Family, support, social networks and participation

According to a recent report from the Growing Up In Ireland survey, grandparents play a role in looking after one-third of infants in childcare, while an Ipsos MRBI Family Values poll a few months ago showed that grandparents were the most utilised source of childcare (42pc) for working parents.

Research shows that developing relationships between the older people and the young can be beneficial for the wellbeing of both parties. new draft guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), due to be finalised in November, says there is good evidence intergenerational activities improve health outcomes – and recommends all local authorities support and provide such schemes. Read more here.

A project that brings hens to older people in care settings, has joined with Notting Hill Housing to introduce the hens into two of the housing association’s extra-care sites. The project is supporting some 700 residents, including those with dementia, in more than 20 care homes in north-east England. Henpower’s launch in London last week is its first project outside the region. Read more here.

For many community groups trying to provide services for older people, the barrier to achieving funding is the the process itself. This is where Age NI’s Comic Relief supported project Steps To Funding comes in. Through the project, Age NI runs funding workshops for local groups, supporting them to access financial support for activities that improve the lives of older people in their communities.