The Meath Age Friendly Alliance is inviting older people in County Meath to attend a one-day event at Fairyhouse Racecourse on Tuesday, May 16 at 10.00am, where attendees will hear about the wide array of services and supports available for older people in the county.
The event is the brainchild of Meath County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr. Nick Killian, who wanted to reach out to older people in the community and let them know about the many groups that can provide assistance.
“I was very aware of older people in Meath who experience loneliness and others who are living in rural areas and find it difficult to access services or participate in social opportunities. I wanted to organise this event to showcase all the supports available for older people in the county, and to let them know about the many types of help that are available. Older people should be included in all aspects of our community, whether that’s the arts, sports, community development or volunteering. Meath has a lot to offer, and this event is an opportunity to promote what’s available on our doorstep.”
The Fairyhouse event will feature exhibition stands, demonstrations and a variety of speakers on topics such as nutrition, mental health, and local services. The Buvinda Meath County Council Choir will perform on the day.
The Meath Age Friendly Alliance is an interagency group that oversees the Meath Age Friendly Programme. An Age friendly Programme is designed to support communities to develop as Age friendly, in recognition of the growing number of older people in our society. This programme of work is aligned with the World Health Organisation’s global framework for Age Friendly Cities and Communities.
Meath County Council Age Friendly Programme Manager Valerie McHugh explained “We have an excellent Age Friendly Alliance structure in Meath with very committed people involved in making changes for the benefit of our older communities. We also have an active Older People’s Council which is where older people get involved in supporting and advising the agencies on how to deliver services for older people. We are seeking new members for our Older People’s Council and anyone who would like to get involved can register their interest on the day.”
The showcase event will be opened at 10.30am by Cathaoirleach Cllr. Nick Killian and will run until 2.00pm. Light refreshments will be provided. Booking is recommended as places are limited. To register your attendance please phone (046) 9097400 or email community@meathcoco.ie
The Meath Age Friendly Alliance would like to say a special thanks to Peter Roe, Manager of Fairyhouse Racecourse, for facilitating the event. Thanks also to Miriam McKenna of Local Link Flexibus for arranging transport to the venue and to all of the speakers and exhibitors including Task Security, An Garda Siochana, Acorn Digital Tablets, Healthy Age Friendly Homes Programme, Third Age, Meath Library Service, Citizens Information, Meath Sports Partnership, Meath Public Participation Network, and the Civil Defence.
