Closes 31 July
Scottish charities, Befriending Networks and Food Train, are joining forces with colleagues across Europe to study the actions of third sector organisations on the promotion of active and healthy ageing in rural areas.
The programme has been initiated by Fundación Diagrama and is funded by the Spanish Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and 2030 Agenda. The Scottish partners will work alongside colleagues from Iceland, Norway and Spain through evidence-gathering surveys, case studies, online workshops, and a programme meeting to be held in Madrid in the autumn.
The results will be shared during an event to showcase best practices, as well as through audiovisual material created and shared on Fundación Diagrama's website and social networks. The programme findings will launch on 1 October 2025, the UN International Day of Older Persons.
As a first step, the partners are inviting third sector professionals and volunteers to contribute to a survey to help understand the current situation and the improvements that should be implemented. It is hoped that the programme will inspire learning that can be applied and adapted for each participating country.
Rosie McLuskie, CEO of Food Train said: “Food Train plays a unique and vital role in supporting older people across Scotland who are experiencing unwanted isolation and are increasingly at risk of malnutrition. At a time when these challenges are growing, the work of the third sector is more important than ever in delivering compassionate, community-led solutions. Food Train’s contribution not only supports vulnerable individuals but also offers valuable opportunities to share learning and best practice across the sector to help improve later life for all.
"As part of this work, it would be great to hear the voices of local partners across Scotland by completing the Healthy Ageing in Rural Environments survey. Your insights are crucial to building a fuller picture of what’s needed and what’s working on the ground.”
The partners are making an open call to all third sector organisations working in the area of active and healthy ageing in rural Scotland to complete a short survey.
Susan Hunter, CEO of Befriending Networks said: “As a networking organisation for more than 300 befriending services, we know that there is fantastic work happening in rural Scotland which we will be able to share with the programme partners.
"We also believe that there will be community organisations who have insight and perspectives to share to the programme through this short survey. It would be fantastic to have these experiences reflected in the survey results and programme outcome. At Befriending Networks, we understand the importance of social participation and meaningful connection to active and healthy ageing.”
The survey is available for completion by staff or volunteers from third sector organisations working in the area of active and healthy ageing in rural areas until 31 July 2025.
