5,700 Booklets of Hope are delivered to over-55 community
By Mary Dennehy
MORE than 5,700 Booklets of Hope have been delivered to people over the age of 55 living in South Dublin County, providing information, activities, support and connection.
Developed by South Dublin County Partnership (SDCP), the 24-page booklet has been created with input from members of the local over-55 community, after a need for off-line support was identified.
Thos McDermot (SDSP), Catherine Mooney (Snr Health & Wellbeing Manager SDCP), Larry O'Neill (SDCP), Paula Donovan (Board Member SDCP) and Jonathan Hayden (SDCC Healthy Ireland) (inset) Booklet of Hope
The colourful booklet contains useful services, numbers, self-care advice, mindfulness, songs, gratitude and physio exercises, local walks, cookery, growing veg and flowers, crosswords and more.
Catherine Mooney, of SDCP’s Health and Wellbeing team told The Echo: “Through our work with South Dublin County Council on the Community Call helpline, we spoke with many individuals who were calling because they were very isolated and very lonely.
“Many of these were members of our older community, who didn’t feel they could go out and were missing family and friends.
“There has been so much great support and activities online but there are people who aren’t going online, and we realised we needed to get something indoors.”
After linking in with individuals over the age of 55 and community groups, the Booklet of Hope was created with funding from South Dublin County Council and the South Dublin County Sports Partnership.
Some 5,700 booklets have to date been delivered to homes right across South Dublin County, with another order gone to print.
Alongside the booklet, an armband reflector for when out walking, a bookmark from Mental Health Ireland and a SDCP mask was included in each delivery.
“Since the booklets have been delivered, people have been ringing saying they weren’t in a great spot and then this came in the door”, Catherine said.
“I think this is needed now more than ever, that little bit of hope.
“The past year has been very testing for the older people in our community.
“It’s being extremely hard, not being able to see children, grandchildren, go to work… and the fear that is there around leaving the house.
“However, I believe people are more resilient that we think and the sense of community out there is amazing.”
Alongside providing support, activities and fun, the booklet also reminds people that they remain connected to their community.
“The aim of the booklet is to provide a small piece of hope to older people in our community at this time”, Catherine said.
“It also promotes mental and physical health… and lets people know that their community is thinking of them.”
Catherine thanked everybody who supported the creation of the booklet including community groups, individuals over 55, the council, SDCSP, Healthy Ireland, the HSE, South Dublin County Partnership staff, and charities and organisations such as Mental Health Ireland.
Catherine encouraged anybody who is feeling lonely and would like a chat to call the South Dublin County Community Call helpline on 1800 240 519.
“Give the Community Call helpline a call for a chat”, she said.
“Have a cup of tea ready and give us a call…there are people there, ready for a chat.
“Or, we can help practically with shopping or other supports.”
If you would like a copy of the Booklet of Hope email Catherine at Catherine.Mooney@sdcpartnership.ie or call the South Dublin County Partnership on (01) 4649300.
To read the booklet online, visit www.sdcpartnership.ie
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