Age Friendly Ards and North Down, in partnership with Ards and North Down Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP), Public Health Agency (PHA) will deliver three roadshow events across the Borough for Positive Ageing Month.
The Bangor Roadshow took place on Friday 14 October in Bangor Elim Church. Over 80 people attended the event where they received key advice and information from local agencies in relation to community safety, home safety, how they can prepare financially for the winter and the importance of keeping active. The event also gave the attendees the opportunity to engage with 25 exhibitors in relation to support services available in the local area.
PCSP Chair, Councillor Rachel Woods, said:
“Ards and North Down Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) is delighted to support and be involved in these roadshow events. For many older people, crime and the fear of crime can be a major concern, so it is important that steps are taken to support and protect potentially vulnerable people within our local community. Developing initiatives like the Positive Ageing roadshow events can help to reduce crime and the fear of crime. They educate and inform people about a range of crime prevention and safety issues such as scams, anti-social behaviour and how people can keep safe within their own homes.”
Rachel O’Reilly, Senior Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Officer at the PHA, said:
“Empowering older people to live healthier and more fulfilling lives is crucial to maintaining and improving their wellbeing. It can help reduce isolation, become more active and forge important connections beneficial to mental health.
“The support of the Ards and North Down Age Friendly initiative and these roadshow events equips older people across Ards and North Down with valuable information, support and activities to help address their issues and reduce the potential impact of health inequalities.”
Eddie Lynch, Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland, said:
“We are living in an ageing population, it is now more important than ever that we fully support older people to remain active, live independently, remain healthier for longer and take steps to prevent them from falling into poverty.
“Through my engagements I have been hearing first-hand the concerns older people have both socially and financially as we approach winter. Events like The Positive Ageing Roadshow are vital for directing older people to the services and help they are entitled to, especially during the cost-of-living crisis.
“I urge anyone who is seeking advice to come along to the next Positive Ageing Roadshow as there are many services across Northern Ireland ready to support them.”
There is still time to register for the Positive Ageing Roadshow that will take place on Friday 28 October at 11am in Kircubbin Community Centre.
Attendees must register at least one week before the event. To register, email your contact details (and those of your friend, if applicable) to agefriendly@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk.
