In case you’re not on our mailing list and you missed our December newsletter, (you can subscribe by filling in your details in the form on the right) we’re very excited with what we have planned for 2016.
The achievements of our three board members (Chairman Andrew Larpent, Sharon Blackburn and Judy Martin) at CHOGM People’s Forum and Business Forum exceeded expectations. Andrew had the opportunity to present CommonAge to attendees, and our board members met many interesting people and organisations. In all their discussions, they were listened to with interest and respect for what we are seeking to do. A highlight was the ministerial meeting with Dr Justyne Caruana, the Maltese Parliamentary Secretary for Rights of Persons with Disability and Active Ageing,
As a result of our achievements over the past year, at CHOGM we were strongly encouraged to apply for formal Commonwealth accreditation as soon as we can. The Commonwealth will shortly have a new Secretary General who will have the task of modernising the institutions and the secretariat, and this will be a great opportunity for us as we continue to build our profile within the organisation.
We are eternally grateful and thank our Ambassadors for CommonAge in Australia, Cameroon, Canada, Ghana, Guyana, India, Kenya, Malta, Mauritius, New Zealand, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, United Kingdom, Zambia and Zimbabwe, who are doing a great job at spreading the word. Our aim is to increase this number somewhat and so we at least one CommonAge Ambassador in each of the 53 Commonwealth countries by the end of 2016.
Our presence at a global level is increasing and in 2016, we are planning support for the IFA 13th Global Conference on Ageing, 21-23 June 2016, Brisbane, Australia as well as looking at other opportunities which we can be involved in.
We are also keen to give more people the opportunity to learn about ageing services in other countries, so we have partnered with the Australian based SAGE Study Tours. These tours offer educative, professional and culturally appropriate study experience in another country looking at Seniors Living Models and delivery of care, and SAGE invites delegates from all over the world to join them.
We strongly recommend you take a look at what Sage has planned for this year as there are some great experiences to be had – and we are very much looking forward to welcoming delegates on our CommonAge/SAGE Study Tour to South Australia in June 2016 and to India in September 2016.
Finally, we would also like to congratulate our board member Sharon Blackburn on recognition for her services to nursing and the not-for-profit sector in the UK’s 2016 New Year Honour’s list.
Sharon is the Policy and Communications Director, National Care Forum and her CBE is a much-deserved award.
Wishing everyone a peaceful 2016 as we work together to advance the interests of older people throughout the Commonwealth.