Dromore public helped to '˜age well' with new directory

A group of locals at the Good Neighbourhoods for Ageing Well event. Included are Wendy Shaw (Community Development Assistant), Gerry Bleakney (Public Health Agency), Frances Haughey (Closing the Gap), Gillian Topping (Environmental Health), Eileen Campbell (Environmental Health Business Support Manager), Gerard Houlahan (Recreation & Leisure), Elaine Devlin (Armagh, Craigavon & Banbridge Borough Council) and Cllr Carole Black. INBL1606-201EB

Older residents were welcomed to Dromore Community Centre last week for the launch of the directory, which informs the local public about all sorts of local services.

It will be distributed to older people through community groups, churches, library, care homes, doctor’s surgeries as well as in public places including retailers and shops.

It will be updated on a quarterly basis and maintained by Via Wings.

Last Monday’s special event gave senior members of the community the opportunity to gather their own information and advice first hand from a wide range of services.

Those included Northern Ireland Housing Executive, Citizens Advice Bureau, Community Gardens, Red Cross, Arthritis Care, Action Mental Health, Home Safety, Heating Link, Alzheimer’s Society, Carers Matters, Rural Support and Cancer Focus who also provided participants with free health screenings.

Participants were even able to try their hand at Chi Me with free taster sessions.

The event was funded by the Public Health Agency under the Good Neighbourhoods for Ageing well Project, working in partnership with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.

Gerry Bleakney, Head of Health & Social Wellbeing Improvement launched the directory.

“Following on from previous consultations held over the past year in the Dromore area, feedback highlighted the need for more information about local existing groups in the area,” he said, “what meetings, events and activities are taking place and where, as well as listings of local services in the Dromore and surrounding area.

“I am delighted to present this new and exciting directory of services for the Dromore community.”

The Good Neighbourhoods for Ageing well Project aims to make the area more age friendly and supportive of our older citizens.

It encourages stronger intergenerational relationships and links which can be sustained into the future with the goal of promoting independence and social interaction, combating loneliness, social isolation and improving mental health and wellbeing.

All older people’s groups and individuals are welcome to participate in and benefit from the project.

For more information, please contact Wendy Shaw,ABC Council on 0284 062 0243.