Closure of Older & Bolder

We are usually communicating about an item of campaign news but this message is about Older & Bolder itself. The grant funding we have been fortunate to receive from Atlantic Philanthropies is coming to an end and Older & Bolder is now preparing to close on June 30th 2013. Of course the work of the seven member organisations of Older & Bolder who support older people in Ireland will continue.

It has been an absolute privilege to campaign with so many enthused individuals and groups on important issues relating to growing older in Ireland. Despite what has been a tough period for advocacy we have, with your energy and action, had positive influence and success. We offer a heartfelt thanks to everyone who signed a petition, engaged their local TD, contributed to a workshop, partook in media interviews or attended a demonstration.

Your passionate and persistent campaigning defended the State Pension; ensured pre-election promises became Programme for Government commitments; convinced politicians of the absolute need for the soon-to-be-produced National Positive Ageing Strategy; pushed for Make Home Work and the right to age well at home to be made a reality; and resisted the cuts to home care services.

We couldn’t but regret that this productive period is coming to an end. With the closing of Older & Bolder the advocacy landscape will change. However, the interest, energy and capacity to engage with the political system on ageing issues will remain alive in communities all around Ireland.

With that in mind we look forward to hosting an event in April bringing together individuals and groups who have been active in Older & Bolder campaigns to share experiences from the frontline and identify lessons for the future. This event will acknowledge the enthusiasm and capacity, among individuals and groups, to continue to speak up and take action to make Ireland a better country to grow older in.

Along with the Older & Bolder team - Mary Cleary, Sean Dillon, Fiona Gallagher and Diarmaid O’Sullivan – I would like to sincerely thank you for your energy and action over the years,

Best regards,

Patricia Conboy

Director

Older & Bolder