Staff from the Old Library Trust & The Bogside and Brandywell Health forum came together recently to take part in a workshop that looked at partnership working and how both organisations can work smarter & more efficient for the benefit of local residents.
Activities on the day included discussion around Family support, children and young people, Older adults and dementia, Healthy lifestyles, good food and nutrition, Drugs and alcohol issues and long term condition management.
Thank you to all the staff for a really worthwhile day.
New children’s commissioner for NI Chris Quinn took time out recently to visit Creggan and speak to community leaders about the strengths and challenges that children, young people and families are facing.
The Trip facilitated by George McGowan begun with a tour of the Old Library trust followed by conversations with staff from the Old Library Trust, The Family support Hub and Surestart Edenballymore.
Next up was a visit to St. Mary s Youth Club in Creggan and a chat with youth leader Peter Nixon and many of the young people.
Chris finished the afternoon by visiting the team at Sean Dolans lead by current Chairperson Eamonn McGinley. Chris was extremely impresses with everyone ne met and in particular the passion and commitment from community leaders in the area.
Chris hope to get back down for further conversations in the new year to hear more
Three-year programme will aim to help over 1,000 participants transform theirshopping and eating habits for a healthier lifestyle.
safefood has partnered with the Healthy Living Centre Alliance to launch a new three-year phase of its hugely successful ‘Transform Your Trolley’ programme in communities across Northern Ireland.
The new three-year programme aims to support over 1,000 families and individuals by improving their food shopping habits by replacing fatty and sugary foods with healthy, balanced meals.
‘Transform Your Trolley’ will be coordinated by the Old Library Trust in Derry~Londonderry and delivered across 12 regional Healthy Living Centres in 2023 with a target of expanding to 29 Healthy Living Centres by the end of the three-year programme.
The programme will work closely with local Health & Social Care Trusts to deliver interactive workshops and initiatives designed to benefit families, older individuals living alone, and single males.
It will provide practical support in areas such as creating a balanced shopping list, meal planning, how to eat well on a budget, how to cook basic nutritious meals, making use of leftovers, and food safety and hygiene.
Launching the new three-year ‘Transform Your Trolley’ programme, Joana da Silva, expert in Human Health and Nutrition at safefood: “We’re delighted to continue our partnership with the Healthy Living Centre Alliance by moving from the pilot phase to a new three-year phase of our hugely successful ‘Transform Your Trolley’ programme.
Celebrating a new three-year phase of the ‘Transform Your Trolley’ programme are Anne Parle, Registered Nutritionist (Public Health) at safefood, Aileen McGloin, Director Of Nutrition at safefood, Julie White and George McGowan, The Old Library Trust Healthy Living Centre, Derry/Londonderry and Joana da Silva, expert in Human Health and Nutrition at safefood.
“The programme has already made a significant impact. All participants in the initial pilot programme reported that it has changed the way they will plan and shop for food in the future, with 99% of participants feeling it had positively influenced the way they and their family will eat in the future.
“After the pilot programme, there was an increase in the number of people who reported comparing nutrition labels when out shopping. There was also an increase in home cooking with more people preparing homemade meals more often. More people also stated that they were getting five servings of fruit and vegetables per day ‘most of the time’ and ‘just about every day’.
“Together with the Healthy Living Centre Alliance, we’re excited to expand our reach and engage even more households and communities over the next three years aimed at increasing knowledge around meal planning, teaching healthier food shopping and enhancing basic cooking skills.
Tony Doherty, Regional Coordinator at the Healthy Living Centre Alliance said: “We’re thrilled to embark on another exciting phase of safefood’s ‘Transform your Trolley’ programme and we’ll be working closely with local Health & Social Care Trusts and partnering with community organisations to ensure that the programme reaches even more households over the next three years.”
“Through a combination of community support programme and events, our focus is on providing families and individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed, healthier choices to their weekly food shop.”
The Healthy Living Centres participating in the ‘Transform Your Trolley’ programme are:
Old Library Trust Healthy Living Centre, Derry~Londonderry
‘Busy and Successful’ DEEDS ‘One Stop Shop’ on Dementia at Foyleside
A ‘One Stop Shop’ for information on Dementia coordinated by the Old Library Trusts DEEDS project (Dementia Engaged and Empowered, Derry and Strabane) in partnership with the Western Health & Social Care Trust marked World Alzheimer’s Day at Foyleside Shopping Centre on Thursday, September 21 with over 16 stalls from relevant services in attendance showcasing education, information, awareness, technology, events, one to one caring and family support to individuals and families experiencing Dementia in their lives.
The successful event was held to raise awareness of the services that are available in the Derry and Strabane area and was the third successful events held over the week. There were stalls from DEEDS, Age and Dementia Friendly Derry and Strabane District Council, the Alzheimer’s Society, Dementia NI, Praxis Floating Support, Carers Support WHSCT, Learning Disability and Dementia Nurse; E-Care Well (UU), Falls Prevention, CARE Project, Gable and the Millennium Forum’s Access Programme for Dementia.
Speaking at Foyleside and opening proceedings on Thursday morning, the city and district’s Deputy Mayor Jason Barr encouraged anyone experiencing Dementia in their lives to contact DEEDS so they could assist them in making the right choices for their loved ones. He said:
‘I was delighted to mark World Alzheimer’s Day by attending this DEEDS event in partnership with the WHSCT which brought together the many dementia help and support groups that exist in our Council area under one roof.
‘A dementia diagnosis is life-changing for both the individual and their support network of family and friends, however, there are many excellent resources available locally to help manage the condition and allow everyone impacted to get the most out of life.
‘I would encourage anyone living or experiencing the impact of dementia to make contact with Sinead at DEEDS to learn more about making the right choices and accessing the resources available.’
Delighted with the success of Thursday’s event, the Old Library Trust’s Sinead Devine (DEEDS Co-ordinator) described the event as a very successful two-hours ‘one stop shop’ where all the stalls were exceptionally busy.
‘Marking World Alzheimer’s Day, we were absolutely delighted with the turnout. All stallholders said they were active with questions from members of the public looking for information. It was also great to see the city and district’s Deputy Mayor Jason Barr come along and show his support. The council recently passed a unanimous motion to support dementia awareness training for council staff so it great to see the Councillor Barr highlighting the ‘One Stop Shop for Dementia reinforcing Council commitment to a Dementia friendly City and district.’
‘Today, people got an opportunity to talk to experienced professionals and ask questions pertinent to their own personal situations.’
Sinead stressed that everyone should look for the early signs of dementia among their older family members and loved ones, adding: ‘Maybe you have noticed a loved one with memory issues. Or have a family member with a recent diagnosis and need to know what support is out there. Maybe you are caring for someone with dementia and need support for yourself. I sincerely hope Thursday served as an ideal opportunity to see what services are available to you and your loved one. There is help out there. Please don’t feel alone’.
Anyone looking for further information should contact Sinead at 02871 373870 during working hours, Monday-Friday.
The Deputy Mayor Jason Barr and George McGowan, Project Director, Old Library Trust pictured at one of the ‘One Stop Shops’ on infomration on dementia during Thursday’s event at Foyleside Shopping Centre. On left is eCareWell staff Tara Harkin and Katie McGuinness.WORLD ALZHEIMER’S DAY. . . .The Deputy Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Jason Barr pictured at Thursday’s DEEDS (Dementia Engaged and Empowered Derry and Strabane) ‘One Stop Shop’ for information on dementia at Foyleside Shopping Centre, Derry. The event, to mark World Alzheimer’s Day, organised by the Old Library Trust/DEEDS and saw numerous stalls, well attended by passers-by who saw experts in line to give advice on dementia and how it affects our everyday lives. Photo includes representatives from OLT, Foyleside Shopping Centre, WHSCT and other community groups. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography)Pictured at Thursday’s DEEDS (Dementia Engaged and Empowered Derry and Strabane) ‘One Stop Shop’ for information on dementia at Foyleside Shopping Centre, Derry, are from left, George McGowan, OLT, Deputy Mayor Jason Barr, Fergal Rafferty, Foyleside Shopping Centre and Ciara Burke, DCSDC.The Deputy Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Jason Barr speaking at the start of Thursday’s DEEDS (Dementia Engaged and Empowered Derry and Strabane) ‘One Stop Shop’ for information on dementia at Foyleside Shopping Centre, Derry. The event, to mark World Alzheimer’s Day, organised by the Old Library Trust/DEEDS and saw numerous stalls, well attended by passers-by who saw experts in line to give advice on dementia and how it affects our everyday lives.The Deputy Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Jason Barr pictured at one of the many ‘One Stop Shops’ for information on dementia at Foyleside Shopping Centre on Thursday to mark World Alzheimer’s Day (September 21) in the city and district. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography)Group pictured at Thursday’s DEEDS ‘One Stop Shop’ for information on dementia at Foyleside Shopping Centre, are from left, Jenny Gibson, WHSCT, Emma Green, Dementia NI, Eilish Brown, Old Library Trust and Foyle MLA Sinead McLaughlin.The Deputy Mayor in converstion with some of the professional staff at the ‘One Stop Shop’ for information on dementia at Foyleside on Thursday morning.The Old Library Trust’s Sabrina Lynch in conversation with Shelagh McMahon and Evelyn Collins during the DEEDS/OLT’s ‘One Stop Shop’ for information on dementia at Foyleside Shopping Centre on Thursday.Marking World Alzheimer’s Day at Foyleside Shopping Centre on Thursday during the DEEDS/OLT’s ‘One Stop Shop’ for information on dementia are, from left, Howrad Clarke, Alzheimer’s Society, the Deputy Mayor Jason Barr and Sabrina Lynch, Old Library Trust.Maire Ni Dhuarcain pictured with the Old Library Trust’s/DEEDS Sabrina Lynch and Eilish Brown at Thursday’s ‘One Stop Shop’ for information on dementia at Foyleside.Pictured at Thursday’s DEEDS/Old Library Trust’s ‘One Stop Shop’ for information on dementia at Foyleside Shopping Centre are, from left, Ciara Burke, Age Friendly Co-Ordinator, DCSDC, Majella Magee andRachel Twells, Western Health and Social Care Trust.The Deputy Mayor Jason Barr at the Care (Collective Approach to Rural Exclusion) stall at Thursday’s ‘One Stop Shop’.WORLD DEMENTIA DAY. . . . .Marking World Dementia Day at the DEEDS/OLT’s ‘One Stop Shop’ for information on dementia, held at Foyleside Shopping Centre yesterday morning are Sabrina Lynch, Old Library Trust, Creggan and Howard Clarke, Alzheimer’s Society. (Photo: Jim McCafferty Photography)
Timetable of activities for those over 50 years of age
Lots on offer
For more info, contact Sarah at the Health Forum on 028 71365 330 or email: sarah@bbhealthforum.org OR contact Jonathan at OLT on 028 71373 870 or email: jonathan@olt.ie
The Recovery Walk NI is the largest outdoor recovery event in Northern Ireland, supported by various organisations and community groups throughout NI. Held during International Recovery Month, The Recovery Walk NI is family friendly and highly invitational event to honour those we have lost to substance use, to celebrate those currently navigating recovery, and to highlight why recovery is so important within our communities
The walk is an excellent way to bring addiction, substance use, and recovery out of the shadows. build new connections and support networks and meet others navigating life after addiction. As well as the walk there will be access to support and information stalls, food, music and fun on the day.
The Route Leaving Ebrington Square @ 10.00am Walk to NW Transport Hub Travel by Road up Duke Street – Across Craigavon bridge – Carslile Road – Ferryquay Street – The Diamond – Shipquay Street. Whittaker Street – across Foyle |Embankment – cross peace bridge. Arrive Ebrington Square @ 11.00am
On completion there will be access to service and information stalls, a Mayoral address; food; music and a family atmosphere. Brought to you in partnership with: ARC Fitness Bogside & Brandywell Health Forum The Northlands Centre Developing Healthy Communities HURT The National Lottery Community Fund
Thursday 21st September 11am – 1pm hosted by our friends in Foyleside Shopping Centre.
There will be a wide range of services available with leaflets and information and a chance to chat to experienced staff. There will be representation from rural services as well.
You may be worried about a loved one displaying possible symptoms such as memory loss so this is a good opportunity to talk about this. Or you may have noticed in someone with a learning disability, a change in behaviour and we have an experienced dementia nurse at hand to chat to.
The Western Health and Social Care Trust Memory Service is also available as well as other charities such as Dementia NI and Alzheimer’s society
We will begin hosting our monthly drop in for carers looking after someone with dementia on Thursday 28th at the Old Library Trust 6pm. These sessions alternate between day and evening sessions to allow those who may be working/looking after young children etc to attend. Simply drop in and you can meet other carers and have a chat over a cuppa. In this session, we will be looking to hear what carers would like more information to plan the term.
Contact Sinead on 028 71 373870 or email sinead@olt.ie for more information or simply turn up on the night.
