Some background.

In 2002, a delegation from the Community Department visited the Community Department of Derry City Council. The purpose was to exchange information on Community Projects within both our Areas.

One of the projects visited was "Good Morning Galliagh". This is a project taken from a similar operation in Glasgow. Basically it is a Confidential Call Centre, catering for senior citizens and vulnerable residents of this area of Derry. This project has proved so successful that in late 2003, it has expanded to cover all of the Northwest Area of Derry and is presently expanding into Donegal.

In 2001 a Community Safety Audit was carried out in which over 1800 homes in Galliagh were surveyed. This audit identified that many of the older and vulnerable residents of Galliagh have their lives blighted by the fear of crime, vandalism and harassment and above all isolation. This project presented a relatively cost effective and immediate means of tackling the problems

The Good Morning Project is a free and confidential telephone alert / good neighbour service for older people and those who feel vulnerable. People using this service either self refer or are referred by other Agencies working with these sections of the Community.

The service also works in partnership with, its outreach wing, who carry out regular follow up with users of the service.

Once a person agrees to register and avail of the service, all the information provided is logged to the database. This information would include information on name and address of next of kin/friend, medical information such as type and time for taking medication, pension or allowance collection place and day, house or personal alarm, religious contacts (if any), Doctor name and address, any other information this person may decide to offer.

This person will receive a daily telephone call, at an agreed time, on initially 5 days of the week. It would be envisaged that the service would expand quickly to a 7-day service. The purpose of the call is to check on their well being, remind them on medication and any pre-arranged appointments for that day.

In addition the call will inform and encourage inclusion and participation in community activities, and to link to other service providers, such as social services, housing and advice services.

Complementing the telephone call are the outreach personnel who regularly make house calls. Therefore in the event of any issue arising from the daily telephone call, such issue can be fastracted in response.

The Good Morning Project presents immediate triangular benefits of personal development to, the service operators, the outreach workers and the registered participants. They are in a continuos learning cycle of personal inter-action and awareness of all of the services provided within the Area.

The service team receives regular high quality training in transferable skills. Such training can enhance the employability of all who train both within and outside the service.

The combined benefits of all who are either delivering or availing of the service can only increase the capacity of any Community to look after and respect their most vulnerable colleagues within society.