Mayo project shortlisted for prestigious award

Age Friendly Mayo & Sláintecare Healthy Committees are finalists for the Age Friendly Active & Healthy Ageing Award at the 2024 National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards. Their innovative ‘Valentine’s Vitality’ Project, based in Co. Mayo is shortlisted for its exceptional contribution to making Ireland an outstanding place to grow older. Recognised by Age Friendly Ireland, these projects exemplify best practices which are both impactful and can inspire similar efforts across the country.

Curated by Age Friendly Ireland, the annual awards celebrate individuals, organisations, and agencies nationwide that are spearheading initiatives to improve the lives of older adults in Ireland. The 2024 awards ceremony will take place on 7 November at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Northwood, Santry, Dublin, hosted by Fingal County Council.

Speaking on the annual awards, Catherine McGuigan, Chief Officer of the Age Friendly Ireland Shared Service said: "The shortlisted projects represent the gold standard of innovation and dedication, showcasing how communities are coming together to improve the quality of life for older adults across Ireland. These initiatives stand out not only for their immediate impact but also for their potential to be replicated across the country."

The 2024 National Age Friendly Awards include eight categories, each aligned with a World Health Organization (WHO) Age Friendly Theme. These include awards for best in Age Friendly Transport; Active and Healthy Ageing; Business Innovation; Safety and Security; Communications; Environment; Community Innovation; and Housing.

Commenting on the nomination, Mayo County Council said: “We are proud to be shortlisted for the National Age Friendly Awards in the Health and Wellbeing category. The 'Valentine’s Vitality Information Morning' was a unique collaboration between Age Friendly Mayo, Sláintecare Healthy Communities, various depts within Mayo County Council, statutory and voluntary service providers. The overall aim of the event was to empower individuals aged 55+ to take control of their health and wellbeing by showcasing the diversity of services available with all being free at point of contact.

"By sharing resources and working together, we were able to maximize the impact of the event, offering essential information in brain health, nutrition, Age Friendly homes, Slaintecare Healthy communities programmes, library services digital and in person, arts and culture programmes. Throughout the event there were practical demonstrations and opportunities to engage with local services through information stands. This collaboration fostered self-empowerment and supported independent living, demonstrating that partnerships and shared resources have a powerful, positive effect.

"Following the success of the collaboration, this initiative will now be delivered annually and will be enhanced by working on attracting a broader demographic to include specific services that target men for 2025.” 

Previous winners of the National Age Friendly Awards have included initiatives such as Healthy Islands, Specsavers, and the Dublin City Council Central Area Office. For more information about this year’s awards and to learn about all the finalists, visit agefriendlyireland.ie.