The National Council for the Elderly (NCE), made up of 21 national organisations, would like to express its appreciation for three very important developments that took place lately in favour of the elderly in Malta and Gozo.

The Commissioner of Mental Health and the Elderly carried out a complete and thorough audit of all homes catering for the elderly and suggested the way forward for the good care of the elderly whether in government, Church or private homes.

The St Vincent de Paul consultative board, under the chairmanship of Judge Emeritus Philip Sciberras, published the charter of rights for the elderly in care homes, which reflected the board’s “felt need to ensure that the elderly are at the heart of the caring process”.

The Department for the Elderly and Community Care organised another sports day for the elderly at Corradino Sports Pavilion.

This initiative also served as an exercise in inter-generational collaboration and solidarity between 600 elderly men and women and 400 schoolchildren.

Some months ago the NCE, set up in 1992, launched its action programme for the next two years, its mission being to consolidate its work with all stakeholders to continue improving the quality of life of the elderly.

NCE is made up of representatives, all elderly people, of the government, political parties, the Church and social organisations. It also comprises a number of elected representatives from among the organisations within the NCE and elderly people in the community.

We invite all those who have the welfare of the elderly at heart to take part in the activities marking the Day for Elderly on October 1. Suggestions may be sent to the secretary at kna@onvol.net or on tel. 2124 3860. The NCE Action Programme 2014-15 can be seen at www.kna.org.mt.