Minister for Health and Social Care Howard Quayle MHK represented the Isle of Man at a British-Irish Council (BIC) Ministerial meeting on social inclusion, in Edinburgh yesterday, where a significant report entitled “Spend to Save – Innovative Approaches to Preventative Spend” was adopted.
The report, which examines means for improving the quality of life for older people, is seen as an important contribution to the debate on positive approaches to aging.
During the development of the report, BIC Social Inclusion officials visited all eight BIC administrations to research different methods of tackling this key generational issue.
In the Isle of Man they focussed on local projects which are making a significant contribution to promoting social inclusion for older people. These included: the Manx Decaf cafés for people living with dementia; the Southern Befrienders organisation; the Southern Community Initiatives group; the Men in Sheds project; and a programme bringing together the Isle of Man Government, Manx Telecom, Live at Homes Schemes and Age Isle of Man to pilot the use of computer tablets and 4G service with the aim of improving the ability of isolated older people to communicate with families and friends.
Minister Quayle said:
'I would like to thank our many voluntary and community organisations for their activities which contribute to reducing the isolation of our older people as well as for their contributions to the BIC research.'
Commenting on the value of the BIC and the Social Inclusion workstream, Minister Quayle added:
'The British Irish Council helps us to learn about developments in other administrations and has already given us some joint working opportunities with colleagues in the Channel Islands.
'The work of examining measures to enhance the social inclusion of older people has added value to the Isle of Man’s thinking at a time when we are reviewing a range of strategies. We recognise the impact of social exclusion on individuals’ health and well-being, and therefore see this workstream as an important investment which will help to inform our strategic direction.
'The report which we have agreed is especially timely and relevant. When we are all seeking to ensure that scarce resources are used most effectively it is helpful to explore examples where colleagues have spent on preventative social measures to save on more expensive interventions at a later date.'
Looking ahead, Ministers agreed to ask their officials to begin consideration of how best to support carers by looking at best practice, new and creative policy responses and community actions across the eight Administrations.
The BIC, established under the terms of the Good Friday peace agreement, is the only international forum comprising the governments of the UK, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey. It plays an important role in developing positive links between member countries and provides a platform for consultation and co-operation on matters of mutual interest.
Further information on the British Irish Council and the Spend to Save Report can be found on the BIC website, www.britishirishcouncil.org
