May 4, 2012
Grants Support Healthy Aging Projects Throughout Newfoundland and Labrador
Projects that enhance seniors’ health and wellness are receiving $192,000 from the Provincial Government through the Healthy Aging Seniors Wellness Grants Program. The grants program is a component of the Provincial Healthy Aging Policy Framework. The vision of the framework is for individuals, families, communities and society as a whole to foster healthy aging.
“The projects funded through this grant program encourage older people to stay active and engaged in their communities,” said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services and Minister Responsible for Aging and Seniors. “Our seniors are a valuable resource and the Provincial Government is committed to providing them with the supports they require to maintain a healthy lifestyle.”
Grants are being awarded in amounts ranging from $1,000 to $25,000. Details of the grants awarded are listed in the backgrounder below. Grant recipients must demonstrate how proposed activities support the principles of the Provincial Healthy Aging Policy Framework. The framework focuses on the importance of improved social connections, reduced social isolation, healthy eating, physical activity, injury prevention, and tobacco control.
“The Healthy Aging Seniors Wellness Grants Program was created to help community groups develop programs that promote healthy living and healthy aging,” said Minister Sullivan. “An important aspect of the program is not just about developing programs for older adults, but having them contribute to the planning and development of the projects as well. While we all benefit from the work and contributions made by older generations, it is our responsibility to ensure they continue to have opportunities to contribute to our province, as well as benefit from investments in health and wellness.”
The Healthy Aging Seniors Wellness Grants Program was established in 2011 to complement the Provincial Wellness Grants Program, an initiative of the Provincial Wellness Plan. Over the past several years the Provincial Government has invested in significant programs and campaigns that focus on seniors and aging through the Provincial Healthy Aging Policy Framework including the Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Grants Program; the Healthy Aging Research Program; the Ageless Public Awareness Campaign; and, the Seniors of Distinction Awards.
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Media contact:
Jennifer Tulk
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 699-6524
jennifertulk@gov.nl.ca
BACKGROUNDER
Healthy Aging Seniors Wellness Grants 2011-12
Jimmy Pratt Memorial Outreach Centre
The Jimmy Pratt Memorial Outreach Centre in St. John’s received $24,000 for the development of social and physical wellness programs for seniors promoting activity and inclusion. Sessions will include fitness instruction and wellness education programs.
MacMorran Community Centre
The MacMorran Community Centre in St. John’s received $22,750 to organize healthy cooking classes, movement and physical fitness activities and to form a bulk food buying club.
Newfoundland and Labrador Association of the Deaf
The Newfoundland and Labrador Association of the Deaf in St. John’s received $25,000 for translation and dissemination of health-related information for seniors of the deaf community across the province.
Baine Harbour Recreation Committee
The Baine Harbour Recreation Committee received $25,000 to expand an intergenerational healthy living program with a focus on supporting wellness among seniors in their region.
The Beaches Library
The Beaches Library in Eastport received $2,950 for the Bringing Seniors into the Digital Age – Introducing e-Reading program. The funding will be used to purchase e-readers for use by local seniors and to provide training in the use of this new technology.
Eastport Peninsula Recreation and Wellness Committee
The Eastport Peninsula Recreation and Wellness Committee received $20,000 for programming aimed at improving social connections, reducing social isolation, promoting healthy eating, and physical activity. Proposed activities include the creation of a community garden, a community kitchen, 50+ wellness days, and the development of a Health and Wellness Guide for the Eastport Peninsula.
Gambo Seniors 50+ Club
The Gambo Seniors 50+ Club received $13,200 for social and cultural events for seniors including visits to historic sites, formation of a musical group, and a seniors’ garden party.
Gaultois Tourism Association Inc.
The Gaultois Tourism Association Inc. received $12,000 to promote healthy eating through a community garden, and offer sessions for seniors focusing on social, mental, and spiritual wellness.
Funtastics 55+ Club
The Funtastics 55+ Club in Woody Point received $25,000 for social and educational events for seniors, as well as a meal delivery service for isolated seniors.
Golden Meadow 50+ Club
The Golden Meadow 50+ Club in Corner Brook received $1,000 for a program educating seniors on various topics related to health and safety including blood pressure, prescription drugs, coping with stress, and accommodations.
Food Security Network Newfoundland and Labrador
The Food Security Network Newfoundland and Labrador in Happy Valley-Goose Bay received $21,100 for the creation of a community garden.
2012 05 04 3:20 p.m.