Presentation by Baroness at Glassillan Grove HQ

GREENISLAND has hosted the first visit to Northern Ireland by Abbeyfield President Baroness Julia Neuberger, DBE.

She met with staff at the sheltered housing organisation’s headquarters in Glassillan Grove.

Baroness Neuberger made a presentation about her ideas regarding working with older people. She also outlined her desire to see the role of those who look after and work with older people be regarded with more respect.

Commenting on the visit Geraldine Gilpin, Chief Executive of Abbeyfield UK (NI), said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Baroness Neuberger to Abbeyfield’s head office in Greenisland. We are very proud of the excellent work of our staff, who are firmly committed to enhancing the quality of life for older people and providing home from home supported independent living.

“Our residents are at the heart of everything we do and it is truly satisfying to know that they feel genuinely happy, secure and valued in their home.”

Having been Chairman of Camden & Islington Community Health Services NHS Trust from 1993 until 1997 before occupying the role of Chief Executive of the King’s Fund, an independent health charity until 2004, the 60-year-old Lib Dem peeress has a clear insight into the health sector. In her recent book, ‘Not Dead Yet; A Manifesto for Old Age’, the Baroness outlines her desire to see the role of support staff regarded with more respect and suggests that more money should be invested in their training.

Geraldine adds: “Baroness Neuberger’s knowledge and insight in this sector means that she can lobby for positive change from an informed position. Abbeyfield’s support staff fulfil an extremely important role. Their commitment to enhancing the quality of life for older people and providing home from home supported independent living creates a comforting environment that residents truly appreciate.”

Abbeyfield is a charity providing supported sheltered housing for older people in comfortable, family-style accommodation for seven to ten residents. There are currently 19 Abbeyfield Houses operating across Northern Ireland. For further information log onto www.abbeyfieldni.org , telephone 028 9036 5081 or email [email protected]

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