Dromore’s older people have seized the opportunity to speak out about their needs and help shape plans for the future.
Residents turned out in numbers last week for one in a series of five ‘community conversations’ rolled out across the Southern area with the aim of improving the lives of older people.
Dromore Community Centre and bowling pavilion hostedted the local event, hailed a success by Dromore Councillor and Banbridge District Council Chairman, Olive Mercer.
“I was delighted,” she said, “to see so many residents from Dromore come out to discuss what is good about their town and what services could improve the lives of older members of the community.
“All of the partners involved in organising today’s event recognise the importance of working together to develop the experiences of older persons, and to work towards the development of an age-friendly community which enables older people to live in safety, maintain their health and participate fully in society.”
Co-ordinated locally by Banbridge District Council, the event was organised by the Southern Strategic Health Improvement Partnership and funded by the Public Health Agency. The conversations sought the views of those aged over 65 years, carers of older people, community organisations and local residents who support older people.
The information gathered during the sessions will be used to develop five local area action plans focussing on older people.
“It is important to establish the experiences of older people,” said PHA Chief Executive Dr Eddie Rooney, “That is why these conversations have been put in place. . .
“The aim of the conversations is to create action plans for each of the areas to develop five ‘good neighbourhoods for ageing well’ where everyone is valued and supported in their own community, where individuals feel safe and part of the community and can reach their full potential for health and wellbeing.”