Faith in Older People (FIOP) is an ecumenical project initiated by Malcolm Goldsmith and Mary Moffett to provide practical support for congregations throughout Edinburgh. It aims to:
- Raise awareness in our communities and churches of older people's issues, concerns and spiritual needs;
- Affirm and celebrate the gifts and lives of older people, recognising that they still have much to offer;
- Offer training, support and encouragement in specialist areas such as:
- making decisions about moving into residential or nursing care
- visiting the frail and housebound...coping with loss and grief
- understanding and communicating with people with dementia
- facing end of life issues;
- Encourage and support acts of worship in local nursing and residential homes;
- Build up resources of books, magazines, videos and other appropriate material;
- Share information and expertise, working with other agencies and people and developing good practice;
- Recognise the role of family members and carers and provide support and encouragement where appropriate.
The project seeks to adhere to the United Nations Principles for Older Persons.
For more information, please visit the Faith in Older People website.
More Resources
Please see the 'Valuing Older People' links on the Justice, Peace & Creation Links page for more resources. Related publications are also available from the resources library at the General Synod Office in Edinburgh.
The SEC has been leading a Working Party to organise an ACTS Conference on valuing the older people in our congregations and communities which will be held on the 29 October at the GIllis Centre in Edinburgh. Please see our News section for updates.
