Achievements, challenges and the road ahead for an ageing population Inclusion and Participation Engaging With Age

Engage With Age Strategic Themes Social inclusion Social justice Poverty and deprivation Loneliness and isolation Health and wellbeing

Addressing isolation Find people – go to them, don’t expect them to come to you Make links with local community and older people’s groups and forums Make links with other voluntary and community organisations Outreach events in shopping centres, health fairs etc Local community safety wardens, schools Ensure all the local statutory agencies, GP’s Social Services, Health Visitors are aware of the initiative Be innovative

What motivates people to get involved? Individual and personal contact – not a leaflet or letter Knocking on doors – takes time but is worth it Ask people what they want to do – don’t presume – Bingo and beyond! Imaginative ideas and putting the older people at the centre of planning and running activities Older people as advocates People to go with – Transport

Why do they stay?  Welcome and warmth  Friendships, a sense of belonging  Not being left alone  Variety of activities  Being involved in planning  Quality refreshments  Communication

EWA Aspiration Older people – living in their own homes – deserve the right to be socially included and part of their local community and free from loneliness, exclusion and isolation.

‘Grey Matters’ CAP Lobbying & Advocacy skills training group on a visit to Belfast City Hall welcomed by Lord Mayor Pat McCarthy