The 2023 Global Ageing Network Conference was held in Glasgow, in September, in conjunction with Scottish Care and the National Care Forum – leading care and support provider associations in Scotland and England. This provided an outstanding opportunity and venue for colleagues to gather in a unique forum dedicated to shared learning and professional networking. The conference showcased innovative and forward-looking programmes and approaches from around the world, and offered a stimulating forum for the exchange of both practical knowledge and new strategies focused on the provision of high quality care and support. Delegates had the opportunity to learn about innovative practices, explore new ideas, and create environments that maximise the quality of life for those who require/access care and support.
Scottish Dementia Working Group (SDWG) Member and European Working Group of People with Dementia (EWGPWD) Vice-Chair Margaret McCallion presented at the conference. Margaret was invited by the CEO of Scottish Care, Donald Macaskill to share her personal experience living with her diagnosis but also her aspirations for social care and services as she gets older. Margaret shared how she lives her "best life" and asked the audience to “see the person, not their age, not their illness but the whole person”. As part of the panel discussion Margaret McCallion shared the work of the Active Voice Team and how the SDWG makes a difference and tries to bridge the gap between policy and practice. "Getting older has lots of challenges in itself without the worry of your needs being met within an already stretched social care system. What do I want for the Future ? I want to be listened to. I want to have choices. I want to stay in my community. I want to have my human rights upheld", said Margaret. Pictured: Margaret with Active Voice Lead, Wendy Rankin-Smith and CEO of Scottish Care, Donald Macaskill.
