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We want to engage with and reach out to elderly people in our local community (Tralee and the outskirts) and identify what needs they have and what we can do to support them. We want to bridge the gap that exists between the two generations by providing things like company, technological assistance and would like to contribute financially to any local charities or organisations that support this.
Our Social Issue
Our team has chosen to address the isolation of Ireland's vulnerable elderly community in a post-Covid and extremely fast paced world. We want to bridge the gap between the elderly generations and Gen Z. We know that we have so much to learn from one another.
Why We Chose It
We chose this issue (using the A-Z of social issues as described in the how section of the report) because we came to the realisation that this was an issue that we could all mutually agree we really cared about. Many of us are still blessed enough to have grandparents, and can see first hand the value of that generational relationship. It made us really sad to think about all the elderly people that don't have people that care about them still in their lives and we wanted to do something about this. #generationawareness
Our Goal
When planning our project about the isolation of the elderly, our goals included: Raising awareness about the issue, using social media, word of mouth, creating a podcast and sharing it on the local radio (radio Kerry) Identifying causes: Researching and understanding the root causes of elderly isolation in our local community in Tralee. Building support networks and relationships: Developing and implementing initiatives to create support networks for isolated elderly individuals in Tralee. Promoting Inclusion: Working towards creating a more inclusive environment for elderly individuals by encouraging community involvement and fostering inter generational connections.
Our Innovative Action
Our actions have included: A successful bake sale that raised over €300 for Friends of the Elderly Ireland, we used this as an opportunity to launch our innovation in the school and gain a following. Closely followed by a Christmas table quiz raising a further €200. We visited Baile Mhuire day care center for the elderly and established and ongoing relationship with them by spending time with and entertaining the elderly residents. We launched our podcast by interviewing 2023 Cork Rose Kate Shaughnessy about her lived experience working in a nursing home and got this shared with her followers.
Our Impact
As part of our ongoing project, Sunny Souls have been: Providing Companionship for elderly residents of a local nursing home and fundraising for non-profit organisations that also facilitate this across Ireland (Friends of the Elderly Ireland) Giving them a voice/platform by establishing a podcast intended to bridge the gap between old and young and raising awareness about this social issue. We have inspired action across our social media channels (our TikTok page has over 5500 likes) and highlighted the importance of elderly care.