Health for life launch

A large number of older people from across the Triax area and representatives from various organisations will be there to celebrate the launch and join in the craic!

There will be a buffet lunch, drama show case, complementary therapies, dancing and a number of organisations such as Citizens Advice, the Community Wardens, Sensory Support, Fire Service, etc there to give advice and share information.

The Health for Life Project at the Old Library Trust (OLT) Healthy Living Centre is a five year project funded by the Big Lottery Fund's Reaching Communities Programme to improve the day-to- day lives of older people within the Triax area (Creggan, Bogside & Brandywell, The Fountain and Bishop Street).

INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROJECT

This project is essentially about making a difference to the health and social well-being of the over 60s, and their carers, of any age, within the Triax area. One of the main priorities of the Project is to reach those individuals who do not usually engage with health and social programmes.

Health for Life will provide opportunities for active ageing through a range of programmes that will inform and empower older people to make healthier life style choices and improve their quality of life. We are running programmes such as health checks, gentle exercise, relaxation classes and healthy eating demonstrations that will promote well-being and hopefully identify and prevent the onset of health threatening conditions.

Through our range of programmes we also provide opportunities for learning new skills such as how to use computers, mobile phones and digital cameras.

We also recognise that social isolation and loneliness are also factors that impact on quality of life, which is why our programmes will focus on increasing older peoples' social activity to improve their social networks and encourage them to participate within their local community. Active participation is a significant protective factor against loneliness and isolation. To address these issues, we are running social events, seasonal events and day trips as well as a befriending service facilitated by volunteers.

The Health for Life Project appreciates the work being done by families who are caring for older relatives and to this end, we offer a 'Care for Carers Programme to provide support, information and care for those who looking after elderly relatives.

Health for Life believes strongly in taking an integrated approach to the delivery of programmes and services, which is why we have established a Steering Group (see list of members below) made up of a number of key partners from the community, voluntary and statutory sectors that provide services for older people. As well as providing strategic direction for the project this mechanism for joint working means the project can be more responsive to the needs of older people and reach those who are most isolated, vulnerable and excluded.

If you require further information, I will be happy to assist. Please refer to covering email for details.