Raheny Age Friendly 10-Year Anniversary Booklet

Description

The booklet charts the history of the group, a note from the chairperson, and contributions from both our members that attend and speakers that address the group. There are also photos right from the start of the group

Aim of Initiative

The aims are two-fold. Firstly, it charts our progress as a group, noting the contributions by various people and pictures to complement that.
Secondly, it offers information to those that might be interested in joining our group so they have a better understanding of what services we offer at Raheny Age Friendly.

Who is it aimed at

It is aimed at a range of people. The range of volunteers that have helped make such a contribition since 2015, the members of our group that attend our monthly coffee morning and prospective members that are unsure of what the group does.

3 Steps critical to success

1. Consultation

   After coming up with a rough idea of what we wanted, we spoke as a group to specify what exactly should go into the booklet, who would gather information and carry out the interviews etc.

2. Actioning the plan

   We spoke to our group about the project and got great buy-in. We then contacted people outside the group to get further contributions. Photos were gathered from different sources.

3. Publishing

   Once the information was gathered, we then gave it to a publishing company who put together a draft. From there we made a number of revisions before giving the green light to the finished product.

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. Information gathering

   Things were done rather ad-hoc at the start, and unfortunately, given the nature of our group and volunteers, some people have passed away who helped get the group up and running

2. Interviews

   Some volunteers and members, initially, were reluctant to say much about the group as they had no idea what the bookle was about. There was some initial hesitancy until the project was fully explained. From then on, there was 100% buy-in

3. Financial

   We are 100% dependant on funding from Dublin City Council. Our annual grant just about covers our monthly coffee morning, but wouldn’t stretch to this project. We had to seek additional funding or else the booklet would not have seen the light of day. Thankfully the funding was offered.

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. Recognition

   Recognition has been given to the volunteers who got the group off the ground and worked tirelessly to make it what it is today.

2. Information outlet

   Up to this point, we haven’t had anything to show prospective members, or their family, what is that Raheny Age Friendly offers the older member of our community

3. Celebration

   The booklet is part of a celebration of 10 years as a group and the contribtion the group as a whole offers to people in the community.