Announcing a new title!
After consultations it is recommended that the concept of a National Alliance (NAPSCOPA) be changed to be a Peak Organisation.
A peak organisation will be more able to take action in addressing critical issues that relate to pastoral and spiritual care of older people across all areas of living arrangements.

We are proposing a new title for this organisation:

Pastoral and Spiritual Care of Older People (PASCOP)

PASCOP will be launched at a National Workshop
in Canberra on the 5th of March 2012.

The program will feature a guest speaker Professor John Swinton, Professor in Practical Theology and Pastoral Care, from the University of Aberdeen.

At the conclusion this Workshop, potential member organisations which are involved in the support, care and/or accommodation of aged persons, will have reviewed the proposals for this national body, and agreed to actions which will launch PASCOP.

This is a momentous realisation of a desire which has been called for across the nation for a number of years.

WHAT IS PASCOP?
As a national peak body, PASCOP will establish a network of communication and resources for aged-care organisations and their carers, seeking evidence based best practice in the provision of holistic care and support in the context of a diversity of faiths and cultures.

PASCOP will provide coordination for a range of contemporary pastoral and spiritual care programs which support the training and development of all staff; including the development of guidelines for best practice of pastoral and spiritual care. Other features will include being an advocate for appropriate funding for research and training; and sustainable funding for pastoral and spiritual care services; and, social and professional recognition of the value of pastoral and spiritual care.

All organisations responsible for community and / or residential care of older people across Australia are being invited to become members of PASCOP.

A reference base of proven knowledge has been established with CAPS over the last decade. It is this platform which has enabled PASCOP to be realised. It is with the cooperation of member organisations in PASCOP that this network will flourish.  

Rev'd Professor Elizabeth MacKinlay Director, CAPS

Staffing this project

Hilde Abma Project Officer

The current developments by the Task Group:

We have exceeded our initial target of at least $50,000 to cover the salary of a part time project officer to assist in the convening the launch with a national workshop. To raise these funds, twelve key organisations responsible for care of older people were invited to become foundation seeding sponsors by providing initial finance the establishment of a national peak body. These sponsor organisations were selected on the basis of seeking a representation of the national diversity.

Hilde Abma, has been appointed the new Project Officer. She commenced work in September for two days per week at the CAPS centre in Canberra. Her appointment is until mid 2012.

The Task Group is in consultation across Australia in developing proposals to the workshop on the structure of the proposed organisation.

Geoffrey Hunter
Chair - CAPS Task Group

 

{updated 7 December 2011)