Co. Wicklow Network for Older People

Vision Statement: To be decided

Overall aims:

The overarching aim of the Network is to develop as an organisation that speaks for and lobbies on behalf of Older People in County Wicklow.

Recent lobbying:

Recently our lobbying work included a submission to the Commissioner for Energy Regulation requesting action to help older people who are unable ot afford their electricity bills. We also asked the Minister for Finance to ensure that older people will have adequate pension incomes when he is framing the Budget. And we asked the Minister for Health to remove the 50c prescription charge as it relates to older people.

Recent events:

Sports Fest

Seminar “ A Voice for Older People in County Wicklow”

Photograph Gallery

Newsletter -

About us

Background

A need was identified by members of Wicklow County Council (WCC) for the Development of an Older Person Forum in the County.

Two consultation meeting chaired by Ms. Anne Ferris, Chairperson of WCC were held to identify the issues and to establish a working group.

The Network was established in December 2007 at a Public meeting in the Brockagh
Resource Centre, Laragh, Co. Wicklow. The meeting was facilitated by Garvan Hickey, Social Inclusion, Analyst from the Community & Enterprise, Section of WCC. Wicklow County Council kindly provided the initial funding.

The Network aims to provide a Voice for Older People in the County, and works on their behalf with all relevant agencies and Bodies. The Networks aims are to promote positive ageing, tackle ageism and to advocate on issues affecting the lives of Older People in the County.

Membership of the Network is open to all organisations and individuals committed to
improving the quality of life of Older People.

Co. Wicklow Network for Older People meets on a monthly basis, generally in the Brockagh Resource Centre, Laragh.

The committee is comprised of representatives from Older Peoples Groups, Individuals and relevant support agencies for Older People.

The Network Executive is currently developing structures and tools that will enable effective internal and external communication between older persons groups, older individuals and the Network Executive. The Network is also developing committee skills and which aim to build the capacity of the Network to enable its objective of becoming a self-sustaining organisation. Parallel to this the Network is involved in activities that will promote the Network as an entity thus continuing to increase its membership.

Examples of submissions made, advocating and lobbying initiatives

 Submission to Planning Section Wicklow County Council on issues and topics that impact on the lives of Older People in the County Development Plan

 Submission on National Positive Ageing Strategy

 Supported Age Actions - “Nobody Should Have to Choose Between Food and Fuel”
campaign

 Made recommendations during the review process of the County Development Board Strategy “Outlook”

 Advocated on behalf of Older People in County Wicklow with Board Gais
Health Service Executive, Sports Facilities, Dublin Bus and others

 Lobbying Wicklow County Council on Essential Repairs Grant

 Supported protests over Medical Cards Issue

The Network has held two very successful seminars with over 150 People attending

 Seminar on Rights and Entitlements

 Seminar on Wills and Inheritance

The network has also lobbied and advocated on behalf of individual members in a variety of situations to ensure that their rights as Older People were being upheld and that they are being treated as equals and in a socially inclusive manner.

Funding

In 2009 the Network made a successful funding application to Age & Opportunity under the “Get Vocal Programme”. This has enabled the group to engage a development worker for 20 hours per week . The Development Worker took up her position in Jan 2010. The County Wicklow Partnership host the Development Workers employment.

Contact us –

Anne Kavanagh, Development Officer, Co. Wicklow Network for Older People, Avoca River House, Bridgewater Centre, Arklow, Co. Wicklow.

Tel: 0402 – 20955 Mobile 087 1500 234 (Tues, Thurs – Fri)

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Funding & Supports

Get Vocal – put link to Get Vocal programme on age and opportunity website

Wicklow County Council- Social Inclusion Unit – link http://www.wicklow.ie/Apps/WicklowBeta/CommunityEnterprise/SocialInclusionUnit.

Bray Area Partnership

 http://www.braypartnership.ie

Partners

Co. Wicklow Citizens Information Service -

Health Service Executive –

Co. Wicklow Volunteer Centre

http://www.volunteerwicklow.ie