Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs
January 13, 2015
Province Supports Age-Friendly Communities
Applications Available for Age-Friendly Grants Program
Applications are now available for the Provincial Government�s Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador (AFNL) Grants Program, which provides up to $200,000 annually to assist incorporated municipalities and Aboriginal governments, as well as local senior�s organizations and groups, to become more involved in creating age-friendly communities.
An age-friendly community has been defined by the World Health Organization as one where policies, services and structures are designed to support and enable all people, regardless of age, to live in a secure environment, enjoy good health, and continue to participate fully in society.
�The Provincial Government recognizes the important role older adults play in the development of age-friendly communities. We also recognize that an age-friendly community includes all residents, regardless of age. In the past five years, the Provincial Government has invested $975,000 to help support 39 communities, and more than 60 seniors� organizations and retiree groups in their efforts to create more age-friendly environments. It�s all about providing more opportunities for all people to actively participate in their communities and improve their overall health and well-being.�
- The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
There are two components to the AFNL Program. The Communities Grants component is for incorporated municipalities and Aboriginal governments and communities. It allows communities to evaluate existing resources and assets in terms of their contribution to an age-friendly community. The Seniors Organizations Grants component is for seniors� organizations and retiree groups and supports the development/implementation of specific projects that contribute to an age-friendly community.
The guidelines and applications for both components of the program can be viewed here: www.swsd.gov.nl.ca. The deadline to apply is February 20, 2015.
�Age-friendly communities are vital to ensuring that seniors, and indeed all residents in our province, are able to live healthy, active lifestyles and participate in community activities. We have seen the benefits these investments have provided to all areas of the province � including small, rural communities � in previous years. I encourage both municipalities and seniors� organizations to apply for funding through this program.�
-The Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs
The Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Grants Program is an initiative of the Provincial Healthy Aging Policy Framework. Priority directions include recognition of older persons, celebrating diversity, supportive communities, financial well-being, health and well-being, employment, and education and research. These directions reflect the Provincial Government�s commitment to addressing population aging in Newfoundland and Labrador.
QUICK FACTS
- Incorporated municipalities, Aboriginal governments and communities, and local seniors� groups and organizations are encouraged to apply for funding under the Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Grants Program.
- For applications and detailed program guidelines, visit: www.swsd.gov.nl.ca.
- The deadline to apply is February 20, 2015.
- In the past five years, the Provincial Government has provided $975,000 to help support 39 communities and more than 60 seniors� organizations and retiree groups.
- The Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Grants Program supports citizens of all ages in Newfoundland and Labrador to enjoy healthy aging and age close to home.
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Media contact:
| Heather May Director of Communications Department of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development 709-729-0928, 697-5061 heathermay@gov.nl.ca |
Kevin Guest Director of Communications Department of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs 709-729-1983, 730-2320 kevinjguest@gov.nl.ca |
2015 01 13 9:40 a.m.