ALONE’s Community Impact Network (CIN) Annual Conference states – Collaborating is our Collective Responsibility.

Register for the CONFERENCE here: Collaborating – Our Collective Responsibility.

A great example of the age sector coming together to share knowledge and resources to meet the growing needs of our ageing population.

Maynooth, May 23, 2024 – ALONE, the organisation that supports older people to age at home, is pleased to announce its Community Impact Network (CIN) annual conference for 2024 will take place in on Thursday, 23rd May at St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth.

The event, titled “Collaborating – Our Collective Responsibility,” will bring together leaders, experts, and advocates to shed light on problems facing older people. This is our annual networking event where sector NGOs can increase their knowledge and ability to meet the needs of older people in their communities.

This year will feature a range of national and international keynote speakers, including David McDaid, Associate Professorial Research Fellow at the London School of Economics; Fanchea Kelly, Former CEO of Blackwood Homes (Scotland), will deliver insightful talks on topics such as ‘The Economic Value of Aging in Ireland’ and ‘Homes for Our Future’; and Alice McGinley, Head of Service and Implementation Lead for Community Healthcare Network at the HSE, will address the vital topic of Care in the Community.

Ahead of the significant event, ALONE CEO Sean Moynihan said, “ALONE has always believed that we can solve problems working together and increase our collective impact by sharing knowledge and resources. As part of our Community Impact Network, we are delighted to host the conference this year in Maynooth. With Ireland’s population aging rapidly, this conference is of particular significance to Irish communities. It will address challenges unique to Ireland’s healthcare system, social welfare policies, and the well-being of older people across the country as well as celebrating the positive benefits of our ageing population.”

Currently, there are over 0.8 million people aged 65 and above in Ireland, a number projected to double by 2050, constituting more than a quarter of the total population. While concerns about the strain on healthcare, welfare services, and pensions persist, this perspective overlooks the many positive economic contributions that older people make to society. It’s crucial to recognize the positive economic impact of older persons. From continued workforce participation to volunteering and informal caregiving, older individuals play a vital role in our society’s economic fabric.

The CIN Annual Conference provides a vital forum for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and community leaders to collaborate on enhancing the well-being of older persons in Ireland. Through initiatives like the Community Impact Network, ALONE continues to advocate for older individuals on various fronts, including loneliness, housing, pensions, home support care, and ageism.

For more information about ALONE’s Community Impact Network, please visit https://alone.ie/community-impact-network/

ENDS

Note to Editors: 

ALONE is a national organisation that supports older people to age at home (RCN:20020057). ALONE works with all older people, including those who are lonely, isolated, frail or ill, homeless, living in poverty, or are facing other difficulties.

 About ALONE:

ALONE is a national organisation dedicated to enabling older people to age at home. With a focus on improving physical, emotional, and mental well-being, ALONE provides a range of services, including Support Coordination, Practical Supports, Support & Befriending, Phone Services, Social Prescribing, Housing with Support, and Assistive Technology.

About CIN:

ALONE’s Community Impact Network (CIN) is a national initiative aimed at enhancing the collective leadership and capacity of organisations to support older persons. As part of ALONE’s Community, Innovation, and Enterprise department, CIN fosters partnerships between statutory and community/voluntary services to improve services for older people across Ireland.