Commissioner for Older People for NI

27 Sep 2016

The Ards & North Down Older Persons Partnership (OPP) Chaired by AGE north down & ards met on Tuesday 27th September 2016  in the Workshop, Flagship, Bangor.

Membership of the OPP  Committee is open to those who are working with Older People or providing a service which impacts on health and wellbeing of Older People. The OPP meets quarterly throughout Ards & North Down. 

The Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland attended the meeting Eddie Lynch said: “As Commissioner, I have a set of priorities that I want to take forward in the next four years. I have based these on work already carried out by my office, including over 200 cases that older people have brought to me asking for advocacy support and assistance. I have several years of experience in working directly with older people and I think it’s extremely important that my work reflects their views and opinions.

 

“Over the next four years, I will be focusing on how we can create a society which respects, values and protects older people. I will be providing advice to government, holding public authorities to account for their performance and promoting the positive aspects of ageing. Tackling financial abuse will be one of my priorities. I want to raise awareness of this heinous crime and send out a strong message that we must do more to protect older people.

“I will also look at the kinds of services and treatment older people receive from public authorities, including healthcare providers, and make sure that they receive the care and treatment they need. Older people have told me that as they age, loneliness and isolation is a real concern. As Commissioner, I want to ensure that services are in place to allow older people to get out and about in their local communities and remain connected to their families and friends.

There was a very lively debate after the presentation with very intelligent questions.  The Commission said how much he valued working with the OPP and would keep in contact. Dorothy Beattie Manager AGE north down & ards (AGEnda) thanked the Commission very much for taking time out of his very busy schedule and said she felt the older People in Northern Ireland were in a very safe pair of hands.

 

In photograph:

Patricia Mackey, Community Planning Manager, Ards & North Down Borough Council Eddie Lynch, Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland Alderman Bill Keery, Deputy Mayor of Ards & North Down Borough Council Dorothy Beattie, Manager, AGE north down & ards

 

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