The Age Friendly Network NI hosted the Age Friendly Futures Summit on 4th November at the Titanic Conference Centre, Belfast, bringing together senior representatives from government, local councils, and the community and voluntary sectors.
Delegates from all 11 Council areas across Northern Ireland attended the event, which aimed to strengthen collaboration and set a shared vision for creating communities that are inclusive, supportive, and responsive to the needs of older people.
Focusing on three key objectives – raising awareness of Age Friendly Northern Ireland, influencing policy direction, and setting the future direction of the Age Friendly movement – the Summit provided an opportunity to share learning, showcase good practice, and highlight progress being made across the region.
Attendees explored the core elements that make up an Age Friendly Community and reviewed the latest evaluation findings, which underline the importance of planning effectively for an ageing population.
The Summit reaffirmed the commitment of councils and partners to work collectively to ensure that older people can live well, participate fully, and remain connected within their local communities.
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, said: “It is encouraging to see all Council’s working collectively toward a future where every older person feels connected and supported. The enthusiasm in the room demonstrated just how dedicated we all are to building age-friendly communities, and I am proud that our Council continues to play an active role in shaping this important work.”
Stephanie Scott, Age Friendly Coordinator for Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, added: “The strong turnout from all 11 Council’s highlights the shared commitment across Northern Ireland to ensuring older people are supported, valued, and heard. The appetite for collaboration is stronger than ever, and events like this Summit give us the space to learn from one another and drive meaningful progress together.”
This event marks an important milestone in the ongoing development of Age Friendly Northern Ireland, supporting a shared ambition to make the region one of the best places in the world to grow older.
Pictured the Age Friendly Futures Summit held at the Titanic Conference Centre, Belfast are Age Friendly Coordinators across NI, including Stephanie Scott, Age Friendly Coordinator for Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan pictured alongside Stephanie Scott, Age Friendly Coordinator for Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, at the Age Friendly Futures Summit held at the Titanic Conference Centre, Belfast.
Pictured the Age Friendly Futures Summit held at the Titanic Conference Centre, Belfast are (l-r) Stephanie Rock, AF Coordinator Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Council; Tori Lowbridge COAST Manager; and Stephanie Scott, Age Friendly Coordinator for Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan pictured at the Age Friendly Futures Summit held at the Titanic Conference Centre, Belfast.
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan pictured alongside Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Councillor Jackson Minford, at the Age Friendly Futures Summit held at the Titanic Conference Centre, Belfast.
Wendy McCullough, Head of Health, Wellbeing and Sport pictured at the Age Friendly Futures Summit held at the Titanic Conference Centre, Belfast.