Gardaí developed an ‘Older Persons Wellbeing Event’ due to a rise in suicides by older persons

Description

As a result of identifying a worrying trend in suicides by older persons in County Cavan and Monaghan An Garda Síochána developed a plan to reach out to older persons and develop an ‘Older Persons Wellbeing Event’. The ultimate aim was to reach out to people who may feel isolated and provide them with information on various resources available to them within the community. Older persons were also consulted to make sure the event suited their needs. While An Garda Síochána were the lead agency they worked closely with other agencies, who also had a significant impact, to ensure a more holistic approach was taken. Other agencies included Monaghan County Council and Cavan County Council, Pieta House, Muintir Na Tire, the Irish Farmers Association, Cavan/Monaghan Fire Service, Cavan/Monaghan Civil Defence, the Road Safety Authority and the Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention. This initiative was the first of its type where two major events were held in Monaghan and Cavan. The event in Monaghan was held in the Hillgrove Hotel and the event in Cavan Event was held in the Lavey Inn. Both events were held from 11am to 3pm and included a three course meal and transport to and from the venues. The Monaghan Event was opened by the CEO of Age Friendly Ireland, Ms Catherine McGuigan and the Cavan Event was closed by Minister English. Live music and entertainment was also provided from student in various secondary schools. There were talks on mental health by a clinical psychologist, Crime Prevention, Financial advice from the Banking Sector, Diet and Exercise advice, Staying warm and winter ready, Arm chair Yoga, Muintir Na Tire and many more speakers. There were Information Stands from the different support Agencies with leaflets made available to the attendees.

Every attendee received a uniform pack for attending which contained helpful leaflets and all received a gift while leaving. Over 200 attended the events which is now being considered across other Counties.

Aim of Initiative

The main aim was to reach out to people who may feel isolated and provide them with information on various resources available to them within the community. But also to make people feel safe as we move out of the pandemic.

Who is it aimed at

Aimed at all older persons within the community but particularly those who are most isolated and vulnerable.

3 Steps critical to success

1. Interagency Approach – this was critical t ensure a more holistic approach. Safeguarding older persons and making them feel safe and appreciated is a matter for all of us and the results were much better through inclusivity of all agencies and NGOs.
2. Consultation with Older Persons – this was also critical as the aim was to reach out to older persons. For example, transport was as area we realised through feedback from older persons could be a potential blocker so we ensured that transport was provided to and from the event for those who needed it. Again this was a collective approach.
3. Bringing Value to the Day – The day was about Wellbeing of Older persons and was important to ensure value. Value in terms of advice being given by the speakers. For example the topics varied from a talk on mental health by a clinical psychologist to financial advice from a banking expert and armchair yoga which meant that there was something in the day for everyone. Also providing a hot meal where people can socialise and chat proved to be crucial.

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. Financial – This was challenge, however, solid rationale in term of our investment and working together with other agencies and members of the community helped us to get over this hurdle.
2. Identifying Everyone – This was an obvious challenge and we utilised our vulnerable persons register, the media and other agencies to advertise and reach out to as many older persons as we could.
3. Brining it all Together – Working with so many agencies, NGOs and professionals can be challenge in terms of timing for meetings and also agreeing on a format and venues. This was overcome by identifying An Garda Síochána as the Lead Agency, however the majority of decisions were reach by consensus with our ultimate aim in mind.

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. Making Older Persons Feel Appreciated – This was very obvious from the feedback we received which was overwhelming.
2. Instilling a Sense of Safety in Older Persons in our Community – It was great to personally witness the confidence of older persons in attendance as the day developed. The Wellbeing Day gave them a reminder that they are not alone and that the community stands with them.
3. Future Opportunities – This is benefit from our Wellbeing Dyas as many older persons have maintained contact and we are already looking at making this an annual event in addition to passing on the benefits of the event to other Counties.