They are new, and they are for you.
CONFERENCE CALL 2021
How churches can help older people struggling through the 2021 national lockdowns
Our Zoom discussion on 19 January 2021
What did we talk about? What did we discover? What do we hope for now?
The session was led by Marion Shoard, a published author on issues affecting the lives of older people. You can read the full report here. These are some highlights:
- ‘Bubbles’ can be a lifeline if used carefully
- Telephones are making a comeback
- Digital technology is not for everyone …
- … not just because they won’t have it, but often can’t
- Homeless people are still vulnerable
- Carers themselves need help in coping with isolation
- Churches are (or should be) good at ‘walking with people’
- BAME communities really value their churches’ guidance
- Vaccination – looking out for those who we might forget
- Care Homes – the struggle to get it right
Conference Calls in early 2021
Currently, all places on these sessions are filled but contact by e-mail discussion@ccos.org.uk for cancellations and information on future Calls
The dates and topics for the next sessions are:
TUESDAY 16 FEBRUARY
10.30 am
Connecting people with dementia with nature and the arts
While more is now understood about the biological changes which occur in Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, physical treatments have limits to their effectiveness and value. Other approaches can reach the inner person to re-engage pleasure and creativity which make the life worth living and achieve better health and sense of purpose. This does not happen without careful planning and skilled interpretation.
The session will be led by Barbara Stephens who is CEO of Dementia Pathfinders Home | Dementia Pathfinders
______________________________________________________________________
TUESDAY 16 MARCH
10.30 am
Are we dispirited? Older Christians and mental health at the start of 2021.
2020 has brought with it multiple stresses: the spread of Covid 19 – illness, hospitalisation for some, and deaths. Restrictions designed to reduce the spread have deprived people of the chance to meet for normal comforting behaviour. Faith communities have not been allowed their usual freedom to worship. Extremes in politics around the world have added to uncertainties. Surveys find higher levels of anxiety and depression than is normal. What is the situation for people of faith? Can we encourage hope?
The session will be led by David Jolley, Chair of Christians on Ageing and a retired psycho-geriatrician.
___________________________________________________________________________
TUESDAY 20 APRIL
10.30 am
Valuing the narratives of older people
“There are attributes that can only be possessed in old age, and that therefore older people have something irreplaceable to offer society as a whole”. Thus argued The Dignity of Older People, drawn up by the Pontifical Council for the Laity of the Catholic Church in 1998. How can we pay due respect to the riches which older people bring to faith life and the work of faith communities? First let us listen. Then help make use of what is learned.
The session will be led by Graham Hawley, a retired Methodist minister, who is actively engaged in research and also serves as a Vice-President of Christians on Ageing.
______________________________________________________________
Conference Calls are open to all and there is no charge for taking part. If you would like to join one or all of the new series just write to David Jolley using the e-mail link discussion@ccoa.org.uk You will need to be able to access Zoom but there is no need to take out a subscription; use your search engine to learn about how to do this if you have not tried this new technology already. You will be sent an e-mail with a link allowing you to join the discussion nearer the time of the Call.
Each session is led by someone with knowledge of the subject who will usually give a shoirt introduction to the theme. Numbers for each session are limited to around a dozen in order to allow meaningful discussion. A report is produced and is circulated to all participants before publication on our website.
Please ask any more questions when you register your interest.
Register your interest for the next series by e-mailing
discussion@ccoa.org.uk
