S.A.G.E. Annual Report 2000/2001 Summary

A MESSAGE FROM OUR CHAIRPERSON

I wrote in last year’s annual report that I hoped we would continue to go from strength to strength to fulfil our intention of improving the lifestyles of people living in and using residential and nursing homes throughout Edinburgh. It is a large task for a small organisation, but I am happy to say that this year has taken us to new levels. Thanks to the funds raised by our first development worker, Monica Nail, we now have two workers - Diane and Ann - who together are making sure that S.A.G.E. continues to make progress in its aim of helping residents of Homes across the city to have a stronger voice and are encouraged to use it. John Coghill Blacklaws, Chairperson

BRINGING OUT THE NEWS

The production of our newsletter, S.A.G.E. NEWS, has been a great success. Circulation has increased to 500 copies and four editions have been produced in the last year. The Newsletter has been a mix of information about the work of S.A.G.E. and what is happening within various residential homes. Articles have been written by residents and edited by our editor Joe Wainford, our Executive Committee and our development worker. Thank you to everyone who has contributed articles. Keep them coming!

A VOICE FOR OLDER PEOPLE

Representing the views and raising issues identified by older people living in residential and nursing homes is the key aspect of our work. Over the past year we have held meetings in twelve homes with interested residents. With our new group worker we continue to develop this until we visit all the Homes in Edinburgh. We have also held City-wide meetings, not only our AGM, but in 2000, residents were invited to the City Chambers to hear about the outcome of the Social Work Department’s Best Value review of its residential homes. From these meetings interested older people have put themselves forward for our management committee.

Without the hard work of our management committee and members none of this would be possible. Our management committee has met each month to guide our work and discuss issues such as possible residential home closures, Royal Commission on Long Term Care and Winter Fuel Payments. We have also held discussions with people such as Les McEwan, Director of Social Work Edinburgh City Council, Richard Simmons, Stirling University and Jacqueline Watt, Edinburgh Advocacy and Representation Service

Members of S.A.G.E. have represented older people living in residential and nursing homes by attending events such as a workshop on setting up a Forum for Older People, organised by Edinburgh City Council. We have attended and spoken up at conferences such as the Scottish Executive consultation on the Future of Long Term Care. We have responded to consultation documents from Edinburgh City Council including the Best Value Review and from the Scottish Executive such as the Future of Care Homes and Funding of the Voluntary Sector.

THANK YOU

Thank you to all our members for their interest and support and to our Committee members for their hard work and enthusiasm over the past year. Also a special thank you to our dedicated supporters; Melanie Lewin, Anne Black and Sheila Hardie.
We wouldn’t be here with-out you all!

THANK YOU TO OUR FUNDERS AND SUPPORTERS

Comic Relief

Lloyds TSB Foundation

Joseph Rowntree Foundation

The City of Edinburgh Council Social Work Department