Mid and East Antrim Agewell Partnership (MEAAP) has found creative ways to provide remote support to older people in the Ballymena, Larne and Carrickfergus area.
The local charity, which supports 150 elderly in the area through its IMPACTAgewell® project, has had to adapt its practices because of ongoing restrictions. It has replaced normal activity with a variety of other support mechanisms including regular telephone calls and delivering Stay Well at Home activity packs door to door.
With the support of firmus energy the packs, which are being delivered throughout the month of November, will contain a host of items including firmus energy mugs, hot chocolate and Christmas crafts and puzzles.
The packs form part of wider efforts by the charity to support and improve the quality of life for older people by connecting them to their community.
Welcoming the support, Sarah McLaughlin said: “We’ve received really positive feedback from recipients of earlier activity packs, and with shorter days and colder weather, it will be a lovely warming treat for our older people to receive our latest pack which includes among other items hot chocolate and a firmus energy mug.
“We support a range of older people through the IMPACTAgewell® programme. Our service users are registered at 16 local GP surgeries and have been referred to us because they have long term health conditions so they’re being really careful to follow the social distancing rules. By reaching out to them in this way we can make sure they feel supported in these difficult times.”
Speaking about the initiative, energy advisor, firmus energy, Damien Dineen, said: “firmus energy is committed to supporting local communities and we recognise the impact ongoing restrictions are having on those who are elderly or have ongoing health concerns. We hope that our support will help to put a smile on recipient’s faces.
“firmus energy keeps an active register of vulnerable customers who voluntarily join the scheme and receive special support including tailored billing, advice and a range of other support services so this programme is close to our hearts.
IMPACTAgewell® has been operating for four years. It continues to be a valuable source of support for older people and is funded by the Dunhill Medical Trust and the Health and Social Care Board.
If you think you or someone you know could benefit from the support offered by IMPACTAgewell® Project, call Mid and East Antrim Agewell Partnership on 02825658604 or talk to your GP.
To find out if you can get connected to natural gas and benefit from more space around the home, call 0330 024 9000 or visit www.firmusenergy.co.uk
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firmus energy is a natural gas distribution and supply company, based in Antrim. Since 2006, firmus energy has connected over 50,000 customers in its network area (outside greater Belfast) and supplies natural gas to over 100,000 across Northern Ireland.
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Kelly McVeigh kmcveigh@webershandwick.com 028 9034 7312
Johnny Stewart jstewart@webershandwick.com 077 8545 8136
