Now in its fourth year, the details of the Scottish Older People’s Assembly (SOPA) have been confirmed for 2012. The event will take place on on Friday 2 November 2012 at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC).
The Scottish Older People’s Assembly is an annual event themed around topics of particular relevance to older people. The theme for this year’s Assembly is the older person’s experience of care, which could be in the person's own home, a centre, hospital or care home, and the challenges, good practice examples and the importance of compassionate care.
The 2012 Assembly will also highlight issues around active ageing, preventative care that encourages older people to remain socially connected and the contribution older people themselves make in caring for others.
Nicola Sturgeon MSP (Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy) will be the keynote speaker at SOPA 2012 so this is an ideal opportunity to put the questions that matter to you to the Minister.
Embracing technology
This year’s SOPA plans to use video conferencing to build on the success of last year’s event. Video conferencing will be used with groups from local communities across Scotland, and will include presentations from older people.
SOPA 2012 will be streamed live on the day and will also be available as a webcast to view following the event. If you cannot be in Edinburgh on the day, why not make arrangements with friends or your local group to watch the Assembly live online? You can also follow the event on Twitter.
The details
The Assembly will run from 10.30am to 4.00pm with registration from 9.30am on Friday 2 November 2012. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. This is a free event but unfortunately transport and accommodation costs cannot be covered for those attending.
The Edinburgh International Conference Centre is fully accessible and close to local bus routes and train stations. See the EICC on Google Maps.
Want to attend?
The Scottish Older People's Assembly Steering Group will arrange for invitations to be sent to older people's groups across Scotland through their network arrangements.
If you are not part of a group but would like to attend, you can register interest by email to acfaa@edinburgh.gov.uk or by calling 0131 469 3806 / 3764. As SOPA is likely to be very popular, the event could be oversubscribed. Places will be confirmed in October 2012.
