Newtownards to Host Positive Ageing Month Roadshow

Ards and North Down Borough Council's Age Friendly programme, supported by the Public Health Agency (PHA) and in partnership with Ards and North Down Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) as well as South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, is delivering a roadshow event on Thursday 17 October 2024 at Ards Blair Mayne Wellbeing and Leisure Complex, Newtownards, from 11am to 2pm.

Building on the success of previous years, the roadshow takes place during Positive Ageing Month and will offer people the opportunity to engage with a range of local support services that will help people to age well and live better. This includes:

• Move More Live More Demonstration
• Scam Awareness
• Information & Advice
• Health & Wellbeing Support
• ...plus information from a wide range of exhibitors.  

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Alistair Cathcart, said:

"Positive Ageing Month is a celebration of people aged 50+ and offers a wealth of opportunities for inclusion in all aspects of community life across the Borough. The Roadshow is designed to promote local support services that will help people to age well. It will promote how people can stay safe, keep active and stay connected through social and recreational activities available - demonstrating that Ards and North Down is a great place to live and grow older. I am positive that everyone who attends the roadshow will find it very enjoyable and I look forward to seeing everyone there." 

PCSP Chair, Councillor Christine Creighton, said:

"Ards and North Down Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) is delighted to support and be involved in the roadshow. The event offers an opportunity for PCSP to engage and inform people about the work of PCSP across the Borough as well as the range of crime prevention and safety issues such as scams, anti-social behaviour and how people can keep safe within their own homes.

"For many people aged 50+, crime and the fear of crime can be a major concern, so it is important that steps are taken to support and protect potentially vulnerable people within our local community." 

Jeff Scroggie, Regional Lead for Ageing Well at the PHA said:

"Empowering older people to live healthier and more fulfilling lives is crucial to maintaining and improving their wellbeing. It can help reduce isolation, help people become more active and forge important connections which is beneficial to physical, mental and social health.

"The Ards and North Down Age-Friendly initiative and the Positive Ageing Month Roadshow will provide people aged 50+ across Ards and North Down with valuable information, support and activities. The Roadshow and events will help address any issues they may be experiencing and help reduce the potential impact of health inequalities."

To register for the event, email your contact details (and, if applicable, those of accompanying friends) to agefriendly@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk. Please advise if any special assistance is required or if you have any dietary requirements. Alternatively, call 0300 013 3333 (ext. 40336) or 07741 103277 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am-10.30am only).

The Positive Ageing Roadshow is being run as part of 'Positive Ageing Month', which is celebrated every year in October. It is a month-long campaign of events and activities that promote positive ageing as well as celebrating the contribution older people make to their communities. For more information, visit ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk/positive-ageing-month.