‘Good Morning’ service launched with aim of tackling lonliness

A Good Morning call service funded by the Southern Trust and Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) has launched.

The Good Morning Service provided by the Confederation of Community Groups (CCG) is aimed at service users over the age of 60 in the Armagh, Banbridge, Craigavon and Newry and Mourne areas.

Speaking at the launch Chief Executive of the Confederation of Community Groups (CCG) Raymond Jackson said: "CCG have a long tradition of providing community services to those in need and have built up experience in our volunteer management and IT Infrastructure.

“We are privileged to support our older citizens including older carers and look forward to working with our Southern Trust partners, the PCSP and the wider community and voluntary sector in delivering the Good Morning service.”

He added: “We also acknowledge the contribution being made by our current community partners such as; Lislea Men’s Shed, The Vibe Armagh, Rural Health Partnership, Armagh Men’s Shed / West Armagh Consortium, Craobh Rua Camlocha, Newry Street Unite, Clonduff GAA and ABC Community Network.”

Gerard Rocks, Assistant Director of Promoting Wellbeing in the Southern Trust explained: “Loneliness can have adverse effects on our health, and the Good Morning service offers older people and carers an opportunity to connect with their community and have meaningful interaction with local people on a daily basis.

“Keeping people well and living longer at home is important to all of us and that is why the Trust is proud to support and invest in this service.”

PCSP Chair, Councillor Clare McConville Walker also welcomed the project launch.

“Supporting people over 60 to live safely and independently in their homes is a priority for the PCSP. This project is a great example of how partnership working with the PCSP, Trust and the community is supporting and improving the health and wellbeing of our citizens as they grow older.”

The service is available to those aged 60 and over, living in the Newry, Mourne, Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon areas who are lonely or isolated, housebound or living alone or an unpaid carer. To access contact Good Morning coordinators Conor Keenan or Pat Quinn on 028 3026 1022 or [email protected] / [email protected]