An extra €1 M in grants is now available to community and voluntary groups for older people.
It is a new joint initiative between the Minister for Older People, Jim Daly, and HSE Services for Older People.
How Much?
Grants range from €5,000 to €20,000.
A total of €250,000 is dedicated to dementia related initiatives.
The closing date for applications is August 15th next, with funding allocated in Aug/ Sept.
What Sort of Project?
Successful projects will aim for sustainability and/or bring some addition to existing services.
The funding will be prioritised for projects where:
- The need for additional or new services has been clearly identified – projects and initiatives should fit with locally identified priorities or plans.
- Reasons are clearly stated as to how the proposed service addresses the need.
- Projects are aimed at those who are not already engaged in their community.
- The benefits of the project for the older person are demonstrated and measurable.
- A focus on integration/cohesion across geographic areas is incorporated.
- Achievable timelines are put forward to start the service.
Eligibility Criteria
The funding is open to community and voluntary agencies that currently hold a Service Arrangement or Grant Aid agreement with the HSE.
or
Non-statutory agencies who aim to provide health and personal social services similar or ancillary to services that the HSE may provide.
- The project must commence in 2019
- Actions must align with the National Positive Ageing Strategy and/or The Irish National Dementia Strategy and/or Carers’ Strategy and/or Loneliness Task Force (see links below).
- One grant per organisation per CHO
Categories of Support
The focus is on the Social model of Health & Social services, with the following categories:
- Be-friending services including dementia specific initiatives.
- Meals on wheels.
- Social/ Satellite centres.
- Day Centres.
- Local liaison to signpost/access services.
- Transport for older people to health and social services.
- Monitoring & Technology.
- Support for family carers.
For more details see the following link;
TO APPLY:
Click on the link below on the HSE website:
You can contact Age Friendly Ireland at :
IT Project Addressing Social Isolation for Older People
According to Dr Emer Conveney, National Programme Manager, Age Friendly Ireland, Meath County Council, there may now be an opportunity to apply for funding to deliver an Acorn Smart Age-Friendly Tablet project with other people in this area. ‘Monitoring & Technology’ is one of the categories that is eligible for support and projects can be in line with the Task Force on Loneliness.
IT projects can address isolation and improve social connections with older people.
Acorn was piloted in Meath, Fingal and Limerick and brought a good response from older people.
CSO figures show that 69% of the 55-74 age group do not use the internet everyday.
Over half (52%) of internet users aged 60-74 did not use the internet within three months prior to their CEO interview.
The digital divide can lead to social exclusion, social isolation, loneliness and a decline in physical and mental health.
The HSE and The Department of Health recognise that community and voluntary agencies provide a wide range of services to support older people to continue living in their communities and maintain their social connections.
These services, which contribute to positive ageing and better overall health, include befriending, day care, social centres, meals on wheels, etc. Improving and developing community supports is in line with the vision outlined in Sláintecare, which supports a shift to providing the majority of care in the community and a focus on prevention and early intervention.
Leave a Reply