Citizens Information Centre: Age Friendly clinic launched in Longford

North Leinster Citizens Information Service (CIS) – Longford recently extended their current service offer to include a dedicated older persons clinic.

Paddy Mahon, chair of the Longford Age Friendly Alliance and Chief Executive of Longford County Council launched the service at an event in the Citizens Information Centre Offices on Tuesday, May 6.

Mr Mahon spoke about the Digital and ICT Strategy for Ireland’s Public Service, Connecting Government 2030, with a target set of ensuring that 90% of applicable Government services are consumed online by 2030.

He also highlighted the Citizens Information service and the importance of having a service such as this for older people where the population of older people in Longford has grown 25% since the last census.

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Kitty Hughes, Vice Chair of Longford Older Persons Council, praised the Citizens Information Service as a service user and the importance of having a face-to-face service.

She brought some good Irish humour to the launch mentioning Finn McCool’s digital skills in particular the legend that his magic thumb bestows him with great wisdom.

This new service is undertaken as part of Age Friendly Longford, led by Longford County Council, and supported by Programme Coordinator: Martina Needham, Longford County Librarian.

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Age Friendly Business Recognition is a growing brand, supported by Chambers Ireland and the Age Friendly Programme. This recognition allows the public to identify the Citizens Information service as an Age Friendly Service and publicises the service to older customers.

Eileen Hughes, from Age Friendly Ireland, presented Mary Gray, Longford CIC with the Age Friendly Charter following her appointment as champion for age friendliness and older customers in Longford Citizens Information Centre. Mary participated in an Age Friendly Business workshop and undertook to ask older customers what they like and what could be improved.

Longford Citizens Information Centre’s Age Friendly Charter is a statement of their commitment and lists the first three actions that they are taking from feedback received:

1. Dedicated Age Friendly Clinic every Tuesday 1.30pm – 3.30pm.

2. Clear signage to the Age Friendly Clinic.

3. Suitable chairs in the waiting room and water dispenser available at reception.

After the event, Mary Murtagh, Development Manager with Longford CIS, commented, “We would like to thank everyone who came to the launch and for the enormous support of Longford Age Friendly and the management of Longford Shopping Centre.

Mary also wanted to thank the staff of the service for their help in bringing this initiative to fruition.

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“The Age Friendly clinic provides an opportunity where older people can drop into our service without an appointment on Tuesday afternoons between 1:30pm and 3:30pm where they can meet one of our Information Officers in confidence to discuss their queries. Information Officers will offer those attending the clinic a Benefit Check to ensure that they are getting all their entitlements.”

Citizens Information Centres

Citizens Information Centres are funded by the Citizens Information Board. They provide free, impartial, and confidential information, advice, and advocacy services to the public on social services, rights, and entitlements. Information Officers in our Citizens Information Centre, Longford are available Monday to Friday to answer queries you may have.
Drop-in Clinic

Monday to Friday from 09:30am to 1:00pm (last entry to queue is 12:30pm).

Call in to our office for a short discussion (generally 15 mins) with a member of our team about your situation and to explore your options.

No appointment necessary, however access may be limited during peak times. Age Friendly Drop-in Clinic, Every Tuesday from 1.30pm to 3.30pm.

Reception Desk

Monday to Friday – 9.30am to 5pm (Closed for lunch between 1pm – 2pm)

Call in to our office to pick up a form or information booklet and find out more about our information, advice, and advocacy services.

We can be contacted at 0818 07 5890 and longford@citinfo.ie or visit our website, www.citizensinformation.ie