Local organisations supporting older people through food, friendship and community came together in Ballymoney for More Than a Meal: Food, Friendship & Community, as part of Positive Ageing Month.

The event was jointly organised by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Community Development and Age Friendly Causeway teams, with support from COAST, Causeway Loneliness Network and Vineyard Compassion. It brought together 59 participants representing around 30 organisations.

The morning provided an opportunity for organisations to share experiences, discuss the challenges they face and explore how they can learn from and support one another.

Discussions highlighted common challenges including recruiting and retaining volunteers, transport, funding and funding applications, and the practicalities of running community groups. Participants also spoke about what motivates them to volunteer, including friendship, staying active, having a sense of purpose and making a difference in their communities.

A key outcome was the strong appetite for organisations to learn from each other, with all table discussions identifying interest in taking part in good-practice visits, either hosting another organisation or visiting a local group.

Stephanie Scott, Age Friendly Officer, said:

“What really stood out was hearing directly from the groups about what they mean to the people who attend them. These services provide far more than food - they create friendship, connection, routine, purpose and a sense of belonging. The level of interest in learning from one another also gives us a really positive opportunity to build on the conversations that started on the day.”

Catherine Farrimond, Community Development Officer, said:

“It was fantastic to see so many organisations come together and speak openly about both the challenges they face and the difference they make in their communities. The interest in good-practice visits was particularly encouraging, and we hope to build on the connections made and support organisations to share their experience and ideas.”

The event organisers and partners will now consider the feedback and explore opportunities to build on the connections made, including potential good-practice visits between local organisations.

More Than a Meal formed part of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Positive Ageing Month programme.