Age-Friendly economy one step closer with ERASMUS+
November 28, 2017
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is driving forward to achieve an Age-Friendly Community as the lead partner of an innovative ERASMUS+ project.
The Council was delighted to host the first meeting of the ERASMUS+ Funded Age Friendly Communities Project last week, welcoming partners from Spain, Denmark, Poland and the Republic of Ireland to the City. This new EU project with investment of 297,000 euros through Erasmus + represents a new and exciting opportunity for the local economy.
The aim of the project is to work in collaboration with our European Partners to develop a more Age-Friendly economy within Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council. This includes looking at how our SMEs deliver products and services to meet the emerging needs and demands of this ever increasing market sector.
The Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Cllr Tim Morrow, welcomed the delegation and commented that: “Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council had recently signed a Letter of Commitment pledging to play a role in working towards creating an Age-Friendly World, to coincide with International Older People’s Day. By signing our Letter of Commitment, we are pledging to create a plan of action whereby we provide enhanced services and provisions for our older people. We want to ensure that the right infrastructure is in place to support our aging population and that they can continue to enjoy older life. I therefore welcome this new initiative as I think it plays a key link in the delivery of our aims.”
Chairman of the Council’s Development Committee, Alderman Allan Ewart, MBE, hosted the delegation to explore the opportunities posed by the project within the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council area and beyond. Alderman Ewart welcomed the Project and its fit with the Lisburn & Castlereagh Community Plan and identified needs within the local population and SME sector. He commented: “Meeting the needs of an ageing population is vital to ensure that the Council area continues to be a great place to grow old and where everyone is valued and respected. The Council wants to ensure that through Community Planning, it can improve transport links and housing provision and can continue to promote respect and social inclusion in order to create a better environment for everyone. I am looking forward to seeing how this project assists our local SMEs in providing better products and services to those over 50. I think this innovative collaborative approach will yield a better offering for this emerging sector.”
The project will engage with local stakeholders and SMEs to develop the products and services in the future through this two year ERASMUS+ Funded Project.
Erasmus+ is the EU's programme to support education, training, youth and sport in Europe and provides opportunities for people of all ages, helping them develop and share knowledge and experience at institutions and organisations in different countries.
For Further information on the project please contact Emma Donaghy at: emma.donaghy@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk