Council launches new service guide for over 50s
22 August 2024
Derry City and Strabane District Council has produced a new resource for older people highlighting a range of local resources and services tailored to their specific needs.
The guide takes into account the views of the Over 50’s Reference Group and local community organisations, and the project was led by Council’s Age Friendly Coordinator as a priority within Council’s Age Friendly Strategy and Action Plan. The project has been supported with funding from the Public Health Agency (PHA).
It features a comprehensive selection of key signposting information and relevant services, collated into a single resource to support people as they age well, particularly those who are not confident using the internet.
A total of 1,600 copies of the guide will now be made available for distribution across the Council area. It will also be available online on Council’s website and will be shared with partners from the Age Friendly Alliance to help increase online access and support with signposting.
Launching the guide today, Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Lilian Barr, said it would be extremely useful in making services more accessible to everyone. “I want to thank all those who provided information for the guide which will really open up access to services, particularly to people who may not feel confident using digital devices. We have a very active older community who have an important role in our society and we want to ensure that everyone feels valued, engaged and able to connect fully with the services available to them.”
Jeff Scroggie, Ageing Well Regional Lead for Health Improvement at the PHA said: “It’s vitally important older people feel connected to others within their community as well as being connected to the services that are available within their area to help them age well. The PHA is delighted to support the production of the Guide for over 50’s compiled by the Age Friendly Co-ordinator in Derry City and Strabane District Council. The Guide is another practical example of the Council’s Age Friendly Strategy being put into action, pulling together all the relevant signposting information into one handy and accessible resource.”
Council’s Age Friendly Coordinator Pauline O’Neill said: “The Guide to Services for 50+ has been modelled on the World Health Organisations (WHO) eight domains for Age Friendly Cities and Communities and takes account of key signposting information and relevant services, collated into a resource to support people as they age well.” The Guide is available to access online on Council’s website and will be shared with partners from the Age Friendly Alliance to help increase online access and support with signposting. I want to thank all our partners and stakeholders for their input in creating the guide which will be a really useful resource for many people seeking information and support.”
The Guide to Services for 50+ is now available to view online at www.derrystrabane.com/community/age-friendly/guide-to-services-for-50 or telephone 028 7125 3253 to receive a copy.