Finding Support
Find out about the many organisations in Scotland that provide support to people who are older, whether working or retired, and their carers, too. There are also many local initiatives helping to tackle ageism and provide support for older people's issues.
Could these support organisations help you?
Age Concern Scotland
You can turn to Age Concern Scotland for advice, a telephone helpline, free Handyperson service and speaking on your behalf to other service providers. They also offer grants to other groups. They're here to make the lives of older people more secure, comfortable, dignified and enjoyable.
The Age and Employment Network (TAEN)
If you're over 50 and are looking for work or you want to change direction in your career, TAEN could help. Their website provides: practical guides; self-assessment tools to help you appraise your own skills; lists of organisations for mature job seekers and advice on taking steps back into work. You can also find out about relevant news and helpful events.
Carers Scotland
Are you caring for someone who is ill, frail or has a disability? If you are, you're not alone. Nearly 500,000 people in Scotland are providing unpaid care – and around a third are aged 60 and over. Carers Scotland is here to give you essential support, advice and a voice at the highest level, campaigning for justice.
Alzheimer Scotland – Action on Dementia
Need information and advice? Call the 24 hour free helpline on 0808 808 3000. This is just one of many services provided by Alzheimer Scotland for people who have Alzheimers and their carers. They also provide: day centres, home support services, drop-in centres, support groups, carer education, one-to-one support, welfare rights service and more information and advice.
Local initiatives around Scotland
The City of Edinburgh Council, a city for all ages
Read the updated plan for up to 2010, A City for All Ages, on the Edinburgh Council website. The plan aims to help older people become more involved in their community and receive the services they need.
Fife Elderly Forum
If you live in Fife, you may find this website helpful. The Forum offers information, advice and advocacy for older people. It's the umbrella organisation for all elderly forums in Fife and they also consult with and on behalf of local statutory service providers.
West of Scotland Seniors Forum
Do you live in the West of Scotland? This charity can provide essential information and support. With projects such as "Are you cold?" they offer a free information hotline so that people can get the help they need. The Forum is raising awareness of issues affecting older people and ensures that decision-makers and service providers are well informed about older people's needs and views.
(The See the Person web site is not responsible for the content on these linked sites).
