Free coffee mornings are being organised for older adults and carers across Clackmannanshire to provide information and advice on a range of local services and give local people an opportunity to discuss the issues which matter to them.

The events are part of ongoing work by NHS Forth Valley, local councils, voluntary organisations and the independent sector to support the Scottish Government’s ‘Reshaping Care for Older People’ initiative which aims to help older people lead fuller more independent lives. This work is particularly important as the number of people aged over 75 in Forth Valley is set to double in the next 20 years.

It is hoped that through the four year programme, organisations will identify new ways of working that will support people to stay in their own homes for as long as possible, and avoid unnecessary admission to a hospital or care home. This includes increased support and social opportunities for dementia sufferers and their carers.

NHS Forth Valley’s Public Partnership Forum Coordinator Jessie-Anne Malcolm said: “Similar local events were held in 2012 which were a great success and allowed older adults and their carers to gain vital information of services and help available to them. It also increased the membership of the Public Partnership Forum across Clackmannanshire. This year there is going to be a stall manned by Clackmannanshire Council’s Social Services Department covering Day Care Services/Self-directed Support and general enquiries which will be of great benefit to many local people.”

The events will be hosted at the following locations, between 10am and 12pm:

• Clackmannan Town Hall – Tuesday 29^th April 2014
• Alloa Town Hall – Thursday 1^st May 2014
• Tillicoultry Baptist Church – Wednesday 7^th May 2014
• Activ 8 Sauchie Hall – Thursday 8^th May 2014
• Tullibody Civic Centre – 13^th May 2014