Pictured after the presentation were (back row from the left) Liam McLernon Equality and Policy Officer for Down District Council, Cllr Terry Andrews, Chairman Equality and Diversity Working Group, Cllr William Walker, Chairman Down District Council, and front row from left, Cllr Carmel O’Boyle, Vice Chairman of the Equality and Diversity Working Group, with Roisin Mackin, Assistant Director of Administration (Equality ) Newry and Mourne District Council).[/caption]
Life may be looking brighter for the elderly in South Down following the merger of the two councils next April.
Members of the Down District Council Equality and Diversity Working received a presentation from Regina Mackin, Newry and Mourne District Council, regarding the Newry and Mourne Age Friendly Initiative.
The initiative aims to make Newry and Mourne a really great place in which to grow older by increasing the participation of older people in the social, economic and cultural life of the community, to improve their health, well-being and quality of life. The aims will be delivered by supporting the establishment of an Older People’s Forum, consulting older people about bus routes and transport, increasing the number and type of daytime events of interest to older people and working with businesses to identify and consider age-friendly initiatives.
Councillor Terry Andrews, Chairman of the working group said: “This initiative is to be welcomed as it encourages older people to feel valued for their life experience and assists them to become involved in community activities which adds quality and meaning to their lives.
“I hope this initiative will be extended across the new Council area when Down District Council and Newry and Mourne District Council finally merge into the super council on the 1st April 2015”.
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