Council launches blueprint for positive ageing in Mid and East Antrim

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has announced the launch of its first Age Friendly Strategy and Action Plan.

Over the next three years, this comprehensive strategy aims to create an inclusive environment where older residents can thrive and contribute actively to their communities.

The Age Friendly Strategy is the culmination of extensive collaboration between the Council and its valued Age Friendly Alliance partners. Through initial surveys and ongoing consultations, the strategy addresses key areas identified by older residents as priorities for improvement.

Deputy Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Bréanainn Lyness, said: “This strategy represents our commitment to ensuring Mid and East Antrim is a place where our older citizens can live active, engaged lives. We’re grateful for the invaluable input from our Age Friendly Alliance partners and look forward to implementing actions that truly reflect the needs of our community.

“Lecturers and media students from Northern Regional College (Ballymena Campus) joined us at the launch to showcase their fantastic media campaign for Positive Ageing Month. If you haven’t had a chance to look at their work yet, I would encourage you to do so – our young people have researched and interpreted their brief brilliantly – well done everyone on your hard work!

“As we embark on this journey, we invite all residents to engage with the Age Friendly Strategy and participate in Positive Ageing Month activities. Together, we can create a community that celebrates and supports individuals at every stage of life.”

The strategy emphasises flexibility and responsiveness, incorporating annual reviews to adapt to changing circumstances and emerging needs. This approach ensures that the action plan remains relevant and effective in addressing the evolving concerns of older residents.

As part of its commitment to inclusive governance, the Age Friendly Alliance plans to establish an Older People’s Forum. This initiative aims to create a robust mechanism for engagement and consultation, ensuring that the voices of older residents are heard, considered and acted upon in decision-making processes.

The launch of the Age Friendly Strategy aligns perfectly with Positive Ageing Month in October. This year’s theme, ‘The Part We Play’, celebrates the integral role of older people in our communities. A number of partners, including Council, Northern Health and Social Care Trust, Public Health Agency, Mid and East Antrim Agewell Partnership, have organised a diverse range of events and workshops to highlight the support systems available.

The Positive Ageing Month programme features both in-person and virtual events across the Borough and Northern Ireland, showcasing the support available to promote healthy ageing and active participation in community life.

For more information on the Age Friendly Strategy or Positive Ageing Month events, please email age.friendly@midandeastantrim.gov.uk or telephone 028 28 262353.