We cover the Highlands which is larger in area than Belgium and we sometimes feel that issues which affect our older people have a very low profile compared to those in the central belt of Scotland.  We have been very successful in

expanding our membership in the more rural and remote areas of the Highlands.

 

We are an non-political campaigning organisation on issues affecting the welfare our senior citizens.   We do not act as an advocate for individuals, although we welcome feedback from individuals which we can use to support our campaigns.

Our main current Issue that we have taken on board is the opposition to the closure of Local Authority residential homes.   Our main concern being the quality of care provided in some of the private sector homes.   The Highland Council reversed its original intention to build and run five new Care Homes in the Highlands.     The Coucil have, however, engaged with us and is taking our concerns seriously and  intends  to develop a quality assurance programme which will complement the inspections carried out by the Care Commission.
  
How do we make sure the voices of older people are heard?  I send out a Newsletter every month keeping our members up to date with what we as an organisation are trying to do.  We visit groups throughout Highlands to find out what problems they may have in their area and take them on board.  We have two open meeting a year, the first being our Annual General Meeting in June and the second being a pre-Christmas meeting in December.

 

The Network also run a very successful Conference in April which is held in Inverness and well attended by members from throughout the Highlands.     The theme of each Conference reflects topical concerns and issues affecting our senior citizens in the Highlands.

 

Since 2010 we have had representation on the Older People's Consultative Forum, which is a National Committee chaired by the Minister for Public Health  who has responsibility for the health and welfare of the elderly.

This importamt Committee meets at least twice a year and provides us with a voice at National level.

Our Management  Committee meets monthly.  At these meetings we often invite a speaker to come and discuss topical matters. .  We  welcome more older people coming to join us who have a particular expertise which can be of help, or just to become members.

We have carried out surveys of the needs of the elderly in the Highlands with the assistance of the University of Teeside and our own Development Officer.  

 

Molly Doyle

Secretary

HSCN