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Senior Help Line lobbies for a voice for older people. We do so in a number of ways:
- We listen to the needs of callers
- We support callers in the exploration of problems and difficulties
- We offer a one-to-one information service to callers
- We promote the value of older people - their needs, rights and well-being - at conferences, seminars and on local and national committees
Older & Bolder Campaign
Older & Bolder a national information and awareness raising public campaign was launched on November 2, 2006. It aims to counter the often hidden ageist attitudes in the country and to put older people issues firmly on the agenda in the run up to the general election 2007.
The specific objective is to mobilise support for the development of a national strategy for older people that accurately and openly reflects their views, needs and contribution. A commitment to such a strategy was sought from all political parties.
The Senior Help Line is one of five organisations on the Campaign Steering Committee. The others are Age & Opportunity, Age Action, The Senior Citizens Parliament and the Irish Hospice Foundation.
National Billboard Campaign
Older & Bolder mounted a national billboard campaign during November 2006. It showed the head and shoulders of an older person pictured large, with a similar figure of a younger person somewhat in the background. The slogan read ‘Ageism: We’re both getting older. But which one of us have you just written off?’
Information Days
In addition, older people drawn from a variety of local groups participated in information days round the country to hear about the campaign. A number went on to receive media training with a view to speaking about their lives, and the personal and political issues that concern them.
Post Card Campaign
Since the start of the campaign many thousands of post cards were signed and returned to campaign headquarters as a pledge of general commitment to the campaign.
Meet the Politicians
A number of Meet the Politicians sessions were organised round the country. The meeting organised and hosted by Senior Help Line was held at the Ardboyne Hotel, Navan on January 29, 2007. Over 150 older people participated, and 15 politicians attended, including one government minister, five TDs, candidates and councillors. We asked the politicians to respond to the points chosen by our audience for discussion. These included: Independent Living, Rural Transport, Welfare of Carers, GP and Outpatient Services, the Nursing Home Fair Deal Scheme and Ageism. The politicians were left in no doubt that they were facing an informed, articulate group. The morning ended with lunch for all.
Older & Bolder Day March 30
Many older groups round the country took part in Older & Bolder Day. The focus was local, with older people setting up information stands in local supermarkets and generally raising local awareness about the campaign.
When Politicians Came Looking for your Vote
The campaign literature included questions to ask canvassers or candidates calling to the door during the election campaign, for example:
- What are your views on the rights of older people?
- What are your party’s policies in relation to older people
- What do you plan to do for older people in this constituency?
- Will you consult with older people on their issues?
- Will your party support the development of a National Strategy for Older People if you get into government?
Keeping Up the Pressure
Since the election in May 2007 the Campaign wrote to every member of the new Dáil asking for support on the issues raised through the Older & Bolder campaign. In addition, two Campaign representatives, Michael O’Halloran of the Senior Citizens Parliament and Eamon Timmins of Age Action contacted senior members in the Green Party during their negotiations for government.
Achievements
The current Programme for Government contains a commitment to a National Strategy for Older People with a dedicated Minister for State, with the NGO’s involved in the development of the Strategy. On June 20, Tipperary North TD Maire Hoctor was appointed Junior Minister with responsibility for Older People.
The Campaign Continues
The Older & Bolder Campaign will continue and now enters a new phase. Would you like to be involved? You can register your support for the campaign by logging on to www.older&bolder.ie . Write to Older & Bolder, PO Box 10845, Dublin 9, telephone Locall 1890 252 450. This is also the number to request a campaign pack.
You could also contact:
Age Action Ireland, 30/31 Lower Camden Street, Dublin 2.
tel: 01-4756989
e-mail:
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web: www.ageaction.ie
Age & Opportunity, Marino Institute of Education, Griffith Avenue
Dublin 9.
tel: 01-8057709
e-mail:
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web: www.olderinireland.ie
Irish Hospice Foundation, Morrison Chambers, 32 Nassau Street, Dublin 2.
tel: 01-6793188
e-mail:
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web: www.hospice-foundation.ie
Irish Senior Citizens Parliament, 90 Fairview Strand, Dublin 3.
tel: 01-8561243
e-mail:
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web: www.seniors.ie
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