Presbyterian Moderator Dr Ken Newell has called on the community to unite in condemning all attacks on elderly people and join in taking practical steps to make their lives and homes more secure.
Dr Newell was speaking at a ceremony to lay the foundation stone at Sunnyside House, a new residential home being built for older people in Bangor by the Board of Social Witness of the Presbyterian Church in partnership with Fold Housing Association.
"Since God has a special place in his heart for the elderly, then so should we," said Dr Newell.
"Never before have so many people lived so long, but with the growing years there has also developed a growing vulnerability felt acutely by the elderly. We stand horrified as a church to see attacks on elderly people increase. The violence they have had to endure at the hands of others is appalling and the attacks organised by criminal gangs have left us speechless. To watch the long-term affects of such brutality on the mental and physical health of the elderly has deepened our outrage and made us more determined than ever to be a voice that speaks up for them and a shield to protect them.
"Communities must unite not only in condemnation of such violence against the most vulnerable, but must also unite in taking practical steps to make their lives and homes more secure.
"Elderly residents have a right to privacy, peace, security and respect not only in their homes but also in their communities where they live. That"s why we appeal for all such attacks to cease.
"The heart of our community is still a loving and compassionate one. So many people look out for each other as neighbours. Many organisations work hard to provide a stable and secure environment for our senior members to live in and the Presbyterian Church is determined to play its part in promoting such an environment."
Sunnyside House in Bangor has been run by the Board of Social Witness of the Presbyterian Church since 1981 and is now being replaced with a new building just round the corner from the present home which was in need of modernisation.
Due to site restrictions and costs it was decided that a new home should be constructed. Plans then commenced after a partnership with Fold Housing Association was established. Linda Wray, Presbyterian Residential Services Manager confirmed that, "Our current residents will transfer to the new Home on its completion which is scheduled for October 2005."
The new home will have accommodation for 45 residents with en-suite bedrooms and a selection of sitting rooms. Construction costs are 2.74 million, with much of this funding coming from the Department of Social Development to Fold Housing. The Presbyterian Residential Trust will be investing some £268,000 and will now be undertaking a major recruitment programme for additional staffing for the project.
Lindsay Conway OBE, Presbyterian Director of Social Service stated that, "The replacement of Sunnyside continues our plan to replace Homes when it becomes feasible. We welcome our new partnership with Fold and look forward to working with them as this development progresses."
"Fold are delighted to be working in partnership with PRT especially as Sunnyside has an excellent reputation in caring for older people in the Bangor area. This new development ensures that the quality of service will continue to be delivered in accommodation which is innovative in design and is built to the highest standard," added Mr William Cameron OBE, chairman of Fold Housing Association.
The Presbyterian Church, through its Board of Social Witness, currently has 6 residential, one nursing and 2 sheltered accommodation homes operating under this Presbyterian Residential Trust, which comprises 270 residents and 250 members of staff.
Issued by Sarah Harding, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
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