The Western Isles Older Peoples Partnership (OPP) is made up of representatives from statutory, third sector and private partners who have an interest in improving services for older people. The group meets every 6 weeks.

The Western Isles Older Peoples Partnership aims to:

1. achieve the best possible health and wellbeing for older people in the Outer Hebrides;
2. enable older people in the Outer Hebrides to live as independently as possible.
3. identify and promote the needs of older people and their carers to service providers.
4. ensure we meet the National Standards across Health and Social Care Services, the local outcomes in the Single Outcome Agreement and the NHS HEAT targets.
5. provide an opportunity for information sharing and promoting partnership working.

The Older Peoples Partnership is committed to tackling the implications of an ageing population. The Older People Action Plan 2012/2013 aims to challenge and change attitudes towards older people to ensure they get a fair deal and are able to contribute meaningfully to our communities promoting a positive attitude towards ageing.

This requires a fundamental change in attitudes, changing the dialogue from negative stereotypes of dependence and loss to a positive appreciation of the skills, wealth of knowledge and experience owned by older people.