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Lord Mayor of Dublin launches Cold Weather Initiative , Source: Facebook

Lord Mayor of Dublin launches Cold Weather Initiative

Lord Mayor of Dublin launches Cold Weather Initiative

The campaign led by ALONE and Dublin City Council makes a difference in the lives of older people

Ireland has one of the highest levels of excess winter mortality in Europe. This is because colder temperatures can have serious repercussions on the health and safety of senior citizens, many of whom live alone and suffer from housing and financial problems.  

In response to this negative trend, ALONE, a national organisation that supports older people to age at home, and Dublin City Council have started their Cold Weather Initiative. Paul Mc Auliffe, Lord Mayor of Dublin, gave the go-ahead to the campaign outside Bewley’s Café on Grafton Street on December 2. Partners of this year’s campaign are An Garda Síochána (the police force), Dublin Fire Brigade, and StayWell Pharmacies.

Launching the campaign, Lord Mayor Paul Mc Auliffe said, “The colder winter months can be a difficult time for many people who are vulnerable and may be feeling isolated. We are appealing to all Dubliners and indeed people across the country to be mindful of older people in our communities who may live alone or be at risk of struggling with loneliness, health difficulties or fuel poverty.”

He added that “This campaign represents the community and the whole city working together to make a difference in the lives of older people, many of whom face worries about warmth, shelter and essentials such as food and medication at this time of year. I am confident that Dubliners will respond with our usual sense of kindness, compassion and goodness.”

Age-friendly city

ALONE regularly works with older people who don’t have central heating, live in challenging housing conditions, and even people who stay on buses and trains during the day to keep warm using their free travel pass.

The charity encourages anyone who may be concerned about their own or someone else’s wellbeing or want to donate to older people in need, to contact ALONE on 0818 222 024.

Further information, including advice and tips for older people in cold weather conditions, can be found on www.alone.ie.

The campaign is part of Dublin City Council’s commitment to an Age-Friendly City.

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