HAIRE is first and foremost about people and the place where they live!

What does the acronym HAIRE stand for? It means, ‘Healthy Ageing through Innovation in Rural Europe.’ Put in simple terms it is an International project with a local focus run by Feock Parish Council to help engage and empower older people to enhance their well being.

Our Partners are the University of Exeter and villages and townships in England, France, Belgium and Holland. Each partner is addressing issues in their areas in ways relevant to their own residents. Through what are called Guided Conversations we have talked to many residents finding out what they think are the main strengths and weaknesses of where they live. We have learnt about their concerns and what people think is good about our community.

Support within the Parish comes from local Councillors, the Parish Clerk and Deputy Clerk. Through European funding and support from Feock Parish Council we have appointed a project co-ordinator and an administrative assistant to support the development of the project. Outside the Parish we collaborate with other HAIRE partners and with Community Connect (which Feock Parish Council originally created) Cornwall Council, Age UK, Volunteer Cornwall and others.

The objective of our project is to enhance the lives of people over 60 in the parish of Feock and to build a more resilient community for the future. A complimentary project, known as ANCHOR, is seeking similar benefits in neighbouring parishes as we use the resources of the project to develop partnerships of benefit in the longer term for residents of those areas. An important part of HAIRE is to create resources which create a sustainable legacy which can be used in the future.This will include informing the Feock Neighbourhood Development Plan and future investment decisions of Feock Parish Council.

Older people don’t live as a group separate from the rest of society- or they shouldn’t! A key part of our project is finding ways in which different generations can relate more to the benefit of each other.

Much of the work is based on the three “M’s”

MANAGEMENT of resources for a sustainable and better future for the older members of our community 
MOBILISE the assets of the community to help sustain existing services and activities and find new ways of doing things better
MOTIVATE people in the community to work together as we seek to develop a more resilient ways of doing things.

When HAIRE funding ends in 2023 we hope to have created a more resilient community. What does that mean? A place where people are more familiar with the many opportunities to develop their interests and feel enabled if they wish to to play a more creative and fulfilling part in their local community. A community where people care for each other and feel confident about their role in community life. At the very least we will know more about our local community and this will provide important evidence for Feock Parish Council as it makes the future important investment decisions which will support the well being of residents.

HAIRE ACTIVITY:

• monthly ‘What’s On’ guide.
• new wellbeing website.
• event planning/co-ordinating.
• community activities – Community Coffee Morning with homemade cakes and refreshments, IT/Computer support, Walk & Talk group led by an experienced walk leader and using the Feock Trail walks, Crochet & Sewing workshop where we are currently making bunting and street art for community events.
• support for local groups, clubs and societies – helping with promotion, co-ordination, advertising.
• support for individuals – helping with building confidence, signposting, referring and supporting to services run by our wellbeing team and/or support locally – this can include welfare checks, befriending, transport, shopping.
• Linking with local services, charities, government and organisations to provide a stronger support network for residents.
• Volunteer/support opportunities and skill sharing options – connecting people together.
   
  Our wellbeing services continue to grow in sometimes the most unexpected exciting ways, through continued and valued support from our Volunteers. Long may this last in our communities!

by Keith Hambly-Staite