Winners of the WHSCT Age Friendly “My Happy Place” Art and Photography Competition were recently celebrated at a special event held at Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre on Tuesday 16th December. This year’s winners were Ernie Cassidy, Brian O’Kelly and Gregory McCann.
The competition, which forms part of the Age Friendly Calendar 2026 for the Western Health & Social Care Trust area, invited residents aged 60 and over from the Limavady area to submit images capturing places or scenes that bring them happiness and a sense of wellbeing. Three winners were selected, with their artwork now featured in the 2026 calendar.
The event brought together the winners and their families for a relaxed lunchtime celebration, with tea, coffee, and light refreshments.
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, attended the event to formally congratulate the winners, present their calendars, and acknowledge the creativity and talent on display.
Speaking at the event, Cllr McMullan said: “It was a pleasure to meet our winners and their families and to celebrate the positivity and creativity shown through this competition.
“The images selected for the Age Friendly Calendar highlight not only beautiful local scenes, but also the many ways our older residents continue to contribute to community life. It was a lovely event with a very warm and welcoming atmosphere.”
The Age Friendly “My Happy Place” competition reflects the wider goals of the Age Friendly Programme, which aims to create communities where people can age well, remain active, and feel valued and connected.
Stephanie Scott, Age Friendly Coordinator for Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council added: “This competition perfectly aligns with our Age Friendly Strategy and Action Plan, particularly our commitment to promoting positive ageing, wellbeing, and participation.
“By encouraging older people to share what brings them joy, we are celebrating their voices, their creativity, and their continued role in shaping our communities. It was fantastic to see families celebrating together and to feel such positivity in the room.”
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council continue to work with partners across health, community, and voluntary sectors to deliver actions that support active ageing, reduce isolation, and ensure the borough is a great place to grow older.
The 2026 Age Friendly Calendar will be circulated across the Western Health & Social Care Trust area, sharing the winners’ images and promoting positive ageing throughout the region.
Winner Ernie Cassidy is pictured with his daughter, Rachel Cassidy, and the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, at the celebration event for the WHSCT Age Friendly “My Happy Place” Art and Photography Competition at Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre, where the 2026 Age Friendly Calendar was launched.
The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, is pictured with competition winner Brian O’Kelly at the celebration event for the WHSCT Age Friendly “My Happy Place” Art and Photography Competition, showcasing the 2026 Age Friendly Calendar.
Winners Ernie Cassidy, Brian O’Kelly and Gregory McCann are pictured with their families, the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, and Age Friendly Coordinator Steph Scott, at the celebration event for the WHSCT Age Friendly “My Happy Place” Art and Photography Competition at Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre.
The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, is pictured with competition winners (from left) Ernie Cassidy, Gregory McCann and Brian O’Kelly as they view the 2026 WHSCT Age Friendly Calendar at the “My Happy Place” Art and Photography Competition celebration event.