A successful Perth project was discussed at a recent United Nations meeting in New York.
Perth Soroptimists’ Books Aloud Project was highlighted by delegates at the 55th session of the Commission on the Status of Women as an “excellent” example of how to ensure lifelong education.
The project links Perth and Kinross Library services with residents of adult residential care homes throughout the area, many of whom suffer from dementia.
Volunteers, all members of the Soroptimists, take a themed box of books and visual aids from the A. K. Bell library to homes, where they read extracts, show pictures and lead reminiscence discussions.
The themes vary from seasons and festivals through to employment of yesteryear and old Perth.
The project, which started just over three years ago, is open to both men and women.
It was the brain-child of one local Soroptimist who previously worked as a librarian.
She realised that because of ill-health, many senior citizens were unable to make the trip out to their local library and decided to take books to them.
Funding for the themed boxes comes from the council, but the volunteers give up their own time to run the sessions free of charge.RecognitionVolunteer Kate Armstrong said, “It’s a brilliant project and we were so pleased to be recognised at such a high level.
“The head of Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland, who made the trip to New York for the meeting, contacted us to let us know how well it had gone down.
“It was the only project discussed that involved elderly people. Hopefully other countries will now follow suit and help bring education to people of all ages and abilities.
“Books Aloud is open to both men and women, but often we see more women because, statistically, there are more in residential care homes.
“We work with people who suffer from quite severe dementia, but it is amazing how words and pictures can evoke memories.
“Recently I held a great session where we talked about old steamies and wash houses. I get a lot out of it, too.
“The Robert Burns box earlier in the year even had us leading a sing-song. It was great fun.”
Soroptimist International is a non-governmental organisation made up of businesswomen from across the world, which works to improve the lives of women of all ages.
It is active at all the major UN centres around the world and holds general consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council.
The Perth branch assists and raises funds for a number of causes across the region.
Members collected £510 from supporters at the recent St Johnstone vs Kilmarnock match at McDiarmid Park. The cash will be used to support Perth Young Carers, Perth Women’s Aid and other local charities.