Positive Ageing Month
Positive Ageing is a month-long campaign of events, activities, and programmes that takes place every October and it promotes positive ageing as well as recognising the part people aged 50+ plays within the local community.
Every year, Age Friendly Ards and North Down works with community, voluntary and statutory partners to develop a comprehensive brochure that encourages people over the age of 50 years to take the five steps to wellbeing: Connect, Be Active, Keep Learning Take Notice and Give. These 5 steps built into our daily lives can help maintain and improve our health and emotional well-being.
Highlights of the programme include walks, physical activity, singing, digital training, creative sessions, and a roadshow in Ards Blair Maine Wellbeing and Leisure Complex, Newtownards on Thursday 2 October that promote and help with ageing well.
For more information on what's on for Positive Ageing 2025, please check back: full programme brochure coming soon!
If you require a hard copy of the brochure, then please contact the Age Friendly Coordinator on 0300 013 3333 ext 40336
Positive Ageing Roadshow 2025
Come along and find out about services and support to help with ageing well within Ards and North Down.
Join us for light physical activity and meaningful presentations, all designed to keep you active, healthy and supported. Plus, a range of exhibitors will be in attendance and much more!
To join us, you must register no later than Thursday 25 September. Come on your own or with a friend. All welcome!
To register, please email your contact details (and those of your friend if applicable), advise if special assistance is required and any dietary requirements to: agefriendly@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk or call 0300 013 3333 ext 41367 (Mon-Fri, 9:30am-11:30am only)
Positive Ageing Stories from around the Borough
As part of Positive Ageing Month, we have gathered some examples of great local initiatives supporting positive ageing in our community: read on to find out more!
Linking Generations NI Arts Council funded Arty Generations Project
A variety of arts mediums were used each week but most importantly the arts was used to connect people to improve health and well-being and alleviate isolation and loneliness.
Just before the end of term everyone joined to celebrate the projects success, showcase the artwork created and enjoy each others company. Marci from Caremark presented the school pupils with a fantastic scrapbook full of memories and moments as part of their sessions!
This innovative partnership created between Caremark and Bloomfield Primary School was developed by LGNI's Lynne B and with such positive feedback and enthusiasm from all involved we hope their link will continue! For more information please Arty Generations Project - Linking Generations NI
Peninsula Healthy Living Partnership
The rural Ards Peninsula can be a very socially isolating environment, and research shows that male farmers, especially those who are retired, are at very high risk of becoming isolated, which in turn affects their physical and mental health. Peninsula Healthy Living Partnership learned of a fabulous initiative by Rural Support called Plough On which encourages and arranges regular meets for retired farmers. After meeting with the group, a collaboration was agreed to provide fresh produce to those in need within the local community.
The programme started in February 2024 and so far has been a fabulous success. The men's mental and physical health has improved significantly via the connections they have made with the Partnership and the local community, and the community and organisation are learning new ways to grow produce, from experts in the area. The initiative has also benefitted those in need via the community fridge.
This programme has helped the Partnership reach a notoriously difficult group to reach, helping to improve social isolation and health, as well as supporting a local community during challenging financial times, all whilst building relationships and learning from each other.
'Our Health truly is our Wealth' - Allan @ Peninsula Healthy Living.
Over 50s Council
The Over 50s Council has had an important role to play in the creation of the second Age Friendly Strategy, and in particular the actions that members of the Age Friendly Alliance (statutory, community and voluntary organisations) have committed to undertake to be Age Friendly.
Members have also been involved in a range of consultations such as Department for Infrastructure's Concessionary Fare Scheme, South Eastern Trust's Active Ageing Programme promotion, and Age NI Lived Experience survey. In addition, members have also been involved in walkability audits and are currently working on an intergenerational project with Youth Voice, who represent the views of younger people in the Borough.
Members feedback
"Being a member of the Over 50s Council has given me a voice and I feel someone is listening to me."
"It has provided me with an opportunity to meet new people."
"It has shown people that even as you age you still matter and you can still contribute to the local community."
"It is a great opportunity to hear other people's opinions and to work together."
To find out more information on how to join the Over 50s Council, please contact the Age Friendly Coordinator on 07741103277 or email agefriendly@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
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