Championing the voices of older people across Falkirk District.
Falkirk District Older People’s Network (OPN) is a member-led, independent community network for individuals aged 50 years and above living in the Falkirk District and those who support them. The Network exists to ensure that older people’s voices, rights and lived experiences are heard, valued and reflected in local decision-making.
Dates of Future Meetings
Falkirk District Older People’s Network meets regularly in person throughout the year. Upcoming meeting dates will be shared here and through the mailing list.
- Thursday 5 March 2026, 10am – 12pm
- Thursday 11 June 2026, 10am – 12pm
- Thursday 3 September 2026, 10am – 12pm
- Thursday 3 December 2026, 10am – 12pm
Minutes and Agendas of Previous Meetings
- Minutes of Thursday 20 November 2025 (pending approval); Presentations:
- Minutes of Thursday 28 August 2025; Presentation: Intersectional Stigma of Place-Based Ageing (ISPA) Project
What The OPN Is
Established in 2018, Falkirk District OPN brings together older people and representatives from older people’s groups to discuss issues that matter, share knowledge and experience, and work collectively for positive change. The Network provides a welcoming, inclusive space for conversation, learning and connection.
OPN members shape the agenda, set priorities and lead discussions, ensuring the Network remains grounded in the real experiences of older people across the district.
Partnership with CVS Falkirk & District
Since 2025, Falkirk District OPN has worked in partnership with CVS Falkirk & District to support the facilitation of Network meetings. CVS Falkirk & District brings extensive experience in coordinating local thematic forums and networks, supporting the Network to grow its membership, strengthen its reach and increase its influence.
Falkirk District OPN remains a fully member-led and independent community group. The Network continues to set its own priorities, lead meetings and direct its advocacy work, with facilitative support from CVS Falkirk & District.
What The Network Does
- Create a safe and inclusive space for discussion and debate on issues affecting people aged 50+
- Share knowledge, experience and good practice between individuals, groups and organisations
- Lobby, influence and advocate for positive change on issues impacting older people
- Strengthen links between older adults, community groups, services and decision-makers
- Support collective responses to local and national policy, strategy and service change
Who Can Get Involved
- People aged 50 years and above, living in Falkirk District
- Representatives from older people’s groups and community organisations
- Individuals and organisations who support and advocate for older people
Whether you want to actively shape discussions or simply stay informed, there is a place for you within the Network.
By getting involved with Falkirk District OPN, you can:
- have your voice heard on issues which affect your life and community
- help influence local services, policy and decision-making
- connect with other older people and community organisations
- share your experiences and learn from others
- be part of a collective movement working to improve later life across Falkirk District
Useful Information and Documents
The Intersectional Stigma of Place-Based Ageing (ISPA) Project is a 5 year participatory mixed-method study (September 2022 – September 2027) which explores how stigma attached to where people live, intersects with experiences of disability and ageing. The Network was delighted to welcome Dr Lisa Davison as its guest speaker to the August 2025 meeting; their presentation (linked for your convenience) from the meeting is available to view or download.
Age Scotland’s vision is that “no one in Scotland faces the challenges of older age alone”.
It provides older people, their families and carers with high quality information and advice services, and works to tackle loneliness through dedicated friendship programmes. The Age Scotland team campaigns and influences on the issues older people tell the team that they care about. Age Scotland also supports and funds hundreds of older people’s groups and community initiatives across the country, and deliver workshops to improve people’s quality of life.
In addition, it works to involve and empower people affected by dementia, and hosts national forums for older people from ethnic minorities and the LGBTQ+ community to help address the inequalities they face.
Further information, including the most recent strategy, is available via the Age Scotland website.
Contact
To join Falkirk District Older People’s Network, attend a meeting, or find out more about its work, or to be added to the network mailing list, please contact Laura Jamieson by phone: 01324 69200, or email: laura@cvsfalkirk.org.uk
