Report on Networking Meeting for Active Retirement Groups

Transcription

1 Report on Networking Meeting for Active Retirement Groups in the MDA Conference Centre, Mountmellick on Tuesday, the 31 st of May 2005 A meeting of active retirement groups was called through the Laois Community Forum to examine what activities are available in Laois and examine any other needs. Laois Community Forum is the representative group for community and voluntary groups in Laois. In Attendance: Ann Hanlon, John O Donnell, Sadie Delaney, Sarah Geoghan, Bill Geoghan, Mick Dowling, Anne Rafter, Mary Tobin, Patsy McGuinness, Sadie Dempsey, Kathleen Gorman Ciara Farrell, Community & Enterprise Development Officer, Laois County Council tel Teresa McEvoy, Community Education Officer, Laois VEC tel Jimmy Todd, Community Development Officer, Health Service Executive Midlands Area tel

2 The meeting opened with introductions and went on to examine the following issues: How many Active Retirement Groups are there in Laois? Groups who attended the Meeting 1. Golden Oldies ( a new Portlarlington based group) 2. ABC 3. Camross 4. Mountmellick Other groups 5. Portlaoise over 50 s 6. O Moore Place Active Retirement Group 7. Mountrath Tree 8. Ballinakill 9. Portarlington Happy Hearts Groups we need to find out more about? 10. Killeshin 11. Ballylynan 12. Ballinakill 13. Abbeyleix contact Mary White 14. Shanahoe 15. Clonaslee contact Chris Horan 16. Borris-in-Ossory contact Stella Kealy It was explained that groups need to be encouraged to register with the Community Forum (tel. Ciara Farrell ) so they are included in contact lists and mail outs. Activities Bingo Outings Chiropody Project (e.g. Community Education) T ai chi Dancing Art 2

3 Holidays Go for Life / Exercise (Laois Sports Partnership ) Computers Drama Concerts Cards / Bridge lessons Christmas Dinners Coffee / Get together Environmental talks (Environmental Awareness Officer tel ) Some participants were aware of the Senior Citizens Parliament. Issues for groups Getting more male members It was suggested that there are more older women than men and that many of the members of active retirement groups are widows. Cards were discussed as a more male-orientated activity and it was suggested that men might need groups just for men. Insurance Most groups collected money to cover insurance. Group rates can be obtained through FARA (Federation of Active Retirement Associations). Grants The Lottery Grants must be spent before the group can get the money. Section 65 grants are also available through the Health Board to help with running costs. (Jimmy Todd tel ) The VEC will give grants to fund classes. (Teresa McEvoy ) The Age and opportunity Grants are available for bowling equipment etc. Meeting Places The costs and availability of meeting places varied from free to 35 and averaged around 10 to cover costs. Most groups met on 3

4 weekdays in the morning or afternoon and one groups meets on a Sunday. Laois Sports Partnership The Go for Life programme is considered a great success. Transport Transport for groups was considered expensive and an issue. (Some members of groups could not attend meeting as they did not have access to personal transport) What are the Needs of Older People? To have a voice older people need to be listened to in the decision-making process. Good health To feel safe Recognition by the political process Talks on issues like recycling Supports for people who cannot get out Supports for people who have never got out who have been in the home and are not used to socialising Waiver on bin collection charges The Primetime television programme on conditions in nursing homes had been screened the night before and participants were very concerned about the issues raised - Regulation in nursing homes Better staffing in nursing Homes It was agreed that people would like more supports for independent living so they can stay in their own homes. 4

5 Supports A Social Workers for older people A garda liaison officer ( compared to the juvenile liaison officer) Carers available when needed More supports from public health nurses Help with household tasks it was highlighted that people need help with small repairs and chores to remain in the home. It was commented that there were excellent supports available from the Alzheimer s Association. Tel. National Helpline The Carers Association also gives supports. Tel The libraries now offer free membership for older people and include talking and large print books, videos and dvds. The role of the Social Inclusion Measures Working Group (SIM) was explained. It aims to co-ordinate services for people who are disadvantaged or at risk and consists of representatives of key agencies and target groups. They are currently drawing up a poverty profile which highlights the most disadvantaged areas of Laois. Kathleen Gorman, who is also on the Community Forum, represents older people at SIM meetings. It was suggested that the Active Retirement Groups could meet together for talks on issues such as recycling. Laois TRIP (the rural transport service tel ) might be able to facilitate transport for local events. Conclusion and Recommendations It was decided that active retirement groups could take the lead in finding out more about the needs of older people in Laois and telling local agencies what was needed. The active retirement groups could take a more active role in lobbying for the rights of older people. It was decided to circulate a survey to 5

6 establish what people felt were the important issues. This could be followed by a conference for older people to look at the findings. (It was suggested that four people from each group could attend) Politicians and agencies could be invited to hear the findings and discussions and make presentations. A follow up meeting will now take place on Monday, the 17 th of October in Portlaoise. To register or find out more please contact : Ciara Farrell, Community and Enterprise Development Officer, Áras an Chontae, Portlaoise tel