Hosted by Seniors Together in South Lanarkshire, older people representatives from groups across the area attended the assembly to hear from speakers as well as taking part in some festive activities to celebrate coming back together ‘face to face’ and to close their business for 2022.

Councillor Eileen Logan, who is the Older Peoples Champion, chaired the event and welcomed delegates back to the assembly.

She said: “Although members of Seniors Together have continued to meet online during the pandemic, it was great to see many people in the room once again.

“There were a number of updates provided by the invited speakers as well as the more serious messages, it was a day of laughter and fun, with many prizes on offer at our Christmas quiz and the ever-popular raffle.

“Thanks to everyone who took part and made the day so enjoyable.”

Council Leader Joe Fagan said: “It was great to be invited along and hear about the fantastic work Seniors Together do across South Lanarkshire.

“Meeting face-to-face was a real tonic for many of the members and I look forward to hearing more about their initiatives in the New Year.”

Director of Health and Social Care for South Lanarkshire, Soumen Sengupta, was among those invited to the event.

He said: “I was delighted to be able to come along and thank Seniors Together for the support that they have given to our health and social care staff in what continues to be extremely challenging times.

“It was also a timely opportunity to remind everyone how important it is to keep up with booster vaccinations and plan ahead to help ensure that coughs, colds, and minor ailments don’t become a big problem over winter.

“And as we look towards 2023, to reinforce how vital it is for our mental health that we all stay connected and engaged.”

Ryan Gilmour from South Lanarkshire Leisure & Culture provided a ‘Move About Break’ to some festive music to warm things up before the Christmas Quiz.