The Review of Public Administration in N Ireland has resulted in a major restructuring of Public Agencies. The Health Service has largely completed it's restructuring process.
It is proposed that at some time in the future, the Councils of Newry & Mourne and Down are to be merged to form one new unitary Council. In an attempt to rise to the challenges and opportunities presented by these changes, a range of stakeholders including Age Sector, Community and Voluntary sector representatives, concerned individuals and Age NI have come together to create a network matching the proposed new Council boundaries.
On 19 November 2009 a steering group of interested parties was formed and after several meetings in Down and Newry a proposed Terms of Reference was produced in draft form along with proposed Identified Objectives for the new Network. (To view or download these documents click Proposed Terms of Reference OR Proposed Identified Objectives)
Subsequently the new network recieved unanimous endorsement at a public meeting in Castlewellan and a committee and officers were duly elected. Meetings have and are being held with interested individuals and groups in the area. Meetings have also been held with ABC network based in Banbridge, Armagh, Tyrone and NASN the Newtownabbey and Antrim network to share information and plan strategy. - WATCH THIS SPACE - Better still, if you are over 50 why not join us and help us to make a difference in the life of older people particularly the lonely, isolated and underpriveledged who have no voice!
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