ATTENDEES AND EXHIBITORS GATHER AT BROCKAGH RESOURCE CENTRE TO CELEBRATE POSITIVE AGEING AND COMMUNITY CONNECTION

The Wicklow Older People's Council (OPC), supported by Wicklow County Council's Age Friendly Programme, welcomed nearly 200 attendees and 25 exhibiting organisations to a highly successful information and engagement event at Brockagh Resource Centre, Glendalough, undeterred by the Status Orange weather warning earlier in the morning.

The event brought together older people from across County Wicklow to access information, learn about available services and supports, and connect with community organisations dedicated to promoting positive ageing, health, wellbeing and independence. The gathering also highlighted the important role of the Wicklow Older People's Council in ensuring that the voices of older people continue to influence local policy, planning and service delivery throughout the county.

A key message from the event was the importance of growing membership of the Wicklow Older People's Council. The Council is actively encouraging new members to join over the coming months, particularly as preparations begin for the election of a new Older People's Council Executive Committee in September 2027. Membership provides older people with an opportunity to represent the views of their peers, contribute to local decision-making and help shape the future direction of Age Friendly Wicklow.

Attendees had the opportunity to visit exhibition stands representing a wide range of organisations and services, including Active Retirement Ireland, ALONE, Wicklow Dementia Support, Engaging Dementia, the Alzheimer's Society of Ireland, the Patient Advocacy Service, Family Carers Ireland, Wicklow Sports & Recreation Partnership, Wicklow Library Service, Healthy Age Friendly Homes, the Local Community Safety Partnership, Citizens Information Centre, An Garda Síochána, Wicklow Fire Service, County Wicklow Partnership, Bray and North Wicklow Area Partnership, SAGE Advocacy, KWETB and many others.

The event also featured a series of informative presentations, including guidance on the Fair Deal Scheme by Alice Doyle, Deputy President of the Irish Farmer's Association, information on SEAI grants and home energy supports from Fiona English and Finian McEvoy of Laragh Glendalough Sustainable Energy Community, practical advice on staying safe from cybercrime and online scams from Detective Garda Noel O'Gorman from the National Cyber Crime Bureau, and a demonstration of Activator Poles by Michael Keegan through Wicklow Sports and Recreation Partnership in Wicklow County Council. Activator Poles are available for borrowing through Wicklow Library branches as part of initiatives supporting physical activity and healthy ageing.

The Brockagh Resource Centre was selected as the venue due to its central county location, scenic surroundings, accessibility via local bus routes and its strong community spirit. As a community-led, community-run facility, the Centre provided an ideal setting for an event focused on participation, inclusion, and community connection. The organisers extend their sincere thanks to the staff and volunteers of Brockagh Resource Centre for their support in delivering a welcoming and successful event.

Cllr. Dr. Caroline Winstanley, an Cathaoirleach, Wicklow County Council said: "Events such as this highlight the importance of providing support and opportunities for connection not only for older people, but also for others who may be vulnerable in our communities. Access to services, practical advice and social engagement can have a significant impact on quality of life. It is encouraging to see so many organisations working together to support people to live well, safely and independently."

Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, Emer O'Gorman, commented: "Wicklow has developed a strong and effective Age Friendly structure that continues to go from strength to strength. Through the collaboration of the Older People's Council, the Age Friendly Alliance, community partners and Council staff, we are creating opportunities for older people to remain connected, informed and actively involved in their communities. The impressive attendance at this event demonstrates the value of this work and the strong level of engagement that exists across the county."

Michael Nicholson, Director of Services, Social Development (Housing and Community), Wicklow County Council, said: "This event is a clear reflection of the success of the Wicklow Older People's Council and the important contribution it makes to Age Friendly Wicklow. The OPC supports the work of the Age Friendly Alliance, which brings together external stakeholders to oversee implementation of the Wicklow Age Friendly Strategy, and the Age Friendly Interdepartmental Team within Wicklow County Council. Together, these structures ensure that the needs, experiences and perspectives of older people are embedded across services, policies and actions. We are delighted to see such strong participation and would encourage more people to become involved in the Older People’s Council."

Senator Pat Casey, Age Friendly Wicklow Ambassador, said: "The strength of Age Friendly Wicklow lies in partnership, participation and ensuring that older people in our community remain at the centre of decision making. The Older People's Council is for anyone over the age of 55 in Wicklow. It is made up of several subgroups focused on achieving certain actions in the Age Friendly Strategy. I encourage anyone interested in making a positive difference in their community to consider joining the Older People’s Council as it prepares for the election of a new OPC Executive Committee in 2027."

The Wicklow Older People's Council welcomes new members from across County Wicklow and encourages anyone interested in representing the views of older people and contributing to the future development of Age Friendly Wicklow, to get involved. Further information on the Wicklow Older People's Council and the Age Friendly Programme is available through Wicklow County Council's website under their Age Friendly webpage. Email Sarah McElroy, Age Friendly Programme Manager; agefriendly@wicklowcoco.ie