Council encourages Age Friendly applications
CORK County Council has extended the deadline for applications to its Age Friendly County programme, of which Mitchelstown is one of four towns involved.
The programme provides support to groups for the development of a network of Age Friendly towns across the county. The current fund cycle runs from 2020 to 2021 and will provide financial assistance to communities interested in developing Age Friendly initiatives in their town.
Liz Downes is a member of Cork County Council’s Community Support Forum, Vice Chair of the Older People’s Council and an active member of Mitchelstown’s Age Friendly Town Committee, and she is encouraging other community groups to consider applying for the fund,
“Achieving the status of an Age Friendly Town has brought a huge sense of community pride to Mitchelstown, as well as an awareness of the everyday challenges experienced by older people,” she said.
“The programme has allowed the community to view our town through new eyes; we were spurred into action, with various initiatives, networks and businesses raising awareness of older people’s needs.
“Age Friendly Towns has laid the foundations for the wonderful supports that are now so important to many in our area. We have made valuable connections with Cork County Council, Local Councillors, HSE, Gardai, Ballyhoura Development, Muintir na Tire and most recently a link with the Council’s COVID-19 Community Support
Programme.”
Not to be deterred by COVID-19, Mitchelstown Age Friendly Committee has recently introduced Zoom Digital meet-ups to connect older people in the community, while providing advice on various well-being topics.
The first of its weekly Zoom calls focused on physical activity and mental well-being, while future meetings will explore further topics on maintaining a healthy mind and body, and staying connected.
Further information, including guidelines and application forms, can be obtained from www.corkcoco.ie, by contacting (021) 428 5557 or (021) 428 5161, or by e-mailing agefriendly@corkcoco.ie. The closing date applications is Friday, May 29, at 4pm.