The Chief Executive of a major charity whose reach extends to the Isle of Man met the Minister for Health and Social Care during a visit to the Island.

Adrian Bagg is the head of MHA, one of the largest charities in the UK, which provides accommodation, care and support to 16,000 older people. This includes 575 people on the Isle of Man who belong to Live at Home Schemes (a Manx registered charity no. 715) in the west, north, Onchan, Douglas, Laxey and Lonan. The Schemes provide practical and social support to older people living independently to promote their wellbeing.

In addition to meeting Minister Howard Quayle MHK, Mr Bagg also met trustees, managers and volunteers, and older people who use the charity’s services on the Island. He also attended a forum held at Mount Murray Golf Club to discuss the future of services for older people here. Mr Bagg commented:

“The forum produced a very engaging discussion with the Minister, third sector providers and government employees about how, together, we could do more for more older people on the Island. Hopefully, this will mark the beginning of an exciting future for older people’s services here.”

David Gawne MBE, Chairman of Isle of Man Live at Home Schemes, also took part in the forum and added:

“It was a pleasure to welcome Adrian to the Island and to showcase the excellent work which our team carry out. I would take this opportunity to thank them publicly for all that they do to support older people in the community. I was delighted that senior colleagues from Government and the third sector, including the Minister, were able to join us to consider how together we can make it better for older people. Such events can only strengthen existing partnerships and I look forward to taking forward the initiatives discussed and expanding Live at Home on the Island.”

Mr Bagg also visited the site and spoke to those involved in the development of Isle of Man Live at Home Scheme’s newest project ‘Northern Men in Sheds’. This initiative is aimed at reaching older men who may become isolated, giving them opportunities to socialise over DIY and other creative projects. It is due to become operational this summer in Ramsey.

Jo Dixon, Island Manager, added:

“This has been a wonderful opportunity for us to share the great work of our schemes on Island and for Adrian to meet some of our members and get their feedback on how our services help support them in their independent living.”

Isle of Man Live At Home schemes provide a range of services, including organising social groups, drop-in sessions, befriending, assisted shopping, and advice on accessing other support services.

For more information about the Isle of Man Live At Home schemes, go to www.mha.org.uk and search for ‘Isle of Man’.

Photo -  During the MHA Chief Executive’s visit a forum was held at Mount Murray Golf Club to discuss care for older adults on the Island. Pictured left to right are Howard Quayle MHK, Minister for Health and Social Care; Adrian Bagg, MHA Chief Executive; David Gawne MBE, Chairman of Isle of Man Live at Home Schemes; and Jo Dixon, Island Live at Home Manager for the Isle of Man Live at Home Schemes.