Speaking Up for Our Age: Celebrating 75 years of national and local older people's groups and organisations in Scotland, 1943-2018 - Age UK
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Speaking Up
for Our Age:
Celebrating 75 years of national and local
older people’s groups and organisations
in Scotland, 1943-2018
Speaking Up for Our Age:
Contents
1940s
OLD AGE IN THE NEW WORLD
PAGE FOUR Speaking Up for Our Age:
Celebrating 75 years of 2018 is a special
national and local older
people’s groups and
year for older
1950s organisations in Scotland, people’s groups and
Doors of opportunity 1943-2018
organisations in
PAGE EIGHT Compiled and edited
by Elizabeth Bryan,
Scotland. 75 years
Age Scotland ago Age Scotland’s
1960s Published by Age Scotland
Causewayside House predecessor charity,
Hives of Industry
PAGE FOURTEEN
160 Causewayside
Edinburgh EH9 1PR
the Scottish Old
www.agescotland.org.uk People’s Welfare
Design by
www.theroundroom.co.uk
Committee, was set up.
© Age Scotland
PAGE TWENTY ISSN 1747-4515 In 1943 there were only three older
people’s welfare committees in
Cover photograph: Members and Volunteers, Broomlands and Bourtreehill Age Concern, 1984.
Scotland. These were in Dundee,
1980s Edinburgh and Peebles. The
Scottish Old People’s Welfare
Fighting Inequality
Committee’s immediate aims
PAGE TWENTY SIX
were to investigate the position of
older people in Scotland and raise
1990 s Age Scotland, part of
awareness of their needs, and to
support the development of local
MAKING OUR VOICES HEARD the Age Network, is an old people’s welfare committees
PAGE THIRTY FOUR independent charity around the country. In 2018 there
dedicated to improving the
are more than 1000 organisations
later lives of everyone on
the ageing journey, within a in membership of Age Scotland
2000s charitable company limited alone, each providing friendship,
THE NEW MILLENNIUM by guarantee and registered activities or services for older people,
in Scotland. Registration or campaigning on behalf of older
PAGE FORTY TWO
Number: 153343 Charity
Number: SC010100. people. Many of these organisations
Registered Office: have been set up by older people,
2010s Causewayside House,
160 Causewayside,
and are run by older people.
LOVE LATER LIFE Edinburgh EH9 1PR.
PAGE FORTY SIX
Front cover picture reproduced by kind permission of Broomlands and
Acknowledgements Bourtreehill Age Concern. All photographs within this publication are the
PAGE FIFTY property of Age Scotland unless otherwise stated.
CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF NATIONAL AND LOCAL OLDER PEOPLE’S GROUPS AND ORGANISATIONS IN SCOTLAND, 1943-2018
Celebrating 75 years of national
and local older people’s groups
and organisations in Scotland,
1943-2018
In the build up to our 75th skills with support from The Living – so often underestimated,
anniversary, Age Scotland Memory Association. It brought undervalued and under reported.
embarked on a project to find members and staff of Age Scotland We hope the publication is a fitting
out more about the charity’s in touch with people who have tribute to those who have gone
history and the development of made an important contribution to before and have put so much
local and national older people’s the development of older people’s time, energy and skill into setting
organisations in Scotland. We were groups and organisations across up and running organisations to
delighted to be awarded funding Scotland to learn from them make older people’s lives better.
from the Heritage Lottery Fund and capture their memories and We hope the publication will spark
to help with some of the project experiences. It highlighted further research into older
costs including support for some wonderful archives people’s organisations
of our member organisations to of photographs, and their important
research and celebrate their own minutes and place in our
history. The Heritage Lottery Fund documents that society - a
also provided us with the resources generations of neglected area
to create a timeline publication older people’s of study and
– a special issue of Advantage groups have attention.
magazine - and a film to present carefully Finally, we
and share our story. This timeline preserved. hope the
publication is the result of several publication
months investigation by volunteers We hope the will inspire
and staff – the Age Scotland publication policymakers,
History Detectives. will give planners, partners
readers a good and people of all
Our journey back in time started understanding of the ages to get behind
in the offices of the Scottish growth and development and get involved in older
Council for Voluntary Organisations of national and local older people’s people’s groups and organisations,
(SCVO), where we rediscovered the groups and organisations over the ensuring Scotland is a good place
minutes of the Scottish Old People’ years, their spirit and vitality, and to grow old in for all our citizens
Welfare Committee. It took us the enormous contribution they today and for future generations.
on many fascinating visits to the have made and continue to make
National Library of Scotland which to advancing later life in Scotland. Elizabeth Bryan
holds many important documents, We hope the publication shines Community Development
periodicals and publications a light on the extraordinary care Co-ordinator, Age Scotland
relating to our history. It enabled and commitment that people
us to learn oral history interviewing have for others in their community September 2018
Mary Marshall, Brian Sloan and Maureen
O’Neill visit the collections of the National
Library of Scotland, August 2018
PAGE FOUR
1939 1940 1942 1943 1943
World War II Conservative led The Beveridge Report, The first The National
begins. Wartime Coalition ‘Social Insurance and meeting of Council of Social
Government Allied Services’, is Scottish Old Service Scottish
is formed. published. In it William People’s Welfare Advisory
Beveridge sets out a plan Committee Committee
to put an end to what he (SOPWC) is held becomes
1940 calls the ‘five giants’ – in Edinburgh. A the Scottish
Food and clothes Want, Disease, Ignorance, sub committee Council of
rationing begins. Squalor and Idleness. on Homes and Social Services.
Older People is
immediately
set up.
s
1940
OLD AGE IN THE NEW WORLD
In 1943 Britain was in the grip of war. The
entire population had been mobilised to
support the war effort, and there was a
strong sense of community spirit often
transcending social class and other barriers.
There was also a growing determination,
powered by the popularity of the 1942
Beveridge Report, that after the war ended
the country could not go back to pre-war
social conditions.
People wanted the future to It was in this context that the formed at this time included the
be better than the poverty first meeting of the Scottish Scottish Churches Consultative
and deprivation that had Old People’s Welfare Committee Committee and the Citizens
been experienced by earlier (SOPWC) took place on Friday Advice Bureaux Advisory
generations. This stirring of 22nd January 1943, in the Committee.
consciousness included concerns offices of the National Council SOPWC brought together a
for a fair deal for older people. of Social Services Scottish range of national voluntary
Life expectancy was increasing, Advisory Committee, sector and charitable
the proportion of older people in Alva Street, Edinburgh. organisations concerned with
the population was growing, and SOPWC was one of number of the welfare of older people,
the war had drawn attention to welfare committees established and the recently established
some of the hardships and needs by the new National Council of Edinburgh Old People’s Welfare
of older people. Social Services Scottish Advisory Council and Dundee Old People’s
Committee during World War Welfare Committee.
II to support the war effort SOPWC’s immediate aims were
and the social wellbeing of the to gather information about the
community of Scotland. Other present position of the care and
important national committees welfare of “the aged”, to provide
CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF NATIONAL AND LOCAL OLDER PEOPLE’S GROUPS AND ORGANISATIONS IN SCOTLAND, 1943-2018
1945 1945 1945 1945
World War II SOPWC writes to SOPWC receives a letter The Lord Provost of
ends. the Department of from the Department Aberdeen calls a public
Health asking if local of Health: the Secretary meeting to gauge
Labour
authorities drawing up of State will consider whether an Old People’s
Government
plans for rehousing are the payment of grants Welfare Committee
is formed.
including houses and to Old People’s Clubs should be formed. The
hostels for aged persons under terms of the Local Aberdeen Old People’s
in their plans. Government (Scotland) Welfare Council is set
Act, 1929. up as result of this
meeting, and starts
a Visiting Scheme.
The founding
a platform for discussion, and to are filled with references to members of the
raise awareness of the needs of endowments of cash and Scottish Old People’s
Welfare Committee
older people. buildings, and fundraising efforts
(1943)
Founding members put great to support the opening of new
time and energy into SOPWC’s Eventide homes by the churches
work and those organisations and some by old people’s welfare
with federations encouraged their committees.
Aged Christian Friend
local branches and members to There were other concerns too. In Society of Scotland;
support the formation of local the 1940s most older people lived Church of Scotland;
old people’s welfare committees at home. Studies carried out by Dundee Old People’s
around the country. SOPWC made SOPWC and the Glasgow Council Welfare Committee;
small donations of £20 to new for Social Service, with funding Edinburgh Old
committees to help with start-up support from the Nuffield Trust,
People’s Welfare
expenses. drew attention to
Council; Federation
Throughout the the hidden poverty
and loneliness of Soroptomists
1940s SOPWC Clubs; Hospital
worked to experienced by
older people. Almoners Association;
address the lack
Many older people Council of Women
of appropriate
were suffering of Great Britain;
homes and
housing for from malnutrition Rotary International;
older people. because of lack Salvation Army;
A working group of means to Scottish Central
was formed access or cook Council of Women’s
to investigate food, and many Rural Institutes;
the issue in needed domestic Scottish Council of
1943 and help. Local old
Women Citizens
immediately set people’s welfare
Association; Scottish
about mapping committees piloted
new initiatives to Trades Union
existing Homes Congress. The
for Older People, help improve diet
and access to food Executive Committee
conducting of the Public
visits to including early
Meals on Wheels Assistance Authorities
established homes, and
Schemes, Home Help Services for in Scotland was
pressing for the building and
creation of more residential older people in times of illness, also invited to send
homes. Committee minutes and Visiting Schemes. representation.
PAGE SIX
1946 1946 1946 1946 1947
National National A Voluntary New Towns Act Edinburgh Old People’s
Insurance Act Health Association agrees plans for Welfare Council, the Women’s
introduces Service Act. is formed in 5 new towns Voluntary Service and the
contributory Fife to pay in Scotland: Medical Officer of Health in
state pensions for wireless Cumbernauld, Edinburgh pilot the first Meals
at age 65 for licenses East Kilbride, on Wheels Distribution Service
men and age for old age Glenrothes, in Scotland, with support
60 for women pensioners. Irvine and from the Red Cross and the
who have retired Livingston. Inner Wheel.
from paid
employment.
s
1940
OLD AGE IN THE NEW WORLD
Cutting of first sod for Cameron House nursery ©
Homes for Old People
British Association for Early Childhood Education
in Scotland
Published in 1947 - price one shilling.
The publication comprised a listing
of 109 Homes in Scotland for Aged
Men and Women, compiled with
the help of Matrons responsible
for the Homes.
SOPWC’s First Secretary -
Miss Grace Drysdale
Grace Drysdale was a pioneering
figure in Edinburgh. She was In 1940 Grace Drysdale took up
one of the leaders of Edinburgh the post of Deputy Secretary of
University Settlement, a charitable the Scottish Council of Social
organisation that she helped Service. In this role she became
to found in 1905 to promote the first Secretary of SOPWC, The list includes:
community development and and she travelled the country
Campbell-Johnstone Home for Aged
the alleviation of poverty in the meeting with civic leaders,
Indigent Gentlewomen, Crieff.
city. University undergraduates, church ministers and branches
Charge is: £3 3 shillings.
academics and researchers of national organisations such
Remarks: Over 60 years of age. Able
were resident in ‘Settlement as the Soroptomists and Rotary,
to look after themselves. Medical
Houses’ which were situated in to talk about the SOPWC and the
Certificate of good health required.
underprivileged communities. needs and hardships of older
Grace Drysdale was the warden people and to encourage and Sir William Fraser Home, Edinburgh.
of one of these Settlement support the setting up of local old Charge is: £60 per annum.
Houses, Cameron House. In 1934 people’s welfare committees. She Remarks: Preference given to
the University Settlement opened retired from her post in 1950 and authors and artists in necessitous
the Cameron House Nursery took a country house in Gifford, circumstances. A certain amount
School, founded and endowed “to accommodate elderly people of coal and gas allocated to
by Grace Drysdale. who need a summer holiday”. each tenant.
CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF NATIONAL AND LOCAL OLDER PEOPLE’S GROUPS AND ORGANISATIONS IN SCOTLAND, 1943-2018
1948 1948 1948 LIFE EXPECTANCY IN 1948
National Health National Glasgow Old People’s
Service (NHS) is born. Assistance Act. Welfare Committee is
For the first time, founded. 180 people
hospitals, doctors, attend the public
nurses, pharmacists, meeting held in the
opticians and dentists Royal Philosophical
are brought together NA TI ON AL
THE NEW
Society, and chaired by MEN: WOMEN:
under one umbrella
organisation to provide
HE AL TH
SE RV IC E
Sir Hector Hetherington.
A donation of £1000 63.8
YEARS
67.6
YEARS
services that are free Your new National Health
is it? How do you get it?
*
Service begins on 5th July.
What
is made to the new
for all at the point of It will provide you with
rich or poor, man woman
charges, except for a few
all medical, dental, and
or child–can use it or any
special items. There are
tions. But it is not a “charity".
nursing care. Everyone–
part of it. There are no
no insurance qualifica-
You are all paying for it,
Committee by the
delivery, financed Mr F W Gardner Trust.
and it will relieve your money mainly as taxpayers,
worries in time of illness.
by taxation.
VICE.
SCOTTISH COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SER
convened by the Scottish
Programme of Joint Conference
Building support
and the Aberdeen Old
The Week’s Good Cause Old People’s Welfare Committee
People’s Welfare Council to be held in the Education
en.
Rooms, Municipal Buildings, Aberde
On 29 December 1946 THURSDAY,29th MAY and FRIDAY,
30th MAY, 1947.
In the immediate post at 8.25pm Sir Hector
war years SOPWC Hetherington, Principal of the 2.30p.m
THURSDAY, 29th May. PROGRAMME:
Chairman’s Remarks.
Provost of Aberdeen,
Welcome to Delegates by The Lord
organised a number of University of Glasgow, Vice Sir Thomas Mitchell, LL.D
Chair of the Scottish Council of
.
Medical Service for the Aged”
public events, broadcasts ADDRESS: “The Co-ordination of
Dr. A. Greig Anderson, M.A., M.D.,
F.R.C.P
Social Service, and supporter
and conferences to draw of SOPWC and Glasgow Old
Discussion.
attention to the needs of
of
3.45p.m ADDRESS:“Account of the work
People’s Welfare Committee, the Scottish Old People’s Welfar
e Committee”.
Miss Grace Drysdale, J.P., Deputy
Officer
older people and its work, made a radio broadcast appeal Scottish Council of Social Servic
Secretary, Scottish Old People
e
’s Welfare Committee.
and to galvanise support. on the BBC’s Week’s Good 5p.m - 6.30p.m TEA INTERVAL.
Cause programme on behalf ADDRESS: “The Housing of the
Aged”.
Health for Scotland
of SOPWC. As well as raising W. Birrell, Esq., Department of
awareness, the appeal raised
Old Age Old Age in the Ne w World
£228 and 15 shillings
in the
SON
EMILY D. SAM
for the charity. Conferences were held in
New World Glasgow in 1945, and in
Exhibition Edinburgh, Stirling and
The Aberdeen in 1947
Committee
LTD.
THE PILOT PRESS
96 delegates from Dundee and
organised the
North of Scotland attended the
©University of Glasgow
bringing of
Aberdeen Conference, held on
the “Old Age in the New World”
29/30th May 1947 organised
Travelling Exhibition to Scotland.
jointly with the Aberdeen Old
It was shown on 20-25th
People’s Welfare Council.
January 1947 in the Rossleigh
Showrooms, Edinburgh. 2054
people attended, including
many older people. The The Week’s Good Cause was By the end of the 1940s
Ministry of Food gave cookery a BBC Radio Broadcast, first Scottish Old People’s Welfare
demonstrations. The exhibition broadcast on 24 January 1926. Committees and Councils are
received a great many requests Charities quickly realised the flourishing in Aberdeen, Alloa,
for a Home Help Service being power of radio to touch a large Ayr, Dundee, Edinburgh, Falkirk,
available for old people when audience and many took up Forres, Glasgow, Nairn and
they were ill. the opportunity. SOPWC went Inverness. Committees are also
on to make a number of similar in development in Kilmarnock,
radio appeals in the 1950s. Perth and Vale of Leven.
PAGE EIGHT
1951 1951 1951 1951 1952
Department of Falkirk and At a meeting of Glasgow Old The first Old People’s
Health Circular District Old members held People’s Welfare Welfare Week is held
No 51/1951 People’s Welfare in Edinburgh City Committee holds across Scotland, 5-12
directs local Committee Chambers, SOPWC their second October 1952 to focus
authorities to organises a becomes an annual “Old Folks attention on all aspects
support voluntary holiday for independent body Week” public of the welfare of old
organisations 30 old people running its own appeal for people and encourage
in the provision to Callander, day to day affairs funding, raising: the setting up of local
of a continuing inspiring other and activities. committees and activities
welfare service local committees The meeting is £1,936 14s 1d for older people.
for old people. to set up similar chaired by Miss
holiday schemes. Rodney Murray,
Lady Provost of
Edinburgh.
195 0
D oo rs of Op po rt
s
un it y
The 1950s was a period of tremendous growth
for older people’s organisations in Scotland.
Local old people’s welfare committees spread
rapidly throughout the country. By 1954 there were
76 committees in operation; Ayrshire alone had 14
committees. Even more impressive was the breadth
of activities and services developed and delivered by
both local committees, and the national Scottish Old
People’s Welfare Committee (SOPWC). Both benefited
from grant funding from the George VI Memorial Fund.
The role of the local committee Local committees were actively
was to co-ordinate, to bring encouraged to set up Visiting
together representatives Services and to view this work
of statutory and voluntary as an essential part of their job. services, chiropody services,
organisations who were willing Visiting Services were primarily to holiday schemes, and a host of
to work cooperatively to identify provide company and alleviate other activities such as free coal
gaps and needs, and develop or loneliness but they were also an or logs, treats, social gatherings
improve support for older people. important means of establishing and outings.
The early emphasis on boosting the needs of isolated older Nationally, SOPWC championed
the number of residential homes people in a local area. Local the formation of new old
for older people gave way committees were also people’s welfare committees
to the development of at the forefront of and their activities, promoting
a range of welfare establishing social their work and providing advice,
services that would and recreational and information guides. The
enable older people clubs for older Old People’s Welfare, Scottish
to remain in their people, meals Bulletin was published three
own home, and
improve the quality of This forget-me-not club badge belonged
life of older people. to Mr Bertie McCubbin. Friendships were
formed by recognition of the badge.
CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF NATIONAL AND LOCAL OLDER PEOPLE’S GROUPS AND ORGANISATIONS IN SCOTLAND, 1943-2018
1952 1952 1953 1953 1953
SOPWC publishes The Five Thousand Shilling A SOPWC Queen’s SOPWC gives evidence
“A Handbook Fund in Montrose achieves survey finds Coronation. to the Phillips
of Old People’s its target enabling the 24 local old SOPWC Committee appointed
Clubs” providing Montrose Old People’s people’s welfare provides 3680 by the Chancellor of the
advice on Welfare Committee to committees caddies of Exchequer to review
the financial purchase two television are providing tea to local the economic and
administration sets, one for the residents chiropody committees financial implications
of a club, ideas of Dorward House, a services working to present of the prospective
for programmes home for older people, together with to older increase in the numbers
and activities, and the other for their branches of the people during of “the aged”. Phillips
and examples Old Folk’s Club. British Red Cross Coronation recommends increasing
of weekly clubs, Society and Week. the minimum pension
daily clubs and local authorities. age to 68 for men and
lunch clubs. 63 for women.
times per year, and was packed
with news of developments from
committees and clubs around
the country and reports from the Operation Logs in Falkirk
work of SOPWC. As the range of
local services and activities grew Community spirit bringing the
generations together in common cause
Photograph reproduced by kind permission of Falkirk Age Concern
the Bulletin included fundraising
tips such as Works’ Penny-a-
Week donation schemes, door to
door collections and flag days.
The blue forget-me-not flower
which decorated the front cover
of the Scottish Bulletin became
a symbol for the movement.
Enamel brooches, Christmas
cards, flags for street collections
and envelopes for house to
house collections were produced
with this motif. SOPWC led on
national preparations for Older
People’s Week in Scotland from
1952 onwards, galvanising
interest and providing resources
to local committees to support
their participation. “The operation epitomised what can be done when
there is a true spirit of altruism and co-operation in a
National conferences, meetings
common cause. The winters were cold, the old people
and training events were
were in need, the logs were made available thanks
organised by SOPWC to provide
to the kindness of Cllr Forbes [owner of the Callendar
a platform to share ideas and
Estate], the Borstal Boys cut them, the Scouts bagged
practice, advance new thinking
them, the Rotarians and Round Tablers delivered them,
and areas of work, and to
businessmen lent their lorries, the drivers gave of their
give guidance and support to
time without recompense, and the Falkirk Old People
volunteers. Importantly, SOPWC’s
Welfare Committee served tea and pies, provided by
function also included speaking
Mr Myles, the butcher, at no cost.”
for older people to the Ministries
that affected their wellbeing. Falkirk Old People’s Welfare Committee
Annual Reports 1950s
PAGE TEN
1953 1953 1954 1954 1954
Comedian Jimmy SOPWC SOPWC submission to the The King There are 156
Logan makes a conference Guilleband Committee of George VI Old clubs in Scotland
radio broadcast theme is “A Enquiry into the cost of People’s Club administered
appeal on behalf comprehensive the NHS calls for closer Development by, or directly
of the SOPWC in Health and contact between Hospital Scheme Scottish connected
The Week’s Good Welfare Authorities and the Welfare Committee opens with, local old
Cause slot. His Service for Departments of Local to applications. people’s welfare
grandparents Old People”. Authorities and “more local committees.
are members clinics wherein prevention
of an Old Folk’s work can be carried out in
Club and he order to relieve pressures
regularly provides on hospitals”.
entertainment.
195 0
D oo rs of Op po rt
s
un it y From Airways Terminal
Building to Old Folk’s Club
“In the autumn of 1958 I
noticed an advert offering for
sale the Terminal Building of
SOPWC Silver City Airways at Castle
Kennedy Airport, Stranraer. The
Chairman advert was headed ‘Of interest
Miss Rodney to Community Associations,
Sports Clubs, etc’. Next day, the
Murray chairman, myself and a local
Miss Rodney Murray joiner made the journey to
became Chairman in Stranraer and found the building
March 1951, and was to be just what was required.
a key figure in SOPWC It was only 18 months old
throughout the 1950s and the price asked was £850.
and 1960s. Prior to After some months delay the
taking up the role she building became ours. Our joiners
was Lady Provost of dismantled the building, had it
Edinburgh – through removed to Milngavie and had it
her brother, Sir re-erected in its present position
Andrew Murray, who in the Memorial Gardens.”
was elected Lord
Provost, 1947-51.
One of Miss Murray’s © The Scotsman Publications Ltd
first engagements as SOPWC Chair
was to give the opening address are lonely, to aid those with
at the October 1951 SOPWC failing powers and create new
Conference on the importance of interests in the lives of many who
Visiting Schemes, entitled “Doors had lost hope. These ‘Doors of
of Opportunity for an Old People’s Opportunity’ are twice blessed.”
Welfare Committee”. Impressions of the Conference
Report Old People’s Welfare, James Roy, Former Chairman,
“Miss Murray’s talk made one
Scottish Bulletin, 1952 Milngavie Old People’s Welfare
realise that it is a privilege to knock
Committee. Writing in the
at these Doors of Opportunity, in an
Old People’s Welfare, Scottish
endeavour to comfort those who
Bulletin, 1966CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF NATIONAL AND LOCAL OLDER PEOPLE’S GROUPS AND ORGANISATIONS IN SCOTLAND, 1943-2018
1955 1955 1955
SOPWC holds the SOPWC’s Information Handbook “Gather Round”
first of a series of of Old People’s Welfare, known as is the theme for
training courses “The Wee Blue Book”, is published Old People’s Week.
for voluntary by The Scottish Council of Social SOPWC organises
workers in Old Service. The Handbook includes a national poster
People’s Welfare. information for the older citizen competition to create
The courses that visitors or workers need to publicity for the Week.
are funded by know such as welfare services, The winning entry
a grant from pensions, health services, legal shows “three elderly
the King George affairs, banking accounts, the people gathered
VI Memorial making of a will, income tax, companionably round
Foundation Social housing and holidays. a blazing fire”.
Service Scheme
(Old People).
“A lovely old house, just off the main road and
with a pretty garden in front, has been acquired
by the Alloa Old Peoples Welfare Committee for
l d Pe o p l e ’s We l fa re a Day Club. All the club premises are on ground
The O 951 level. They consist of two small sitting rooms
Scottish Bulletin 1 and a very large drawing room, all furnished
with small tables and chairs upholstered in a
warm red colour; a small chiropody room with
Leaflets are available on: No 3 gives a useful a basin, bath, and a comfortable sofa; a wireless
No. 1. How to start an sample visitor’s record room gifted and maintained, even to weekly
Old People’s Welfare sheet. In its essence fresh flowers, by the Alloa Rotary Club.”
Committee. Price 1d. visiting must be a Old People’s Welfare, Scottish Bulletin, 1952
No. 2. Suggestions for call from a friend, but
underlying this is a
Local Old People’s Welfare
responsibility that can The Kirkwall Good
Committees. Price 1d.
only be discharged Companions Club in Orkney
No. 3. The Organisation of by the keeping of an
a Visiting Service. Price 1d. “Each Wednesday afternoon anything,
adequate record both by depending upon the weather, up to 50 people
No. 4. Notes for the Use of the individual visitor and foregather in a pleasant carpeted room in
Visitors to Old People. the Visitation Organiser. the community centre for social intercourse
Price 1d.
and recreation. Happy hours are whiled away
in Euchre, whist, draughts and dominoes
Holidays to other Homes while groups around the two fire places
recall reminiscences of bygone days; the old
“My committee arranged a holiday for five of our old folk salts recall stirring episodes in their seafaring
and I received five in exchange. We made no alteration experiences, while the oldest and one of the
in payments, no exchange of ration or pension books. most active ladies, now aged over 90, intrigues
We simply took our people by car and brought back the her listeners with memories of the many great
others. The return journey is to be undertaken by the houses in which she served in the spring and
other Matron, and this gives the Matrons a chance to see summer of her strength. Always before the
each other’s Homes. It enables the old folk to make new meal at 5pm, a short concert provided by local
friends with whom they can correspond and even visit.” and able talent, is held.”
Matron of a Home, Old People’s Welfare, Scottish Bulletin, 1951 Old People’s Welfare, Scottish Bulletin, 1952
“50% of old people treated cannot cut nails for the first time for three years
attend a hall or clinic and must be and one old man’s nails were so thick a
visited in their own homes. Many are relative had been forced to cut them with
unable to write or telephone and a tinsmith’s cutters!”
depend upon a visitor to make their Chiropodist Report, Old People’s Welfare,
appointment. In more than one case I Scottish Bulletin, 1953PAGE TWELVE
1956 1957 1958
A survey finds 35 Old People’s Young people The Glasgow Retirement
Welfare Committees and the play a prominent Council is founded following a
Women’s Voluntary Service are part in Older report and conference on the
providing meals for older people. People’s Week welfare of retired people in the
Glasgow Old People’s Welfare providing and Glasgow area - many of whom
Committee (GOPWC) and the WVS delivering parcels were found to be “just looking
supply 15,618 meals to old people to housebound at the wall”. The Council’s first
in their own homes in one year up to older people. day release Preparation for
30th June 1956. During this period Retirement Course is held
GOPWC also provides 14,750 meals at Langside College.
in its 9 lunch clubs.
195 0
D oo rs of Op po rt
s
un it y The Welfare Van in Skye
KING GEORGE VI In March 1956 Skye
King George VI TRAINING COURSE FOR VOL
UNTARY WORKERS Old People’s Welfare
Training course for IN OLD PEOPLE’S WELFARE
Committee put a Welfare
voluntary workers in KELSO
Friday and Saturday,
Van on the road, funded by
old people’s welfare 18th and 19th March, 1955 a grant from the National
HOSTESS: Corporation for the Care of
Miss Rodney M Murray OBE
This was the first of 20 Residential Chairman of the Scottish Old
, Older People.
Leaders Training Courses to be People’s
Welfare Committee “Driven by voluntary helpers
held throughout Scotland by The course was divided into
six sessions an average of 300 miles a
SOPWC, under the King George and aimed at giving instruct
ion and month has been covered.
imparting knowledge about:-
VI Social Service Scheme (Old The services now able to be
1. The old person’s point of
People). The object of the course 2. The complementary nature
view.
continued >
was to bring a few key people and statutory services.
of voluntary
Preparing for Old People’s Week in Bathgate
together from each town and 3. The voluntary worker in act - Mrs E Henderson, Mr D Tervit and Mr A Hendry
ion.
district who would return to their 4. Friendly visits. distribute copies of Bathgate Old People’s Week
own areas prepared to start a 5. How the work may be plan
ned in your
programme from their sky blue Information
Centre –a van donated by Bathgate
local committee or develop the own town or village.
Co-operative Society
work of an existing Old People’s 6. What other areas are doin
g.
Guest speakers led the stud
Welfare Committee. During Prepared notes were given
y group sessions.
out.
1955-57 337 people attended The local Drama Group gav
ea
9 Regional Leaders Courses in Demonstration of Visiting with
Kelso, Dundee, Crieff, Ayr, Fort a production of the play,
“It isn’t always easy”.
William, Inverness, Kirkcaldy,
Dumfries and Aberdeen.
Household Pets
“Lochaber District Committee has an imaginative Chairman in Mrs
Hobbs who has many original inspirations. Not the least of these
is supplying budgies to old people who are alone and like birds. A
budgie can be a great companion and less trouble than a cat or a
dog. The greatest difficulty lies in getting cages. If anyone has an
unwanted cage and could get it delivered to the SOPWC it would be
passed on to Mrs Hobbs.”
Old People’s Welfare,
Scottish Bulletin, 1957CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF NATIONAL AND LOCAL OLDER PEOPLE’S GROUPS AND ORGANISATIONS IN SCOTLAND, 1943-2018
1959 1959 1959
The Queen Mother opens the Glasgow Old There are 121 constituted
Five Ways Club in Dundee, People’s Welfare old people’s welfare
a new daily club providing a Committee committees affiliated
midday meal for older people. has 67 clubs in to the SOPWC, “and a
One of its most popular operation in the further 140 committees
facilities is a bath. The club City with a total which cannot yet
also opens a laundrette, membership meet the conditions
and a laundry service. of 8256; many of affiliation but which
are operating are known to be doing
at capacity. excellent work in
their areas”.
The 1959 Edition
d
of the A BC for Ol
provided are many and varied.
Some volunteers have taken an People’s Week
average of five people at a time
Remember that many people
to shopping, other people have
been transported to hospital or
Activity in Retirement! are lonely but particularly
to physiotherapy and chiropody Boost Old People’s those who are not so active as
clinics. The van has also enabled Theatrical Talent! they were!
the chiropodist to visit outlying Conveyance to Church Old associations make
crofts. A home was found for two on Sundays! happy conversations!
ladies and they were conveyed
to it and their friends have been Drives in Private Cars! Privacy is precious and
taken to visit them. The Home Exchange outings a delicate approach is
Help is taken round, transport has between Clubs! recommended for all those
been provided to the Ferry and to who would like to form a
church, and the van was used to
Fund raising – Ask your local Visiting Committee!
Chemist if you can have
take old people to see the Queen
a year’s takings from his Quiz Competitions for
when she visited the island.” Old People’s Gatherings!
weighing machine!
Old People’s Welfare,
Gift Vouchers from Local Reading to those with
Scottish Bulletin, 1957 failing sight and Talking Book
Shops at Christmas-Time!
Machines for the Blind!
Handicraft Lessons for
Retired Persons! Sing-Songs by
Old People’s Choirs!
Individuality of the Senior
Citizens respected! Tea-parties in private houses!
Jollifications at regular Useful little jobs done
intervals! to help the frail!
Knitting orders obtained Variety in Club Activities
for gifted older women! using members talent!
Letter-writing by the Voluntary Woodcraft for elderly men!
Worker with a good hand! X is reserved for
Meals Clubs – Keep the old special occasions!
people out of hospital and Youth can help Age!
the undertaker away.
The Zenith - relaxation
New Year Resolution – and well-being in old age.PAGE FOURTEEN
1960 1960 1960 1961
The Bathgate Old People’s The Lord Provost The Royal Society Edinburgh and
Community Centre Fund of Glasgow, Sir for the Prevention Leith Old People’s
reaches £4000. Among Myer Galpern of Accidents “Check Welfare Council
the latest donations are £3 MP, opens the That Fall Campaign” lease the historic
collected by four local girls first Crafts and receives completed Lamb’s House
who raised the money by Hobbies Centre questionnaire cards from from the National
carol singing at Christmas. for retired men members of old people’s Trust for Scotland
in Penilee. The clubs across Scotland to accommodate
centre is the only revealing “widespread their 450
one of its kind rheumatism and members. The
19 in Britain. arthritis, bad conditions programme at
HIVES OF INDUSTRY
of the feet and lack Lamb’s House
of safety aids in the inspires day clubs
60
bathroom”. and centres
across Scotland.
The development of Old People’s Clubs dominates the pages
of the Old People’s Welfare Scottish Bulletins throughout the 1960s.
Weekly old people’s clubs continued to grow in number supported by the local old
people’s welfare committees and other groups who obtained the use of a room
or a church hall one afternoon a week to bring older people together for weekly
entertainment, tea, and companionship. These clubs remain important to this day.
But by the 1960s many local old (his Provost’s personal allowance) to individuals
who by some
people’s welfare committees were scheme of
also looking to run daily clubs which their own
could accommodate a host
of services and activities to Building of the Evergreen Hall in Hawick
interest and suit the needs of
their members. Significantly,
they were also working
towards having their own
club premises.
SOPWC was represented on the Scottish
Committee of the King George VI
Foundation, Old People’s Club Development Scheme could make
Scottish Committee by Miss Rodney Murray. The the £1 grow
scheme made available capital grants to enable the into £5,
building of new club premises, or to support groups thereby
to improve existing premises by installing heating bringing
and new furnishings or the purchase of equipment in £243
for activities. By 1965 the Scottish Committee had towards
© The Scotsman Publications Ltd.
awarded £24,530 to older people’s groups. the total
Grants only paid for a proportion of a club’s project cost of the old people’s permanent club building.
development costs, however, and old people’s Together with help from local businesses, the
welfare committees, civic leaders and supporters town council, door-to door collections and raffles,
embarked on a variety of fundraising initiatives to the £4000 target was reached within 6 months in
help raise money for club premises. In Dalkeith in Dalkeith, and the new purpose built club hall
1962, Provost David Smith gave away sixty £1 notes opened in 1966.CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF NATIONAL AND LOCAL OLDER PEOPLE’S GROUPS AND ORGANISATIONS IN SCOTLAND, 1943-2018
1961 1962 1962 1962
Businessman and The National Old People’s Week theme Prestwick Old People’s
philanthropist Assistance Act is “Friendship and Service Welfare Committee,
Cecil Jackson-Cole (1948). Amendment between Youth and Age” founded in 1954, begin
founds the Help gives powers to local a new service – an old
Hamish Henderson,
the Aged Refugees authorities to institute people’s bus to convey
poet and founder of the
Appeal for older welfare activities members to the seaside
School of Scottish Studies
refugees affected for the provision of and the Prestwick
at Edinburgh University,
by natural disasters recreation or meals Evergreen Choir to local
addresses SOPWC’s Biennial
and conflict. for old people. concert halls in Troon
Conference on the subject of
and Irvine where they
folk songs – “a joyful bond,
entertain older people.
plaited like the generations
£700 is raised locally to
of men, which links young
purchase the minibus.
and old and gives sap and
virr to human existence”.
The Penilee Crafts and Andrew Atkinson devoted much
of his life to the welfare of older
Hobbies Centre for Retired Men people and is remembered in the
Scottish Bulletin for his humanity
The Crafts and Hobbies Centre hobbies in retirement. Local firms and jokey personality. He was
for retired men in Linburn Road, donated machines for the wood Secretary and
Penilee was ground breaking. It work and metal Organiser of
was set up by Glasgow Retirement work rooms, as the Glasgow
Council and Glasgow Corporation well as scrap Old People’s
© The Scotsman Publications Ltd.
following research showing that wood, metal, Welfare
too many older people were not carpet and paint. Committee,
coping well with retirement and A management 1949-59.
felt lonely and unhappy. They committee of In 1961 he
missed having a daily routine, the local people became
sense of purpose and self esteem including retired Secretary and
that work had given them, and men with Organiser of
felt cut off from companions. managerial, the Glasgow
The Crafts and Hobbies Centre technical and Retirement
aimed to provide opportunities for trade union experience were Council. He was elected Chairman
fellowship and new interests and responsible for the day to day of the Scottish Old People’s
facilities to take part in crafts and running of the centre. Welfare Committee in 1968.
“There are no instructors. Whether a man horses and so on - all very useful in the house.
is accustomed to working with wood, metal, They have also been having great fun making
plastics, etc., or not, he is welcomed as a dolls houses and furniture, wheel barrows,
member of the centre. The retired men who garages, dolls shops etc for the handicapped
are skilled craftsmen are only too happy to children of Kilbourne School and for the boys
guide and assist those who have no previous and girls in Mearnskirk Hospital.
experience of craft work. No remuneration They have been busy too, making aids for disabled
is attached to the work being done, but that does not people, long handled shoe horns and pick-ups, perspex
mean that the men are merely passing time. handles riveted to spoons and forks, perspex collars for
During the first year of the Centre, the members had a soup plates and dinner plates, playing card holders for
grand time turning the scrap materials available to them one handed persons, bed rests and bed-tables for the
into all sorts of useful articles, for themselves and for bed-ridden.
other old people – garden seats, coal bunkers, footstools, Companionship they have found. Every article they
slipper boxes, work baskets, bedside cabinets, bed tables, make is needed by someone – and will be appreciated.
coffee tables, ornamental wall brackets, ornamental Time can no longer be wasted.”
plaster cast figures, fireside and bedside rugs, clothes Andrew AtkinsonPAGE SIXTEEN
1963 1963 1963 1964
SOPWC holds St Mungo’s Old Glenrothes Old Travel Concessions
its first training Folk’s Club in People’s Welfare Act. It is now possible
course for the Glasgow opens Committee opens for local authorities to
conveners of on 7th October a lunch club to grant reduced fares
daily clubs. 1963. By the end help older people for elderly persons
of the first operating who have left travelling on any
year the club has behind their homes, vehicles run by these
806 members. friends and familiar authorities.
surroundings
to settle in the
19 New Town.
HIVES OF INDUSTRY
60
SOPWC organised a programme
of training events for club
conveners across Scotland.
Daily Clubs were held in a variety of premises
from adapted historic houses to purpose built,
new builds. The scope of services offered was
unique to each club and included the provision
of a host of crafts, music, indoor bowling, games
and keep fit activities, libraries, spaces for chat
and company, nutritious and affordable meals,
practical services such as chiropody, hairdressing,
laundry services and hot baths. East Kilbride Old
People’s Welfare Committee even hosted a boot
and shoe repair service.
King George VI day course
for conveners of daily clubs Mrs Carroll addressed the topic of ‘Keeping Fit in
Clubs’. The class in physical fitness for older people
52 leaders and helpers from different was a new idea to most of us. Mrs Carroll carried
parts of Scotland attended the first SOPWC us away with her charm and grace to the point
Training Course for Club Conveners at Lamb’s where the whole course became a sea of waving
House, Edinburgh. (or wavering) arms. Amongst other things, we saw
“Our first greeting came from the Lamb’s how standing in a properly balanced way helps the
House Club members out settling themselves older person not be knocked over in a thoughtless
comfortably in the sun for a morning pipe and crowd. Mrs Carroll’s talk and demonstration drew
crack. Many of us had heard a good a most enthusiastic response and a
deal about Lamb’s House, and arrived KING GEORGE VI DAY COUR
FOR CONVENERS OF DAILY
SE
CLUBS
number of clubs mean to follow this
in a mood of curiosity and anticipation. LAMB’S HOUSE,
BURGESS STREET, LEITH, EDINB
up and start a class.
We saw for ourselves how the services,
URGH.
We ended the talks with some thoughts
WEDNESDAY, 26th AUGUST,
1964,
hairdressing, laundry, chiropody – to
11 a.m to 4.30 p.m
Buses to Lamb’s House will
leave and discussion about the kind of personal
name a few, were being worked out Waverley Station, Edinburgh,
at 10.50 a.m, and return from
problems that the elderly people have to
and developed…Mrs Bayne’s vital and Lamb’s House at 4.45 p.m.
Subjects to be discussed at face, and where help can be found.”
the Courses:
absorbing talk “Club Activities” rounded 1. Club Activities.
2. Physical Recreation
off our view of Lamb’s House. 3. Help with individual problems Old People’s Welfare, Scottish Bulletin, 1964CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF NATIONAL AND LOCAL OLDER PEOPLE’S GROUPS AND ORGANISATIONS IN SCOTLAND, 1943-2018
1964 1965 1965 1967
The BBC’s “Home SOPWC publishes “Age and The Old People’s John C Stewart founds the
This Afternoon - “a Need in the Countryside” Welfare, Scottish Employment Bureau for the
programme of interest by Dr Ian Richardson, Bulletin reports Retired, organised by the
to all, with older Chairman, Aberdeen Old that Ayrshire, Glasgow Retirement Council.
listeners specially in People’s Welfare Council. Dunbartonshire, Over the coming years the
mind” begins on the The publication is based Fife, Lanarkshire, Bureau, staffed by volunteers,
Home Service, and is on a lecture delivered at Perthshire, helps to find part-time
broadcast weekday the SOPWC Club Conveners Renfrewshire employment for 3,261
afternoons mainly training course in Brora and Stirlingshire older people.
from London. The first and highlights 6 needs of all now have
Scottish broadcast older people in rural areas: more than 20 old
comes from Lamb’s health, income, housing, people’s welfare
House, Edinburgh. occupation, company and committees.
spiritual needs.
Dalkeith Daily Club – Broughty Ferry Day
Club, first of the
“There is no limit to the good
Dundee Old People’s
that can emerge from it” Welfare Committee’s
Daily Clubs, new
premises in 1964
“We have already
experienced frailty creeping
into our club membership.
Many of our original
members are finding it
Perth Old People’s difficult to attend… A group
Welfare Council opened was formed from the active
its new club at members and they visit the
62-64 Tay Street, semi-housebound keeping
on 5th September 1960 them up to date with all
the club news and views.
“The Club is a very attractive “This A very strong bond exists
one and is a credit to the Perth clubroom between the active and the
Old People’s Welfare Council. is intended no longer active members,
Its accommodation includes to banish and we are amazed
a Hall with a seating capacity the misery that they give us their
for some 200 people, a large brought about by isolation from one’s wholehearted support and
lounge which is attractively fellow creatures. It is intended to bring interest, even though it is
decorated and equipped with people together. It is intended to provide from long range. This grand
easy chairs, a television set an atmosphere of warmth, companionship feeling of camaraderie
and bookcases with a supply of and social contentment. This can in our membership is
modern novels. In addition there become a base for creating a revolution most uplifting to all our
is a well equipped kitchen, and in the community’s obligation to its older willing workers.”
four rooms of varying size for members. There is no limit to the good that Old People’s Welfare,
small group activities. Altogether can emerge from it. Of all the tasks that I Scottish Bulletin, 1966
£10,000 has been spent on the have had to perform in public life none has
new club. A grant was made of given me greater pleasure, none has given
£1,500 towards this sum by the me a better sense of accomplishment than
King George VI Old People’s Club the handing over of these premises to the
Development Scheme.” old folk of Dalkeith.”
Old People’s Welfare, Provost David Smith at the opening of the
Scottish Bulletin, 1960 Dalkeith Daily Club, 1st October 1966PAGE EIGHTEEN
1968 1968 1969 1969 1969
Margaret Bayne The Health Services SOPWC’s Biennial Livingston Glasgow Old
of Lamb’s House, and Public Health Bill Conference “The New Town People’s Welfare
Leith is named and the Social Work New Horizon”, sets up an Old Committee opens
Scotswoman (Scotland) Bill make reflects the growing People’s Welfare its 100th Weekly
of the Year. the provision of a interest on learning, Committee. Club.
home help service hobbies and
a duty of local occupations
100th
authorities. in retirement.
19
HIVES OF INDUSTRY
60
Club Life at St Mungo’s
“From Monday to Friday the Club opens
at 10.30 a.m. and Club Life immediately
The Daily Club gets underway. Morning papers are read,
the gossip starts, some go to have a hot
in Friockheim bath, some to arrange about their laundry:
Montrose Old Men’s Club – classes go into session. Lunch is served
A Place For Fellowship from 12.30 p.m to 130-160 members. It
is a an excellent three-course meal, from
“In a nutshell this is not an Foresthall Hospital, costing 1/- (this is heavily
ambitious project but it is a subsidised by Glasgow Corporation).
satisfying one. The numbers are
not large but those who want Afternoons are usually hectic. Drama
to come find peace, fellowship, group rehearsals, keep fit sessions (50-
and pleasant surroundings, and 100 members attend) which are under
that counts a lot in a lonely life. the careful supervision of two qualified
When founded, the policy was physiotherapists from Foresthall, usually end
to provide a place where mainly amid much laughter and old-time dancing.
“In Friockheim the elderly men could come and go; Less hectic are dominoes, cards, reading and
lunches are cooked chat, smoke, look at the television the interminable gossip. Tea and a cake at
on the club premises and above all be cosy. Bachelors 3pm costs 4d.
and are enjoyed and widowers often find it difficult On the financial side many members claim
by members who to provide themselves with a they save as much 4/- to 5/- a day on light,
attend the Lunch cosy corner and this clubroom is fuel and food at home.”
Club but also by greatly appreciated by those who
Old People’s Welfare, Scottish Bulletin, 1967
many who are use it in winter as a place where
housebound. there is friendship and warmth,
Some of these and with that goes the chance to
meals are delivered economise on the ever increasing
by the more active cost of heat and light at home…
members of At Christmas there are little gifts,
the Club.” and this year to some 30 who still
Old People’s Welfare, have coal fires, there was a box
Scottish Bulletin, 1967 of kindling wood. The verger of
the Episcopal Church sawed and
chopped the lot.”
Old People’s Welfare,
Scottish BulletinCELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF NATIONAL AND LOCAL OLDER PEOPLE’S GROUPS AND ORGANISATIONS IN SCOTLAND, 1943-2018
Hives of Industry
“It is impossible to be a club member and
to feel unwanted and useless. The days of
sitting back and of being entertained have
gone except for those whose strength permits
no more. Hives of Industry is a more apt
description of the clubs. While games of whist,
darts and carpet bowls are still as popular as
ever, libraries have grown up, dressmaking
classes and knitting have been busily engaged
in, a cobbling group is about to start…”
Old People’s Welfare, Scottish Bulletin
Dundee Old People’s Welfare Committee
Opens a Bring or Buy Shop, 1968
“It was not our own idea to open a shop in aid of funds
for the Dundee Old People’s Welfare Committee, but we
had read in an edition of the Scottish Bulletin of the Dalry
House Shop in Edinburgh and decided to try a similar one in
Dundee. We approached Dalry House and the Committee
most kindly gave us the benefit of its experience.
The Woodside Club, run by Aberdeen Old
People’s Welfare Committee, received £1500
from the King George VI Foundation,
Old People’s Club Development Scheme
Scottish Committee.
Transport to Scheme to purchase
bring people a Bedford ambulance
which by means of a
Lamb’s House hydraulic lift would
“Lamb’s House was help us to transport
awarded £1200 from the amputation cases
the King George VI and the very frail old
Old People’s Club people in their own
We were able to rent a shop near the centre of Dundee and Development chairs right to Lamb’s
over a few months collected a stock of good cast-off House. Transport to
clothing, bric-a-brac, household linen, books, glass and bring people to the
chinaware. On completion of one year’s trading we centre to have their
found the venture most worthwhile. Our customers, laundry done, for
old and young, appreciate the bargains offered and baths, hairdressing
our helpers agree that although the work is hard it is physiotherapy, lunch
very rewarding. Members of the Townswomen’s Guild and above all to
have generously joined with many other ladies to staff belong once more to
the shop which opens three days a week: Thursdays, a family where there
Fridays and Saturdays. Each Wednesday afternoon is is laughter, fun and a
spent sorting and pricing goods and making the shop sense of belonging.”
ready for opening.”
Old People’s Welfare,
Old People’s Welfare, Scottish Bulletin, 1968 Scottish Bulletin, 1968PAGE TWENTY
1970 1971 1971 1972
SOPWC AGM presents “The World Britain goes decimal. SOPWC Lord Polwarth, Minister
of the Elderly” portable exhibition The old money - becomes of State for Scotland,
– “a vivid portrayal of what it is like pounds, shillings and the Scottish performs the official
to become old and alone, what it pence – is replaced Old People’s opening of the new
is like to become old and needed”, by a new system Welfare premises of the Scottish
produced by 24 young people with 100 pence in Council. Old People’s Welfare
working with older people over the pound and no Council at 5 Manor Place
a 2 year period. shillings. saying “You are a small,
skilled, experienced
nucleus, serving a great
network of voluntary
effort on behalf of the
elderly all over Scotland”.
1970 s
“Regionalisation” and to working
with the new departments to
On 21st April 1971 the Scottish Old People’s improve support for older people.
Welfare Committee (SOPWC) became the Falkirk Old People’s Welfare
Scottish Old People’s Welfare Council and Committee, for example, was
represented on the Central
adopted an autonomous constitution. Region Social Work Committee.
Since 1951 SOPWC had been operating as In conjunction with the Social
Work Services Group intensive
an independent body in its day to day work training courses on the topic
and national activities, but constitutionally “Social Work with the Elderly” were
had been an advisory sub-committee of the organised for field and residential
social workers employed by local
Scottish Council of Social Service. Now an authorities, hospital boards and
independent charity, the Council appointed voluntary organisations.
its first Director. Age Concern Scotland began
to grow and was awarded local
After much debate amongst the unitary, all-purpose councils were authority revenue grant funding
membership, the Council adopted formed. The Social Work (Scotland) to appoint a team of 6 field
the name Age Concern Scotland, Act 1968, following the publication development officers working in
retaining the subtitle of the Scottish of the Kilbrandon Report, Grampian, Lothian and
Old People’s Welfare Council for revolutionised statutory social Strathclyde Regions.
constitutional purposes. Many of welfare services. Local authorities New Counselling Services for
the Council’s affiliated old people’s now had a duty “to promote social Older People were developed in
welfare committees also chose to welfare”, allowing for much wider Aberdeen, Inverurie, Edinburgh,
adopt the Age Concern name, as scope for planning and delivering Clarkston/Glasgow, Greenock/Port
did new organisations setting up services. Social Work Departments Glasgow and Paisley.
after 1974 who met the charity’s were set up in each of the Regional Meetings and conferences were
criteria such as Broomlands and Councils. Many local authorities also organised for club conveners.
Bourtreehill Age Concern in Irvine. established Community Education Development Officers also
There were other changes too. In Services following the publication of organised a symposium on “Older
1975 local government in mainland the Alexander Report (1975). People in New Towns”. Some of the
Scotland was reorganised into a Locally and nationally old people’s new towns had been in existence
two-tier system of regional and welfare organisations put great for 20-30 years and the proportion
district councils; in the islands effort into keeping abreast with of older people had grown fromYou can also read
