European award for Summerhill-based 'Agewell' project
AgeWell, a project of the Third Age Foundation based in Summerhil,l has won the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC’s) 14th Civil Society Prize awarded to non-profit projects supporting mental health.
The Irish entry was chosen from over 100 applications from 27 member states. AgeWell began as a pilot project in 2018, funded by the HSE and 520 people have benefited so far.
It is a social engagement network that improves well-being among older people who are isolated, frail and vulnerable. Using a combination of in-house visits and a smartphone application, it offers companionship and support and identifies health risks at an early stage. AgeWell Companions, trained by Third Age, visit weekly, enrich their own lives as well as those of others.
Aine Brady, Third Age CEO accepted the prize at a ceremony in Brussels on behalf of the dedicated volunteer companions and her colleagues, Paul O’Rourke, Lead Co-ordinator and AnnMarie Slevin Programme Coordinator and AgeWell companion.
Ms Brady explained that the programme has a number of unique aspects: "The companions visit every week and spend an hour with each client, on either side of that visit, the companion makes a phone call to keep in touch and make sure all is well. Every fortnight, we monitor our client’s health face to face using our Wellbeing App which ensures that any changes in physical, emotional and social health are noted.
"The app monitors any new symptoms such as low spirits, confusion, changes in mobility, falls, decline in appetite, or pain. This regular check shows up any changes and acts as an early warning system, identifying a problem before it has time to take hold," she added.
Clients may then be referred to a range of community and medical supports.
AgeWell has a rigorous external assessment procedure. On entering the programmes, each client receives an independent assessment based on internationally recognised standards, and is reassessed every four months. Assessments invariably show an increase in physical and emotional health, social engagement, physical activity and reduction in loneliness.
AgeWell is funded by the HSE, and Ms Brady said she hopes that this international recognition will benefit the Third Age organisation.
"We promote positive ageing by demonstrating the contribution of older people in their communities. We have over 3,000 older people delivering our programmes to their more vulnerable peers. Our SeniorLine provides 8,736 listening hours each year to older people in need. Failte Isteach offers free English conversation classes to migrants and asylum seekers in over 300 classes each week across the whole country.
"This prize will help us improve our profile in Ireland and Europe. We receive core funding from the HSE, and we are very grateful for it, but with more support, we could develop and expand all our programmes and we are excited at the potential of this opportunity," she said.
Ms Brady added that AgeWell is an excellent model and they look forward to scaling up in every way they can. "We have seen the difference it makes to older people in Co Meath and would love to see that replicated throughout Ireland and beyond."
AgeWell is currently recruiting more companions who will receive full training from Third Age. If interested, contact Lead Co-ordinator Paul O’Rourke on (087) 3186710.