors to society”.
Rohini Sharma, Trust Housing Association: “The SOPA reception in the Parliament provided a great opportunity to network and make contact with some specialist small projects which provide excellent services and also showcase our project to others. It was also good to speak to individuals across Scotland.”
Alison Clyde, Generations Working Together: “Thanks to Scottish Older People's Assembly for giving GWT the opportunity to raise the profile of intergenerational work and the benefits it has for older people. The evening reception was a great success. Thanks to our projects - Clark Community Choir and Citadel Youth Centre - for helping us raise our profile on the night.”
Bill Macdonald, Renfrewshire Seniors Forum: “I first learned about SOPA at a meeting in Paisley where over 50 people attended. Since then I have represented Renfrewshire Seniors Forum as a committee member. I have been inspired to adopt SOPA’s model, to get out and meet as many people as possible – handing them leaflets, newsletters, and minutes of our meetings – so that we can communicate the message about giving older people a voice.”
