Older residents from across the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area took part in the inaugural 'Walk, Talk, Tea and Treats' event in Coleraine to mark Alcohol Awareness Week.
Organised by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council's Age Friendly Programme in partnership with Start360, the Sport and Wellbeing Development Unit, West Bann Development Centre, PCSP and COAST, the event promoted gentle exercise, social connection and healthy ageing.
The morning began with a guided walk along the River Bann before participants returned to West Bann Development Centre for refreshments, a fun interactive quiz and discussions around healthy ageing. Everyone also received a wellbeing goody bag containing useful information and resources to take home.
Stephanie Scott, Age Friendly Coordinator with Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, said: "Walk, Talk, Tea and Treats was all about bringing people together in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
“While the event marked Alcohol Awareness Week, it also highlighted the wider benefits of staying active, socialising and looking after our physical and mental wellbeing as we get older.
The response from participants was fantastic. It was lovely to see so many new friendships being formed, people enjoying the walk together and leaving with practical information they can use to support their health."
Andrew Millar from Start360 added: "Alcohol Awareness Week gives us an opportunity to encourage conversations about alcohol in a positive, supportive and non-judgemental way. As we age, alcohol can affect us differently, particularly when combined with medication or long-term health conditions. By combining these messages with enjoyable community activities, we can help people make informed choices while reducing isolation and improving overall wellbeing."
Feedback from participants highlighted the success of the event, with 100% rating it as either excellent or good. The guided walk and opportunity to meet new people were the most popular aspects of the morning.
The evaluation also demonstrated a positive impact on participants' knowledge and awareness. 92% reported greater awareness of the importance of staying physically active, while 83% said they had a better understanding of the importance of staying hydrated. Many participants also reported increased awareness of healthy ageing, strength and balance, and how alcohol can affect health in later life.
The event also supported several Community Planning priorities, including promoting healthy and active lifestyles, reducing loneliness and social isolation, supporting older people, and delivering collaborative initiatives to address alcohol-related harm within local communities.