Raheny Age Friendly Summer Projects

Description

Raheny Age Friendly Community Club holds a coffee morning on the first Thursday of every month. A guest speaker is brought in each month, and the biggest response we get is when a physio, or musician/choir come in. The exercise and/or dancing element is very popular, so we have decided for July (physical exercise classes) and August (short walking tours around Raheny and St Anne’s Park) to put on weekly meet-ups for the two months.
We have been working with Dublin City Council to get a physio with a programme tailored to Age Friendly requirements, while we have a local walking guide within our group who will lead the August excursions.

Aim of Initiative

The aim of the initiative is to promote physical well-being, in a sociable, inclusive, and above all else, enjoyable environment.

Who is it aimed at

Attendees of our Raheny Age Friendly monthly meet-ups

3 Steps critical to success

1. Organisation
   Chairperson Clare has been working on the Summer Projects for a while, liaising with Dublin City Council, An Garda Siochana, local transport operators and our own group of volunteers within Age Friendly Raheny Community Club.
2. Communication
   We have been in constant and clear communication with our monthly coffee morning attendees to gauge interest, while Dublin City Council have offered their advice throughout the project.
3. Execution
   The plans are nothing without the will and support of our group of volunteers within Raheny Age Friendly Community Club. We are a relatively small group – a committee of five, with another five volunteers – but each person brings a huge energy and drive to make the community a more welcoming and enjoyable experience for some of our more elderly citizens.

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. Logistics
   Lining up three consecutive weeks in both July and August, when we are a monthly meet-up, has been more of a challenge.
2. Volunteers
   As a small group of volunteers, it puts more pressure on us to make sure we have enough present each week during July and August to make the Summer Projects a reality.
3. Cost
   As we rely on Dublin City Council funding, we normally have just about enough to get by month to month, so it puts an extra strain on finances

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. Physical well-being
   The health benefits to physical exercise are hugely beneficial. Our attendees are regularly reminded that as little as five to 10 minutes a day can have a significant improvement on their day-to-day well-being.
2. Mental health
   The benefits of doing exercise and physical activity in a group setting is clear to see when we see it in action. Our attendees have great fun when being ‘put through their paces’ and in many cases, hardly seem to notice the time fly by when they are all in it together.
3. Respect
   Every month we gather in Raheny, so many in attendance are very grateful for taking time out for just one day in the month to be part of the coffee morning. Adding in more classes/activities highlights the respect we have for them, and something very much appreciated by our Age Friendly attendees.