More than 480 older people from across the Causeway Coast and Glens area attended a series of Winter Wellbeing events delivered by COAST – the Age Sector Network for the area – in partnership with Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Age Friendly Programme.
The events, funded by the Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) and The National Lottery Community Fund, with additional support from the Public Health Agency (PHA), brought together over 30 local support organisations to provide practical information, advice and health-focused activities for older residents.
Attendees had the opportunity to hear directly from key statutory partners including the Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland (COPNI), the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), Crime Prevention Officer, PCSP representatives and the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service. Information was shared on community safety, scam awareness, home safety, wellbeing, and the range of local services available to support people to live independently within their communities.
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, commented:
"Causeway Coast and Glens is delighted to see so many of our older residents coming together to enjoy the Winter Wellbeing events.
"These gatherings are more than just information sessions; they provide a valuable opportunity to meet friends, learn new things and feel connected to the community.
"We are proud to support initiatives like this that truly make a difference in people’s lives and bring our community closer together."
In addition to safety messaging, the events incorporated active ageing and cognitive wellbeing elements supported by PHA funding. These included information on staying physically active, falls prevention, and maintaining brain health through social participation and learning.
These Winter Wellbeing events demonstrate the value of bringing together statutory partners, community organisations and the Age Friendly Programme in one space, providing older people with information and support in a welcoming and accessible way.
Stephanie Scott, Age Friendly Coordinator with Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, said:
“These events demonstrate the power of partnership working. By bringing together COAST, statutory agencies, community organisations and the Age Friendly Programme, we are ensuring that older people have access to practical information, support and opportunities to stay active and connected. Over 480 older residents engaged with services that promote safety, health and social participation – all key priorities within our Age Friendly work.”
Tori Lowbridge, COAST Project Manager, added:
“COAST is proud to work alongside Age Friendly and our network partners to deliver events that respond directly to the needs of older people. The turnout across all sessions shows how valued these opportunities are. By providing access to trusted information and local support organisations in one place, we are helping older people feel informed, confident and connected within their communities.”
The Winter Wellbeing series reinforces the shared commitment of COAST, Age Friendly Causeway Coast and Glens, PCSP, TNLCF and PHA to support older people to live safely, independently and well within their communities.
For more information and updates from COAST, visit https://www.facebook.com/coastnetwork.
Stephanie, Age Friendly Co-ordinator, and Tori Lowbridge, COAST Project Manager, pictured at one of the Winter Wellbeing events delivered in partnership with Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Age Friendly Programme.
Stephanie, Age Friendly Co-ordinator, and Tori Lowbridge, COAST Project Manager, pictured with older residents at one of the Winter Wellbeing events delivered in partnership with Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Age Friendly Programme.
Older residents from across the Causeway Coast and Glens area pictured enjoying one of the COAST Winter Wellbeing events, delivered in partnership with Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Age Friendly Programme.
Older residents from across the Causeway Coast and Glens area pictured enjoying one of the COAST Winter Wellbeing events, delivered in partnership with Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Age Friendly Programme.
Older residents from across the Causeway Coast and Glens area pictured enjoying one of the COAST Winter Wellbeing events, delivered in partnership with Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Age Friendly Programme.