ABOUT US
The Eastern Devon Healthy Ageing Partnership is a collaborative initiative formed to enhance the wellbeing of older adults as they navigate their ageing journey. Our partnership comprises diverse stakeholders committed to addressing the unique challenges faced by this population. We believe in the importance of collaboration, shared language, and community insights to identify the needs of older adults. Together, we aim to create an inclusive environment where older individuals feel valued and supported, ensuring they have access to the resources and services necessary for healthy ageing
VISION
Our vision is to be a catalyst for change by leveraging the energy and drive of individuals from various organisations. We aim to promote innovative ways of working and encourage communities to use their strengths to tackle the key issues that impact healthy ageing.
PARTNERSHIP CHAIRS
Nicky Flynn
CEO of Age UK ExeterNicky Flynn
Nicky Flynn has been the CEO of Age UK Exeter for nearly three years, following her tenure as CEO of a homeless charity in London. With a deep passion for promoting healthy ageing and combating ageism, she believes that older individuals are a vital part of our community and deserve to be valued. Nicky enjoys working alongside the dedicated clients, trustees, staff, and volunteers at Age UK Exeter, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. She resides in mid Devon with her husband and their rescue dog.
Becky Gardner
Trainee frailty clinical practitionerBecky Gardner
Becky has worked in the NHS as an Occupational Therapist and manager for 16 years. Throughout this time Becky has been passionate about supporting older people to be empowered and as independent as possible. Becky is in her 2nd year at the University of Exeter doing a master’s in advanced clinical practice, specialising in healthcare of the older person. She is hoping these skills will help those who are acutely unwell and influence making sure we get the support right for all older people in Devon. Becky lives in Teignmouth with her 2 sons.
OUR PRIORITIES
Our partnership focuses on several key priorities to improve the lives of older adults in Eastern Devon including:
- Falls prevention: Addressing the high incidence of falls among older adults through assessments and exercise programmes to improve confidence and reduce injuries.
- Combating loneliness: Working collaboratively to address loneliness and isolation, recognizing the significant impact these issues have on healthy ageing.
- Dementia support: Establishing an Eastern Devon Dementia Partnership to improve support systems for those living with dementia and their caregivers.
OUR WORK
Key initiatives:
- Eastern Devon Dementia Partnership:
Led by Penny Unitt of Age UK Exeter, this initiative aims to create a supportive structure for individuals facing memory issues or those diagnosed with dementia. With dementia diagnosis rates in Devon higher than the national average, it is essential to establish clear pathways for support. By mapping primary care networks, health and social care services, and voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs), we can identify the available resources and pinpoint gaps based on service type and location. This partnership will provide essential information, reduce confusion, and empower families to navigate available services.
- Falls prevention programmes:
Falls are a significant concern for older adults, with up to 35% of individuals over 65 experiencing a fall each year. Recognising the serious injuries that can result from falls, we prioritise prevention strategies to enhance the safety and confidence of older adults. Our initiatives include comprehensive falls assessments, balance and strength-building exercise programmes, and community education on fall prevention measures. By fostering a proactive approach, we aim to significantly reduce the incidence of falls and improve overall wellbeing.
- Addressing loneliness and isolation:
Loneliness is a growing issue affecting the health of older adults, with 1.4 million individuals in the UK often feeling lonely. This partnership collaborates closely with the Eastern Devon Social Health Partnership to develop targeted action plans that foster social connections and community engagement. Initiatives may include social events, peer-support groups, and digital literacy programmes to help older adults connect with one another and access online resources. By combating loneliness, we aim to enhance mental health and quality of life for older individuals.
OUR MEETINGS
The Eastern Devon Healthy Ageing Partnership meets every six weeks, having held its inaugural meeting in September 2023. These meetings provide a platform for:
- Enhancing connections and understanding among stakeholders, particularly voluntary and community organisations.
- Establishing a common purpose and working collaboratively to accelerate change.
- Facilitating learning sessions to highlight best practices from member organisations and other stakeholders, enhancing knowledge and fostering collaboration.
The Theory of Change document is regularly updated to guide our collective efforts, ensuring that we remain focused on our goals and objectives. (