The National Meals on Wheels Network is holding its third annual conference today (Friday, November 1), where the theme is ‘Collaboration – A Stronger Voice Together’.
The service demands of the network continues to grow since it was established in 2015, with around 1.8 million meals delivered to the end of June this year. With an ageing population, demand is expected to continue to increase.
The National Meals on Wheels Network was established in 2015 under the umbrella of Irish Rural Link and launched its website and an interactive map of 305 Meals on Wheels providers in September 2021.
The network supports these providers with the practical sharing of information and gives them the opportunity to have their voices heard to ensure their continued work to design a country-wide model which supports clients to live independently in their own homes.
The event today will focus on providers exploring different methods of collaborating and partnering with relevant agencies, stakeholders and others within their own communities and beyond.
The event will feature presentations relevant to the theme and allow attendees to learn about the various partnerships that can be created and developed to ensure the future growth and sustainability of their service.
Meals on Wheels
Development officer of the network, Tracey Noone said: “The service is delivered through many different models and by various group structures, all with the main goal of ensuring no person is left without a meal.
“However, many groups are struggling and the Network’s conference allows them to come together to address the challenges the sector faces and explore possible solutions.”
The conference includes presentations, an interview session, along with featuring facilitated conversation salons for advice. The conference will be closed by MEP Regina Doherty.
Doherty said: “The network is a fantastic support tool for all of the smaller individual providers, helping them to learn from each other and to support each other to grow in a sustainable way.”