HSE Secure Additional €1m In Funding For Older People

An additional €1 million is to be made available for community and voluntary groups supporting older people, family carers and significant others.

The funding is being provided under a joint initiative by Jim Daly, Minister for Older People and the HSE Services for Older People. Approximately €250,000 of this funding will be dedicated to dementia related initiatives.

The HSE and The Department of Health recognise that community and voluntary agencies provide a wide range of services to support older people to continue living in their communities and maintain their social connections. These services, which contribute to positive ageing and better overall health, include befriending, day care, social centres, meals on wheels, etc. Improving and developing community supports is in line with the vision outlined in Sláintecare, which supports a shift to providing the majority of care in the community and a focus on prevention and early intervention.

This funding is open to community and voluntary agencies that currently hold a Service Arrangement or Grant Aid agreement with the HSE, or, non-statutory agencies who aim to provide health and personal social services similar or ancillary to services that the HSE may provide.

Welcoming the announcement by Minister Daly today, Michael Fitzgerald, HSE Older People and Palliative Care – Strategy said: "This €1m grant will support community and voluntary groups to continue providing vital services to older people. Their role in supporting older people in the community is crucial and this is very much recognised and valued by the HSE and the Department of Health."

Community and voluntary groups are encouraged to submit 'Older Persons' Friendly' projects, with an emphasis on sustainability and/or some additional service. Applications for funding must be made on the Community & Voluntary Support Grant Application form and accompanied by the requested supporting documentation. Applications will be co-ordinated and assessed locally, at Community Healthcare Organisation (CHO) level.

The level of contribution under the fund will depend on a range of factors including the type of project, availability of other sources of funding, and the overall number of applications seeking funding under the Scheme. It is envisaged that grants will range from €5,000 - €20,000.

The closing date for receipt of applications for the Community & Voluntary Support Grant is 15 August 2019 with funding allocated in August / September 2019.