In 2001, LCRL commissioned a study to provide a community profile and a needs analysis of older people living in County Longford called 'The Needs of Older People in County Longford.' A key action from the 2001 study involved the establishment of the Longford Older Persons’ Network (OPN). It was set up in 2002 by LCRL who continue to facilitate it.

The aims of the Longford OPN are to:

• Facilitate the networking of all older persons' groups in County Longford;
• Work collectively towards representing the needs of older persons in County Longford;
• Encourage social interaction between all the older persons’ groups in County Longford and to develop links with clubs outside of the County;
• Support the development of new older persons’ clubs and empower them to be independent;
• Disseminate relevant information from statutory and voluntary bodies and EU sources;
• Represent older people at national level;
• Promote the positive image of older people within the community.

The Longford OPN is now in its eighth year and is made up of a range of voluntary groups, clubs and societies working at grass roots level with older persons in County Longford. These groups come together on a monthly basis in a co-ordinated and cohesive manner, to share information and experience of innovative work, as well as disseminate information to older persons and create opportunities to develop activities for older people.

The OPN comprises of 20 groups specifically for older people. All these groups are voluntary and largely convened by older people themselves. The Longford OPN is represented by a voluntary committee comprising of one representative from each group.

Member clubs:

Abbeylara GAA Club
Ardagh Active Age
Aurora Older Persons Club (Legan)
Club 89 (Longford)
Club 91 (Ballymahon)
Dolman Ladies Club
Dolman Mens Group
Dromard Community Club
Edgeworthstown Senior Citizens Club
Gowna Senior Citizens
Granard Mens Group
Hillside Club (Ballinalee)
Kenagh Active Age
Kenagh Community Social Club
Lanesborough Active Retirement
Monaduff Social Club
Newtowncashel Active Age
Newtownforbes Senior Citizens Club
Over 55 Badminton Club (Longford)
Rath Mhuire Resource Centre Granard

If you would like to contact the Longford OPN, ring John Channon (Chairman) at 043-3375953 or Mae Reilly (Secretary) at 090-6432436.

In December 2007, LCRL in association with the Older Persons’ Network applied to Age and Opportunity and secured funding to compile an audit of older persons’ needs in County Longford. The report - 'Changing Faces' - which Green Hat consultants conducted, was completed in August 2008. This report outlines the needs, priorities and future actions to support older people in the County.

To download a copy of 'Changing Faces' click here or scroll down.

Older Persons Services Grant has been secured based on an application made to Dormant Accounts by LCRL and the Longford Older Persons’ Network in February 2008 to provide care and repair services for homes of older people using voluntary trades people. The pre-contract requirements have been sent in by LCRL and, on the signing of the contract, a worker has been recruited for 18 months to co-ordinate this project which will work with the LCRL Rural Social Scheme, the HSE, Longford Volunteer Centre and the Friendly Phone Call Service.

540 people have accessed the service to date. The main focus of work carried out is safety and security within the home. Various DIY and minor jobs have been carried out.

For further information please contact Margaret Walsh, project coordinator at 043-3345555 or email margaretwalsh@lcrl.ie.