Derry webpage offers support in planning for the future

The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council today launched a new web information page to assist people in planning ahead for their health and social needs, and to make things easier for families and friends in the event of a general health decline or an emergency health crisis.

The page, which references the Advance Care Planning Policy for Northern Ireland launched by the Department of Health in 2022, features useful advice and guidance, is now available to view on Council’s website as part of its services for the community.

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The Mayor, Councillor Lilian Seenoi Barr, launched the new resource just ahead of National Plan Ahead Day on May 7th.  The page is launched in conjunction with Compassionate Communities Northern Ireland, an organisation committed to changing attitudes and behaviour towards life, age, death, and loss through raising awareness and education in partnership with individuals, communities an organisations.

Launching the page, Mayor Barr said it would provide practical and compassionate support for anyone whose circumstances have changed due to illness, or who want to ensure people know their wishes for the future. “Planning ahead can involve difficult conversations so I am really pleased that Council has taken this proactive step to assist people in how to approach planning for the future and the uncertainty it can hold,” she said.

“National Plan Ahead Day is a reminder to everyone that by taking time to consider future needs we can ensure that personal wishes and preferences can be met, and it provides opportunities to discuss these with loved ones and healthcare professionals.”

Derry City and Strabane District Council is the first Council to include plan ahead information as part of their Age Friendly resources, and Council’s Age Friendly Coordinator, Pauline O’Neill, said: “We hope the new page will help raise awareness as part of Council’s wider Age Friendly Strategy. We want to offer as much support as we can to the older community and empower people to make the provisions which will benefit them and their loved ones, providing certainty and reassurance in the future.”

Joining the Mayor for the launch this week, Sharon Williams of Compassionate Communities NI, said: "We are delighted to collaborate with Pauline O’Neill from Derry City and Strabane District Council on this important new webpage. Easy access to information is essential in helping people plan ahead - whether for a gradual decline in health or an unexpected health crisis. 

“By planning in advance, individuals can ensure that their wishes, beliefs, and feelings shape their future care decisions. It also brings peace of mind, easing uncertainty for those closest to them. The first step is to start having the conversation."

The new Plan Ahead page can be found at https://www.derrystrabane.com/community/age-friendly/planahead