On Tuesday of last week Laois County Council held a public consultation event in Bloom HQ, Mountrath, in order to seek the input and opinions of the older citizens of the county.
The feedback received from this event, will help inform the new Age Friendly Strategy for County Laois.
The event was attended by approximately 100 of our citizens from across all corners of Laois, with individuals and various groups represented on the day.
Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Cllr Thomasina Connell launching the event said: “Today’s consultation allows our older citizens who have come from all corners of Laois an opportunity to have their say on what changes they would like to see implemented across each sector of society, be it transport, public services, housing, health and social participation.
“This in turn will ensure that CLaois strives to be a truly age-friendly community; one where everyone can be included and be a full and meaningful participant in our society.”
John Mulholland, Chief Executive of Laois County Council, emphasised the importance of having a purpose in life.
“I know that many of you here today are part of one of the many clubs, groups or societies that we have in Laois and being part of something means that we are actively engaged with our society.
“How fitting it is then that today’s event takes place in this beautiful building, what was the Brigidine Convent in Mountrath.
“In 2009, the Brigidine Convent celebrated 200 years of service to the community in Mountrath.
“The building was later gifted to the community and continues today to serve its community as a vibrant community hub.
“I know that some of you here today may have attended school here and I am sure that you are delighted to see it re-purposed again for the benefit of the whole community.
“This building shows us that perhaps when a working career finishes, that we can all re-purpose and continue to remain active and contribute to our own communities”.
Eileen Hughes, Regional Programme Manager for Age Friendly Ireland, then presented an overview of the work of Age Friendly Ireland and illustrated the progress made since its formation.
A round table consultation and feedback session thereafter produced very good information and an insight into the issues affecting our older citizens of county Laois.
After lunch, entertainment and activities were the order of the day with Musical Bingo, an exercise session provided by Laois Sports Partnership and finally dancing to Billy Dollard & Eddie Larkin.
This consultation offered a meaningful collaboration opportunity for Laois County Council and our older citizens and it was a very enjoyable day experienced by all who were in attendance.
The vision for the new Age Friendly Strategy is that Laois will be a county where older people are supported to live independently in safe and secure homes and communities, suitable their physical and social needs.
A county where older people are enabled to participate in economic, social, political and community life and continue to grow, develop and contribute to society.
The aims are;
- To improve the health and quality of life of older people in Laois
- To increase the participation of older people in the social, economic and cultural life of our community
- To build upon existing services and supports for older people.
The anticipated outcome of this strategy is that Laois will be a county in which older people will:
- Feel they belong and have opportunities for both personal development and supporting the community in which they live
- Remain living in their own homes and communities
- Lead healthy and active lives for longer
- Have access to transport so they can get to where they want to go
- Live in communities where the social and physical environments are conducive to being out and about
- Feel safe in their own homes and communities
If you would like to learn more about or be informed on age friendly events or indeed joining your Older Persons Council, please do not hesitate to contact agefriendly@laoiscoco.ie or call Tom Curran on 05786 64150/ 086 0363426 for further information.
More information available here.
SEE ALSO – Death occurs of Tom Phelan, a former Labour Party General Election candidate in Laois
