Background: The GAA and ALONE were both members of a multi-sectoral COVID-19 Community Response Team that worked to ensure all vulnerable members of communities affected by the pandemic were appropriately supported. Subsequently, ALONE and the GAA entered a formal partnership with the aim of improving understanding of older people’s needs, building local capacity to support older people, and raising awareness of ALONE services. As part of this collaboration, ALONE delivered a series of information and awareness events via the GAA Heathy Club initiative in nine locations across Ireland. The GAA also ran a pilot exercise programme in their Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence for older persons to improve their cardiovascular health and wellbeing.
Method: Attendees at information and awareness sessions were asked to fill in a short survey about their satisfaction with the event, awareness of ALONE services, and whether the event had enhanced their intentions to support older people. Club coordinators were also invited to complete a short survey to provide feedback on organising the event and willingness to host similar events in the future.
Results: Overall, over 200 people attended the nine events, held in a mix of urban/rural locations: 81 attendees and six club coordinators responded to the survey. Feedback from attendees was very positive; all indicated they were more likely to support older people in their community while club coordinators indicated they were likely to host a similar event in the future. A small increase in referrals to ALONE services was observed after the event.
Conclusion: This project demonstrated there is substantial demand within local communities for support services for older adults, and a real willingness among communities to support this group. Services need to ensure they respond to this need but should also focus efforts on building capacity in local communities to support older people.
