Age Action has launched a new fundraising campaign to support its 'Care and Repair' service for older people, which last year carried out more than 1,300 jobs in Mayo. Justin Moran, head of advocacy and communications at Age Action, said: “Our Care and Repair service carries out tens of thousands of DIY jobs in the home for older people around Ireland every year. Our volunteers help with the small jobs around the house that, as people get older, they might struggle to do. This can be as simple as changing a light-bulb, installing a lock, clearing a drain or tacking down a loose floorboard, but we urgently need your help to keep this service going.”
Age Action’s Care and Repair service is delivered in partnership with four community groups in Mayo, which are Clar ICH in Claremorris (094 ) 9371830, Belmullet Men's Community Initiative (097 ) 81079, Westport Family and Community Resource Centre (098 ) 24419, and South West Mayo Development Company. (098 ) 41950. These groups are trained and supported by Age Action and coordinate groups of local volunteers who help older people in their locality.
To raise funds to ensure the service can continue Age Action has launched a new TV advertisement, Moran explained the message in the ad, saying: “This advertisement is based on the true story of one older woman whose living room was in darkness for days because she simply couldn’t change the lightbulb. It was only when a Care and Repair volunteer was contacted and sent out that she was able to switch on her lights again. Those small jobs, so simple for many of us, are what our volunteers do to ensure people can stay living at home in comfort and security." Members of the public can donate by calling (1890 ) 369369 or online at www.ageaction.ie
