Carrick Chamber of Commerce supporting older customers with the Age Friendly Business programme

Carrickmacross Chamber of Commerce has been working tirelessly over the past number of months to make their businesses Age Friendly. An Age Friendly business makes small changes to their business that makes it easier for older people to use. In total thirty two businesses in Carrickmacross have now signed up to the programme.

The Age Friendly Business the Recognition Scheme is a part of Monaghan county council’s Age Friendly county programme which has been in operation in the county since 2011.

The age friendly business programme works with local businesses to support them to make small changes to their business that make it easier for older people to avail of their services.

Most age friendly practices are low or zero cost and can mean a big difference to the older customer.

Monaghan county council were delighted with the response from the local business community to the age friendly programme. Led by Breda Mc Guigan and Emma Gollogly from Carrickmacross Chamber of Commerce local businesses attended an age friendly business workshop delivered by Bernie Bradley from Monaghan county council. The workshop focused on how businesses could become more age friendly with little or no cost. The workshops also highlighted some of the issues older people in Monaghan raised in a consultation exercise about some of the difficulties they experienced when out and about in the shops and businesses of the county.

Following the workshops each business consulted with their own customer base and identified three actions they would take to make their business easier for older people to use. These actions were then recorded on an Age friendly charter signed by both the business and Monaghan county council. The age friendly charters demonstrate the commitment each business has made to its older customers and to the older people of Monaghan.

Bernie Bradley Age Friendly Co-ordinator for Monaghan County council says Carrickmacross Chamber of Commerce have been a fantastic support to the programme, encouraging businesses to sign up and take part. This has all been done on a voluntary basis, which is a huge commitment when you consider the busy life of a business person. The support to the age friendly business programme demonstrated by the Carrick business community highlights the respect and value there is for the older population in the area. By supporting the Age friendly business programme, businesses are letting older people know that they value their custom and are committed to serving them.”

At a special presentation event in the Shirley Arms hotel centre on Tuesday evening thirty two businesses were commended for their contribution to county Monaghan’s Age Friendly business programme. Cathaoirleach of Carrickmacross Castleblayney municipal district Cllr. Aidan Campbell praised the commitment and dedication of the local business community. Speaking at the event Cllr Campbell said “The older people of Monaghan built the communities we enjoy today, both physically and socially, it is a great to be able to repay them is any small way we can. The Age Friendly business programme will make Carrickmacross and Monaghan a more attractive place to shop for older shoppers and I wish all the businesses continued success with this initiative”

Speaking on behalf of Carrickmacross Chamber of Commerce, Jim Hand praised the work of the businesses in Carrick in supporting the programme, “Carrick is a vibrant shopping town with a dedicated business community, we will work hard to ensure all the commitments of the Age Friendly business programme are met and that Carrick continues to provide excellent customer service to the older people in our community”

Each participating business was presented with a framed copy of their Age friendly charter. The charters will be on display on in each business and we encourage shoppers to look out for them.

Some of the commitments made by participating businesses include:

• Seating available at counters and waiting areas
• Assistance with shopping/packing and carrying
• Smaller portions for older customers
• Special discounts
• Advice/information and one to one customer service
• Medicine management and delivery

Participating businesses Carrickmacross

Pop in a find out the age friendly business commitments for yourself

Anyone looking for more information regarding the Age Friendly business programme should contact Bernie Bradley @047 7372 or bbradley@monaghancoco.ie