Age Scotland Awards 2014 – Nominations Open

Nominations have opened for the Age Scotland Awards 2014. The Awards celebrate the groups and individuals that have made a significant contribution to the lives of older people.

In addition to the five categories from last year, Age Scotland has introduced a new award for the Employer of the Year. With the scrapping of the mandatory retirement age in 2012, we now have more older people in work and it is vital that employers respond to this positively.

Brian Sloan, Age Scotland Chief Executive, said: "Too often we hear negative messages about older people such as the "demographic time bomb" and listen to commentary which seemingly aims to pit different generations against each other.

"Age Scotland's Awards are our way of challenging these perceptions, showing how older people embrace civic and social responsibilities and showcasing the depth of talent and experience amongst our older generation. If you know someone who's making a real difference to people's lives then tell us about them. And remember if you know of an employer who has exemplary age friendly practices, please nominate them for our newest category of award."

The full list of categories:

The Jess Barrow Award for Campaigning and Influencing - sponsored by McCarthy & Stone

The Patrick Brookes Partnership Award - sponsored by Specsavers

Service for Older People Award

Member Group of the Year Award - sponsored by David Urquhart Travel

Volunteer of the Year Award - sponsored by Solicitors for Older People Scotland

Employer of the Year Award

Tommy Whitelaw, winner of The Jess Barrow Award for Campaigning and Influencing in 2013, said: ""As a son who cared for his mum and campaigner it was the most wonderful honour to receive the Age Scotland Jess Barrow Award.

I knew of the history of Jess Barrow and follow the great work Age Scotland does so for me this was a very special evening. My award sits on my dining room table beside my mum's photo and helps encourage me as I continue to campaign and raise awareness."

The nomination form can be downloaded at www.agescotland.org.uk/awards

Nomination forms must be received no later than Friday 29 August. Further details of the Awards event will be published shortly.