New public services guide for older people launched
Social Development Minister Lord Morrow MLA has launched a new guide to public services for older people in Northern Ireland.
The A-Z guide is designed to increase awareness of the wide range of benefits and services that are available and provides information on topics including: pensions, disability, employment and volunteering as well as money matters, travel and bereavement.
Minister Morrow was joined at the launch by Finance Minister Mervyn Storey MLA who was involved in the development of the guide during his tenure in DSD.
Launching the guide Minister Morrow said, “The Department has consulted widely with key stakeholders on the content of this A-Z guide with input from Advice NI, Citizens Advice, Law Centre NI, the Commissioner for Older People and importantly a forum of representatives from our older citizens.
“This new guide is an easy to read, easy to access guide and, as well as being available on-line people will be able to obtain a copy from a number of organisations including their local Citizens Advice and libraries throughout Northern Ireland.”
The Minister added, “I hope that the guide goes someway in assisting our older community in reaching the range of government services available to them and highlights where they can go to get help or advice when they need it.”
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Minister Storey continued, “Older people make a vital contribution to our society and we have a responsibility to support them to live happy and fulfilled lives. Central to this is making sure that older people have up to date, accessible information about the advice and public services that are available to them.
“This A-Z guide is a valuable resource that brings together a wide range of useful information about significant life events, as well every day matters that many of us take for granted.
He added, “Importantly, it will act as a point of reference for older people who may be struggling to find the help that they need. I commend all those involved in producing this excellent guide.”
David Heron, Chairperson for the South Eastern Local Commissioning Group (LCG) said, “I think the guide is a handy size and easy to read with good clear language so it should be useful for older people in Northern Ireland.”
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