Advocating for older people
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John Dunlea, Age Action Age Equality staff member with Claire McCarthy, HSE Network 12, Sr Margaret Kiely, Marian Maher and Eugina O'Sullivan, both HSE Network 12. Jim CoughlanImage 2 of 3
Maureen Cullinane, Age Action Volunteer and service user (centre) with Vicky Harris and Muire O'Farrell, both Age Action Age Equality staff. Jim CoughlanImage 3 of 3
Fiona O'Donovan, Cork Chamber and Luke Decaux, Age Action Age Equality staff member. Jim CoughlanLooking for some help from anything from the odd DIY job to a free digital literacy programme? Age Action offers this and more.
Age Action aims to achieve fundamental change in the lives of all older people by empowering them to live full lives as actively engaged citizens and to secure their rights to comprehensive high-quality services according to their changing needs.
Everything they do is based on a recognition of the diversity of identity and situation among older people and a concern for equality for all older people. In addressing ageing, their work includes a concern to influence perspectives on and responses to ageing. Their work is driven by an organisation that is professional in its operations and lives out its values of dignity, participation, diversity, social justice, and professionalism.
Age Action, Ireland's leading advocacy organisation for older people and ageing, last year officially opened its new Cork office at Core House Link Road, Ballincollig.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was conducted by Deputy Lord Mayor Cllr Collette Finn, ushering in a new era of possibilities for the organisation. The opening was a resounding success, with attendees from the local businesses, volunteers and staff coming together to celebrate this new chapter for Age Action.
A volunteer with Getting Started and champion of Age Action’s Care and Repair service Maureen Cullinane gave a touching testimony about the importance of Age Action for older people: “Every time we can’t get an answer on the phone, every time we get a bot on the internet, every time we want to go somewhere and we have a problem with mobility, we remember that there is a group that will support us. Thank you, Age Action.”
Furthermore, the office in the centre of Ballincollig, serves as a hub for various programmes and events aimed at empowering older people, combating digital exclusion, and promoting lifelong learning.
With facilities like the Getting Started - digital skills training and the Care and Repair programme, Age Action continues to bridge the digital divide and provide practical support to older individuals, which it has done in Cork since 2010.
Deputy Lord Mayor Cllr Collette Finn commented on the importance of Age Action’s programmes and in particular their advocacy work to “explain to politicians this is where to put our ever more demanded resources...to support older people to live well in the community”.
Age Action CEO, Paddy Connolly reflected on the organisation's commitment to creating a more inclusive and age-friendly society.
He said: “As Age Action continues to grow and expand its reach, it remains focused on its mission to promote equality and uphold the rights of all individuals as they age. We are excited for the journey ahead and invite you all to join us.”