Our links come under the following headings:
Older People's Organisations
There are a number of groups that have a particular interest in older people. Some of these groups are membership organisations that you can join; others are groups that support older people. See below for more details:
Age Action Ireland is a national non-governmental organisation working as a network of organisations and people providing services for older people and their carers in Ireland and as a development agency promoting better policies and services for them. Age Action Ireland publishes, amongst other things, a Directory of Services for older people as well as a monthly bulletin for members.
30 Lr Camden Street, Dublin 2
Tel (01) 475 6989
E-mail info@ageaction.ie
Age & Opportunity is the national not-for-profit organisation that promotes opportunities for greater participation by older people in society through partnerships and collaborative programmes. Age & Opportunity’s vision is an Ireland where all older people have the opportunity to realise their full potential and participate in an inclusive society.
Marino Institute of Education, Griffith Avenue, Dublin 9
Tel (01) 805 7709
E-mail info@ageandopportunity.ie
Active Retirement Ireland (formerly the Federation of Active Retirement Associations) is the umbrella body for Ireland's active retirement movement. There are approximately 375 local active retirement associations around Ireland, with approximately 21,000 members. ARI can put you in touch with your local active retirement association or give you advice on setting up a new group.
1-2 Eustace Street, Dublin 2
Tel (01) 679 2142
E-mail fara@eircom.net
The Carers Association represents the interests of Irish carers in the home. It publishes the quarterly newsletter Take Care!, as well as leaflets and videos, and organises the National Carers of the Year Awards. The association also operates a 24-hour helpline, the National Careline: Freefone 1800 24 07 24.
Prior's Orchard, John's Quay, Kilkenny
Tel (056) 772 1424
Freephone: 1800 24 07 24
E-mail info@carersireland.com
ICTU Retired Workers' Committee
The Retired Workers' Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions is a representative group for over 80 Retired Workers' Committees of unions affiliated to the ICTU.
32 Parnell Square, Dublin 1.
Tel (01) 889 7777
The Irish Association of Older People is a voluntary and membership-based organisation that provides information and promotes and encourages activities which improve the lives of older people. It publishes the quarterly Getting On.
Room B15, UCD, Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2
Tel (01) 475 0013
E-mail iaop@oceanfree.net
The Irish Senior Citizen's Parliament was established in November 1995 to represent the interests of older people, and to lobby the government for change. The ISCP lobbies on everything from pensions to rural transport and health issues. There are some 200 groups of older people affiliated to ISCP which, between them, represent close to 100,000 people.
90 Fairview Strand, Dublin 3
Tel (01) 856 1243
E-mail seniors@iol.ie
National Federation of Pensioner's Associations
The National Federation of Pensioner's Associations is a national representative organisation for pensioner's organisations. The NFPA aims to protect and promote the interests of pensioners and retired persons in regard to social welfare, taxation, health and superannuation.
Carmichael House, North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7
Tel (01) 873 5702
E-mail nfpasec@eircom.net
The Older Women's Network (OWN) seeks to bring older women together to share interests and to be a voice for older women, aiming to influence policy-making. OWN's members are made up of individuals and groups from every county in Ireland and most Northern Irish counties. OWN is represented on the National Women's Council of Ireland and in the Irish Senior Citizen's Parliament. Membership is open to women living in Ireland who support OWN's objectives.
All Hallows College, Grace Park Road, Drumcondra, Dublin 9.
Tel (01) 884 4536 or (01) 884 4537
E-mail ownireland@eircom.net
The Senior Helpline is a voluntary helpline operated by older people for older people who feel lonely or isolated. The helpline is open mornings 10am to 1pm and evenings 7pm to 10pm seven days a week and also on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday afternoons from 1pm to 4pm, three-hundred and sixty-five days a year. You can contact the service for the price of a local call from anywhere in Ireland. Established by the Summerhill Active Retirement Association, Co. Meath, it is now run by 350 older volunteers from 13 centres in throughout Ireland.
Third Age Centre, Summerhill, Co. Meath
Office tel 046 955 7766
Helpline 1850 444 444
E-mail info@seniorhelpline.ie
The Third Age Foundation provides services, facilities and opportunities for older people, which focus on; education and life long learning, health, community development, social policy, intergenerational and intercultural activities, social inclusion and volunteering. The foundation has over 150 members, including older people, members of the Traveller community and long stay residents from our local nursing home. The aim of the organisation is to provide information and new ideas that will encourage older people to improve their own lives, and make a positive difference to their communities.
Third Age Centre, Summerhill, County Meath
Tel (046) 955 7766
E-mail info@thirdage-ireland.com
Back to top
Research Organisations
There are a number of research bodies whose work creates an evidence basis for improving policy and programmes that affect the lives of older people.
CARDI (Centre for Ageing Research and Development in Ireland) is a not-for-profit organisation developed by leaders from the ageing field across Ireland (North and South) including age focused researchers, academics, statutory, voluntary and community sector representatives. Its mission is to advocate for and advance the ageing research agenda by identifying, coordinating, stimulating, and communicating strategic research on ageing and older people as a means to improve the lives of older people in Ireland, especially those who are disadvantaged.
5th Floor, Bishop's Square, Redmond's Hill, Dublin 2
Tel (01) 478 6308
Forestview, Purdy's Lane, Belfast, BT8 7ZX
Tel (0044) 28 90 690 066
Lifelong Learning Centre, Dublin City University
As part of DCU's continuing 'civic engagement' strategy to link university resources to its neighbouring communities, the Centre is running an outreach programme piloting a number of short courses in areas such as communications and computers at any stage in their lives.
Ballymun Partnership, North Mall, Ballymun Town Centre, Dublin 11
Tel (01) 842 3612
Email colma@ballymun.org
NUI Cork offers a two-year Masters (MA) in Gerontology. The course examines the psychological, social, educational, health and caring aspects of the ageing process among older adults. The programme also explores the developmental model of ageing and the issue of empowerment.
Dept of Applied Psychology, University College Cork, Cork
Tel (021) 490 4604
Email mauraobrien@ucc.ie
ICSG aims to develop and promote social and economic aspects of ageing in Ireland with a view to supporting a holistic and positive view of ageing, which emphasises participation and empowerment for older people at all levels of society. ICSG offers research expertise and practical support to public, private and voluntary agencies involved in the formulation and implementation of public policy for older people at international, national, regional and local levels. It is also possible to complete a Diploma course in Social Gerontology of 1-year duration.
Irish Centre for Social Gerontology, Cairnes Building, National University of Ireland Galway
Tel (091) 495 461
Email icsg@nuigalway.ie
As part of Trinity College Dublin's School of Social Work and Social Policy School, this research centre focuses on researching issues central to older people's lives.
SPARC, Trinity College Dublin, Third Floor, 3 College Green, Dublin 2
Tel (01) 896 2914
Email ageing.research@tcd.ie
Particularly involved in applied research and development of sensor, digital media and ICT technologies for enhancing quality of life of older people living independently.
Dublin Road, Dundalk, Co. Louth
Tel (042) 937 0497
Email rodd.bond@dkit.ie
In collaboration with the Dublin Institute of Technology, Enable Ireland researches and develops assistive technology solutions with potential wider application in the community.
National High Tech Assistive Technology Training Service, Enable Ireland, Units 3-4, Block C, Cashel Business Centre, Cashel Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12
Tel (01) 499 1211
Email slong@enableireland.ie
Government and public bodies
Department of Health and Children
The Department of Health and Children's statutory role is to support the Minister in the formulation and evaluation of policies for the health services.It also has a role in the strategic planning of health services. This is carried out in conjunction with the Health Service Executive, voluntary service providers, Government Departments and other interested parties.
The Office for Older People comes under this Department and Áine Brady TD is the Minister with Special Responsibility for Older People.
Department of Health and Children, Hawkins House, Hawkins Street, Dublin 2. Tel: (01) 6354000
Collaborations between Third-Level Institutions & Policy Makers / Industry
The Centre is undertaking a programme of research funded by the Health Service Executive into elder abuse. It will draw on international research and developments in the field of elder abuse and will develop international collaborations with leading researchers in the field. It is a primary resource for those working with or having contact with older people in areas of health and social care, law services and financial services.
UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health Systems, NCPOP, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4
Tel (01) 716 6462
Email pearl.treacy@ucd.ie
This is a newly funded programme of psycho-research designed to examine policy and practice related issues in dementia care. The programme also seeks to impact on policy development and contribute to the design of best practice models for all those affected by dementia.
Living with Dementia Research Programme, School of Social Work & Social Policy, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2.
Tel (01) 896 4101
Email cahillsu@tcd.ie
Based in Trinity College Dublin and funded by the Atlantic Philanthropies and Irish Life, TILDA is the first national longitudinal study undertaken on all experiences of older people's lives in Ireland. Collaboration includes: TCD, UCD, UCC, UCG, DKIT, ESRI & RCSI.
Lloyd Building Rm. 336, Trinity College, Dublin 2
Tel (01) 896 4120
Launched in Feb 2008 and funded by Intel and the IDA, the TRIL clinic combines clinical knowledge with the latest technology to conduct research into the physical, psychological and social consequences of ageing. Priority is to develop technologies which will have a real world impact on older people's lives. Collaboration includes: TCD, UCD, UCG.
TRIL Clinic, St.James's Hospital, James's Street, Dublin 8
Tel (01) 410 3000
This consortium brings together research centres/institutes, schools, and individuals working in the area of ageing. Promotes research and teaching in ageing, developing and sustaining a comprehensive research agenda on ageing and broadening the interest of Trinity and wider community in ageing through seminars and other initiatives. Promotes awareness of ageing issues and maintaining relations with relevant external stakeholders.
Dept of Social Policy and Social Work, Second Floor, Arts Building, Trinity College, Dublin 2
Tel (01) 896 2914
Email timonenv@tcd.ie
The Society, founded in 1951, aims to develop a broad portfolio of ageing research in Ireland, and the Executive Committee membership includes representatives of social, psychological and healthcare aspects of ageing.
Tel (087) 746 3310
Email marianhughes@ireland.com
Academic Age-Related Health Care Institutes
This centre focuses on the link between science and the humanities as the best way to forge a deeper understanding of the biological, social and psychological aspects of ageing. It is dedicated to promoting a wider understanding of ageing in Ireland, especially among healthcare workers.
Age-Related Health Care, William Stokes Unit, Adelaide & Meath Hospital Dublin incorporating the National Children's Hospital, Tallaght, Dublin 24
Tel (01) 414 3215
Email arch@amnch.ie
The Institute has an extensive commitment to research in age related diseases in areas such as memory, genetic, metabolic and endocrine and neuro-imaging and provides clinical services through its memory clinic function.
MIRA, Hospital 4 Top Floor, St. James's Hospital, James's Street, Dublin 8
Tel (01) 416 2640
Email rfarley@stjames.ie
The Health Services Research Centre in the RCSI includes research projects on age-related issues, such as: health & social services for older people, hospice-friendly hospitals and age-related health care.
Health Services Research Centre, Psychology, RCSI, Beaux Lane House, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2
Tel (01) 402 2100
Email hmcgee@rcsi.ie
Back to top
Organisations outside Ireland
AGE, the European Older People’s Platform, aims to voice and promote the interests of older people in the European Union and to raise awareness of the issues that concern them most.
AARP is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organisation that helps people 50 and over improve the quality of their lives. With 40 million members, AARP’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for all as we age, leading positive social change and delivering value to members through information, advocacy and service.
The mission of Age Concern is to promote the well-being of all older people and to help make later life a fulfilling and enjoyable experience.
Global Action on Aging (GAA), based in New York at the United Nations, reports on older people's needs and potential within the global economy. It advocates by, with and for older persons worldwide.
Back to top
Arts Funding Links
Arts organisations, artists and groups (i.e. a non-profit organisation or community group or those working in the health and education sector) may apply for financial support from the Arts Council. There are 20+ different types of grants to support various artistic activities.
Local Arts Officers provide information on grant funding available from their Local Authority body. These officers are responsible for the support and development of the arts as well as facilitating a policy of access for all. They are a useful first point of contact when seeking advice and support for an arts project. Local Arts offices can sometimes provide financial support for projects.
ArtL!nks has announced bursaries and awards for its membership in the five ArtLinks partner counties of Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford and Wicklow for 2009. Funding covers categories like music, theatre, literature, film and visual arts.
CityArts is committed to a policy of participatory arts practice in contemporary society so that its CityArts’ programme of work is created in collaboration with communities. Community groups from the Dublin area are invited to submit proposals of art projects. Successful ones are given support in sourcing and matching of funding.
Create Ireland is the national development agency for collaborative arts. On behalf of the Arts Council, it manages the 'Artist in the Community' Scheme. Twice a year the Arts Council offers grants to enable artists and communities of place or interest to work together on projects.
If you are an artist or work for an arts organisation, Dublin City Council offers funding which aims to ensure the public can access and participate in the arts, encourage awareness, education and research.
General Funding that includes arts
This peace initiative aims to develop a range interventions targeting older people in an innovative way to address various challenges.
The mission of The Ireland Funds is to be the largest worldwide network of people of Irish ancestry and friends of Ireland dedicated to raising funds to support programs of peace and reconciliation, arts and culture, education and community development throughout the island of Ireland.
Other Arts Resources
This website updates the information contained in the Arts and Disability Handbook published collaboratively by the two Arts Councils on the island of Ireland in 1999. The site has been created for practical use by anyone with an interest in arts and disability on the island. The site provides information about arts and disability issues, arts organisations, resources, venues and general funding and training bodies.
Vocational Education Committees (VECs) exist in every local authority to further adult education and training. VECs also administer maintenance grants and bursaries for third-level education. Some Bealtaine organisers get support from their local VEC for their Bealtaine project.
Voluntary Arts Ireland is part of the Voluntary Arts Network in Ireland, England, Scotland & Wales. It seeks to draw together voluntary arts and crafts groups and their representative bodies; provide these organisations with information, advice and training ; ensure that their interests are represented to policy makers, funders and politicians; improve the environment for everyone participating in arts and crafts.
Back to top