Launch of Living Well in Moyle

Living Well Moyle brings together key players in health and social care and the voluntary and community sector to provide support and encouragement to people

with chronic conditions to help them reconnect with the local community.

Bride Harkin, Northern Local Commissioning Group (NLCG) Lead explains how the new approach developed: “Following discussions with the local community, the

Dalriada Pathfinder Partnership (DPP) was established, with the NLCG leading on the development of Living Well Moyle. Through partnership working we have all

been able to turn the vision into a reality. We are confident that through this pathway, local people with chronic conditions will be able to live better, happier and healthier lives in their own homes.”

Over 100 invited guests heard that a local co-ordinator, Sam Cunningham, has been appointed. Sam, local GPs and health care professionals have now identified 80 people with chronic conditions who may potentially benefit from the Living Well Moyle approach. Sam has already visited some of these 80 people and had

conversations about how they might be supported and encouraged to reconnect with the local community by participating in social activities.

Dr Mary McLister, GP and member of the DPP said: “As a local GP, it is encouraging to see how the local community and health and social services are working

alongside voluntary and community organisations to create real solutions helping people live better lives in their own homes”.  

Dr McLister described how the new approach will help to keep people healthy in their own homes for longer. She said; “Living Well Moyle will facilitate improved communication between all members of the primary health care team with the aim of identifying early warning signs for those at risk in the community. Supporting people on an agreed safe pathway will improve their general health and wellbeing and help to prevent unplanned hospital attendances.”

In closing the event, Tony Stevens, Chief Executive, Northern Health and Social Care Trust said; “I am encouraged by the determination of the Dalriada Pathfinder Partnership to launch this new initiative.  As highlighted today, helping people improve their wellbeing and lead independent lives benefits not only individuals but also families and communities.  This partnership provides a vision of what is possible when people and service providers come together to plan and deliver care in their local community.”

Age NI is funding the first year of the new initiative.

Duane Farrell, Charity Director, Age NI said: “We are committed to supporting the wellbeing of people in later life. Living Well Moyle promotes this ethos as it helps people with chronic illness live fulfilling lives by reconnecting them to social networks in the community. The Living Well approach has already demonstrated how it can improve the lives of older people in Cornwall. We are proud to work in partnership to bring this new way of working to the Moyle area and be able to support the employment of a Living Well Co-ordinator who will be working hard to improve the wellbeing of local people. We are confident that this substantial level of support will enable the initiative to progress quickly and effectively.”

Living Well Moyle now has its own logo thanks to Cross and Passion College pupil, Lesley-Ann Devenney, who won the ‘Design a Logo’ competition. Lesley-Ann was congratulated by the Health Minister who presented her with the first prize. Over 100 pupils submitted entries from four local schools, Ballycastle High School, Cross and Passion College, Dunluce School and St Killian’s College.

To find out more about Living Well Moyle, please watch a short video which describes how it works https://vimeo.com/hscboard/livingwellmoyle or contact Sam

Cunningham, Co-ordinator on 079 7138 9488.