Entrepreneurial oldies needed to help plan services

This article is provided courtesy of the news feed at http://www.newstartmag.co.uk/news

People aged 50 and over are being sought to help create healthier and happier lives for socially excluded older people across Scotland.

NESTA (National Endowment for Science Technology and the Arts) is behind Age Unltd, a new initiative to stimulate entrepreneurial activity in the over fifties.

It is looking for people to come forward with ideas for how to improve life for older people. Successful project finalists will receive support and funding of up to £10,000 to develop their idea into a live community project.

‘Our rapidly ageing society is one of Scotland's biggest social challenges,’ says Jackie Mckenzie, NESTA’s head of innovations programme Scotland ‘It requires radical new approaches to avert a growing drain on already depleted public finances. We want to hear from local people, who often are the ones with the most radical, innovative ideas to improve services in their own local community to support older people.’

NESTA is appealing for team players with the experience, determination and time to get involved to come forward.

A workshop to select and build teams will be held in March next year. Successful entrants will then pitch their idea to a judging panel, in order to access further support and development before going on to bid for funding in June to get their concept up and running in the community.

‘It may be that someone has experience as a carer or volunteer with older people and has skills and experience they’d be willing to share,’ said Jackie, ‘Or perhaps they are approaching retirement, have recently retired or have been made redundant and are looking for a new challenge.

‘These skills can be put to good use and Age Unltd can help people realise their potential in this area.’

Applications must be submitted by 14th February 2010 at http://www.nesta.org.uk/ageunlimitedinscotland.