Council launches District’s First Age Friendly Strategy
Chair of Mid Ulster District Council Councillor Dominic Molloy joined Mid Ulster Loneliness Network as it held its first annual celebration ahead of Positive Ageing Month. The event in the Burnavon, Cookstown was also used to launch the Mid Ulster Age-friendly Alliances’ Age-friendly Strategy and Action Plan for the next three years.
Co-designed by a collaboration of key stakeholders from public, community, and voluntary sectors, the new strategy and three-year action plan will work to ensure all residents in the district can live in security, enjoy good health, continue to participate fully in society, and feel valued and respected – regardless of age.
Speaking at the event, Councillor Dominic Molloy said:
We as a Council know that the district’s demographic profile is changing significantly with a higher proportion of older people in our communities. With older people living longer, these changes are welcomed as they are a great asset to society with vast experience, wisdom and community spirit. However, an ageing population presents significant challenges to the planning and delivery of services and facilities. Being better prepared to adapt to these changes is a priority for our older people and future generations.
Ryan Black, Chair of the Mid Ulster Age-friendly Alliance said:
“The Mid Ulster Age Friendly Alliance is a strategic working group which was set up with key partners to provide expertise on implementing this Age Friendly strategy, as well as an over 50’s forum to consult on the plan. As chair of the alliance, I would like to thank the members of the alliance and the forum for their commitment to the process to date and look forward to the implementation of the plan.”
Sandra McKenna Chair of the Mid Ulster Loneliness Network, said:
“The Mid Ulster Loneliness Network was delighted to host the Celebration event, alongside the launch of the Mid Ulster Age-friendly Strategy and Action Plan. The turnout from our local community far exceeded our expectations and highlights the need for this type of event to be held more regularly. The network objective is for our member groups to work together to address loneliness & isolation throughout the Council area and this is a prime example of that. Agewell ensured that the most vulnerable & isolated members living in rural areas were included at the event by working alongside Community Transport. Feedback to date has been excellent and some guests admitted this was the first time they had been out socially since before Covid.”
Throughout October – Positive Ageing Month – a range of events and activities will take place across the district, which are designed to encourage older people to reach out and connect to help reduce social isolation and loneliness as well as to help support them to live long healthy lives.
The Mid Ulster Age-friendly Friendly Alliance is funded through the Public Health Agency. For further information about the new Mid Ulster Age Friendly Strategy and Action Plan or to contact Raisa Donnelly, Age Friendly Co-ordinator at Mid Ulster District Council on 03000 132 132.