New initiative to support older people

Hosted by the Dalriada Pathfinder Partnership, the event introduced the wider community and in particular, voluntary and community organisations in Moyle, to a project which the Partnership intends to roll out in the area with the support of the local community.

The partners are the local community, local GPs, the Health and Social Care Board, the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, Age NI, the Community Navigator for older people, the Public Health Agency, Northern Integrated Care Partnerships and the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council. This diverse range of organisations are at the beginning of an exciting initiative to bring support to older people and those living with chronic conditions, however they need the support of local community organisations and volunteers to make this a reality.

The project is based on the very successful Living Well model in Cornwall and those attending the event witnessed examples of how quality of life can be significantly improved by listening to what older people and those with chronic health conditions really want.

This may be for example, by addressing loneliness and helping someone to overcome challenges to engage again in activities which they once found fulfilling.

www.ballymoneytimes.co.uk