“They never listen to the auld folk, son. We’re invisible.”
Earlier this month eighty older people from groups spread across the community got together in Royston Wardieburn Community Centre for a day of conversation, activities and entertainment.
The event was organised by LifeLong Learning worker Lynn McCabe, with assistance (or maybe hindrance!) from me. The event took weeks to organise – we first met with local activist Betty McVay MBE to talk about staging an event exclusively for older people way back in October last year.
The programme took a few twists and turns along the way, but we finally came up with a plan for a day’s activities: opportunities for older people to share their views alongside a choice of activities to make the day fun. After all, who wants to give up a public holiday to take part in yet another consultation that never changes anything?
Older people’s groups from Drylaw and Muirhouse to West Pilton, Granton and Royston Wardieburn were invited and there was an anxious wait … would anyone turn up? It’s been a long time since anyone tried something on this scale in North Edinburgh – maybe our senior citizens would be happier sticking to their own clubs?
We needn’t have worried. On the morning of the big day a steady stream of people made their way through Royston Wardieburn’s doors, thanks to Pilton Equalities Project’s excellent community transport service. At most, we’d expected 20 – 30 people … but they just kept on coming! That sparked more anxiety: did we have enough soup?
The number of attendees meant we had to do some very quick rethinking – we’ll call it Plan B (aye right!) Sessions were rescheduled and additional rooms allocated, and it all passed off seamlessly … well, almost seamlessly.
The day kicked off with a screening of the ‘Never Give Up’ film made by local activitists, which was followed by group discussions on older people’s perspective of life in North Edinburgh.
What’s good about living here? PEP’s community transport is essential, clubs for older people are a real lifeline, our community centres and libraries are valued places where people can socialise.
What could be better? Older people feel less safe on the streets of our community than they did five years ago: there’s a fear of crime (inevitably antisocial behaviour and motorbikes came up), poor quality roads and pavements and inadequate street lighting. Each of these issues were raised as reasons for not going out. The quality of local shops was criticised, too.
This wasn’t just another ‘greetin’ meetin’’, though – some solutions were offered too. More intergenerational sessions with young people was suggested as a good way for older and young members of the community to better understand each other.
As one participant said, “It’s like they think we’ve always been auld! They can’t imagine that we auldies were young once, just like them. We weren’t born auld!”
Worries that participants would be reluctant to take part in the discussion were very wide of the mark – both sessions had to be curtailed as there was a danger of the programme seriously over-running!
The activities either side of lunch proved very popular: a singalong in the café, gentle seated exercise in the Games Hall and the fun reminiscence session with Living Memories Association (above) were all well-attended. Some chose to visit the Age Scotland information stalls and the Sensory Room was also available for those who just wanted a wee break from the hustle and bustle to enjoy a natter with friends old and new.
Closing the day there was a free raffle, quiz answers, a presentation to Betty McVay and a massive vote of thanks to everyone who made the day such a success – particularly the team of volunteers who were magnificent.
Attendees were asked to comment on the event and the overwhelming verdict was that the day had been a huge success. “More, please!” was one comment. Aye, sure … but maybe a wee rest first!
What happens next? An inter-generational event is a distinct possibility – I recall SACRO’s Tracey Stewart ran a successful programme on this theme some years back, and maybe it’s time to look at something similar. And there may be an appetite for an older people’ s forum to discuss and debate the issues that are important to them – some of our older readers may remember PEP’s OPEN (Older People Empowered Now) Forum; maybe it’s time has come again?
There’s a lot to think about, a number of possibilities. A report is currently being compiled and we’ll share this with you.
“They never listen to the auld folk, son.” Well, to quote legendary singer songwriter Don McLean, perhaps they’ll listen now.
More pictures on the Facebook page
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