Wellbeing Event for older persons who may be living in isolation.

Description

As a result of the rise in suicide numbers in older persons in Cavan and Monaghan Gardaí in the Cavan Monaghan division arranged a meeting with a number of agencies to develop a ‘Wellbeing Event’ for older persons and those who may be isolated. This initiative was the first of its type with An Garda Síochána as the lead agency. Two events were held in Hotels in Cavan and Monaghan which included guest speakers on various topics, music, Information Stands from the different support Agencies with leaflets available to the attendees. All attendees received a uniform pack for attending. We included Monaghan and Cavan County Councils, Pieta House, Muintir Na Tire, the Irish Farmers Association, Cavan/Monaghan Fire Service, Cavan/Monaghan Civil Defence and the Road Safety Authority. Speakers on today included experts from the Banking Sector in relation to financial fraud and what to look out for, a sports advisor who had the older persons engaging with chair yoga, a mental health expert and crime prevention advice. Transport was organised for all participants who required it and the event in Monaghan was opened by the CEO of Age Friendly Ireland Ms Catherine McGuigan. All of the participants received a gift when leaving which included homemade brown bread, butter and jam together with some light reading materials. The event had a significant impact in terms of feeling valued and appreciated on the 100’s who attended and the feedback received was a reflection of this impact.

Aim of Initiative

To make older persons in our community feel valued and to show them how appreciated they are by implementing wellbeing days.

Who is it aimed at

Aimed at older persons who may be living in isolation or feel isolated.

3 Steps critical to success

1. Interagency collaboration – Although An Garda Síochána was the lead agency and developed the initiative this would not have been as possible without collaboration with other agencies and community groups.
2. Early engagement and communication with older persons – this was critical to ensure that the older persons were aware of the event and how they could attend.
3. Implement the initiative and look at the potential to roll it out on a national level.

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. Cost was a factor as 100s of hot meals were provided.
2. Ensuring we took in as many older persons as we could and it was a challenge not to leave anyone out.
3. Transportation – this was overcome by excellent support from the Civil Defence.

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. Older persons in the community feel more valued.
2. Older persons feel included.
3. Older persons feel respected and appreciated.