27 June 2008

Combating social isolation amongst older people

A DVD showing how social isolation amongst older people can be addressed through volunteering has been launched by the Southern Health and Social Care Trust.

The DVD features four volunteering projects which have been developed through the Trust’s small grants programme in the Newry and Mourne area.

The projects were: Mourne U.3.A for a pilates exercise programme and digital photography lessons; Falcon Luncheon Club which ran arts, crafts and computer classes; Crossmaglen U.3.A for glass making, bowling and swimming lessons; and Friends of Slieve Roe House Kilkeel who worked with local high school students to plant a

herb garden.

Mark Owens, Team Leader for the Southern Health and Social Care Trust’s Older People’s Programme says: “Many older people live alone with limited access to social activities and can experience social isolation due to ill health, reduced mobility or no family living nearby. The small grants programme aims to get older people out of the house to socialise, improve their well being and use their skills to the benefit of the wider community. It’s also about bringing volunteers to socially isolated older people through a range of innovative programmes.”

This is the second year that the Trust has offered the grants scheme. Ten projects in Newry and Mourne received grants of £300 to £500, this year for a variety of programmes including Computer Training, a Personal Development Course, Information Mornings and a Breast/Cervical Cancer Awareness Programme.

A total of 699 older people, 122 volunteers and 28 new volunteers participated in the various projects.

Rory Kieran who took part in the volunteering project through Crossmaglen U.3.A. said: “For someone who is depressed or not very well physically this is ideal to get you out of the house.”