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Social Engagement Programme - Older Persons
Start date: Sep 3, 2016, End date: Oct 2, 2017 PROJECT  FINISHED 

Background to Organisation - Friends of the Elderly was established in 1980 to bring friendship and companionship to our lonely and isolated older people in Dublin. The charity provides a number of programmes to over 600 older people. Social isolation is reported as a real of concern among our older people in Ireland. 85% of older people want to stay at home and Friends of the Elderly try and support those most alone and isolated to live fulfilled lives. Friends of the Elderly are currently in contact with over 600 older members. Social engagement and physical activity projects as seem as low cost effective projects which improve the health and well being of older people who are alone or feel lonely.Context/background - A comprehensive review of the previous project by the older members, the manager and previous evs volunteers resulted in the development of a social engagement project which focuses on social activities which promote intergenerational practices. Object of the Project - To provide a non formal learning environment where our volunteers will learn about ageing issues, social inclusion, event planning and management, IT skills, research techniques, communication and linguistics skills, office management skills, Irish social cultural services, innovation and creativity skills. They will also experience the positive impact intergenerational activities can bring to both young and old.To encourage EVS volunteers to make a positive contribution to tackling social isolation and loneliness in older peopleTo help older members reconnect with resources in their communities.To promote healthy attitudes towards ageingTo provide a community entertainment programme for older people which will be run the elderly and EVS volunteers.To provide a safe environment for all involveTo provide an international and inter-generational dimension to the programme. In the past our EVS volunteers have introduced our older members to their own cultures by providing an afternoon of entertainment and foogyProfile and number of participants - there are currently 140 members in our social club with regular attendances of up to 70 people at our most popular club. Members must be 60+ to join the club. The EVS volunteers are assisted by other volunteers who may come from different cultural backgrounds or have disabilities, Friends of the Elderly is an equal opportunity organiation. There staffing level is small with only 4 staff but as the organisation we welcome the support of EVS volunteers.Activities - The aim is to provide an entertainment programme for older people to enhance the lives of older people and them participate in their community. The activities involve, music, technology, dancing, crafts, choir all centred around social contact and engagement. The project also involves visiting older people in their homes to befriend them. Other activities could be charity shop work and office work. Volunteers use their skills and talents to develop a project of their own.Methodology - Each year a review of the EVS project takes place, it involves the EVS volunteers, our members, staff and the board. the outcome of this review is an EVS project. this year we have increased activity in or social club due to demands from or older members and the board. EVS have helped developed new activities for our club. All those involved in the EVS project is allowe contribute to the review of the project and the formation of the new EVS project.Results - Participants will meet their learning objectives and receive their Youthpass Certicate. A number of our previous volunteers were successful in gaining employment following the completion of the project and many still keep in touch with th organisation and visit when they are in the country. EVS volunteers make new friends on this project and many keep in touch after the project ends. Our organisation is proud of the contribution EVS volunteer have made and the friendship they have brought to our older members. The EVS volunteers help us meet our aim to bring friendship to as many older people who are alone or feel lonely.

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