News For You - Age Friendly Autumn/Winter Newsletter

MAKING A DIFFERENCE TO PEOPLE’S LIVES

News

AUTUMN/ WINTER EDITION 2023

FOR YOU AGE FRIENDLY NEWSLETTER, ANTRIM AND NEWTOWNABBEY

Introduction Hello and welcome to our second edition of ‘News for You’. We are excited to share upcoming events, including some that will get you into the Festive Spirit. This edition is also packed with safety tips and advice to keep you safe at home. Our goal is to work in partnership to help make Antrim and Newtownabbey a place where people can live full, active, valued and healthy lives.

October was Positive Ageing Month where we celebrate, the contribution older people make to our Borough. As part of Positive Ageing Month, 7 ‘Check in, Check Up’ health fairs were held across the Borough.

The health fairs aimed to help local residents get connected to local groups and raise awareness of services available on their

doorstep. Attendees were treated to an armchair aerobics session as well as having the opportunity to have a free health check.

Attendees also had the opportunity to chat to representatives from Policing and Community Safety Partnership, Community Advice Antrim and Newtownabbey, Northern Fire and Rescue Service and Libraries NI, alongside many others. We are already looking forward to Positive Ageing Month in 2024, so if you have any thoughts or ideas, please get in contact with me

Kelly Doyle, Age Friendly Officer

If you would like to feature an article or advertise an upcoming event in the newsletter please get in touch by contacting Environmental Health T. 028 9034 0160 or E. envhealth@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

Contact the Age Friendly Officer for Antrim and Newtownabbey Kelly Doyle T. 028 9034 0160 E. kelly.doyle@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

You can also like and follow the ANBorough Facebook for more news on what is happening across the Borough.

2 | News For You

Meet the...

Team at Good Morning Newtownabbey Tell us about your service.

Good Morning Newtownabbey is a free, confidential telephone service for older and vulnerable people.

What can you expect if you join Good Morning Newtownabbey?

You will receive a short phone call one to five times per week, you can decide how often you would like a call! The calls are at a pre-arranged time between 8.15am and 2pm to help fit around your daily routine. A volunteer will call for a chat and to check that you are well. Volunteers can also keep you up to date with local events, signpost you to community groups or statutory services and provide daily reminders to take required medication. If you are housebound or fall ill, a volunteer may be able to collect essentials for you, such as bread and milk from the local shop.

What will happen if I miss the call?

Good Morning Newtownabbey acts as an alert system. You can provide a contact to act as your nominated person e.g. a family member, friend or neighbour. If you don’t answer first time, a volunteer will try calling for approximately one hour. If they are not able to reach you they will contact the nominated person to check in on you and provide an update to Good Morning Newtownabbey on your wellbeing.

How do I get referred to Good Morning Newtownabbey?

You can sign up for the service yourself or you can be referred by someone else e.g. your GP, Social Worker, family or friend.

For more information or to refer to the service contact Eddie Judson, Project Officer T. 028 9086 7686 E. communitymonkstown@gmail.com If you would like to showcase your group or activity as part of our ‘Meet the team’ feature in the newsletter, contact Kelly Doyle, Age Friendly Officer by T. 028 9034 0160 or E. envhealth@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

Autumn/Winter Edition 2023 | 3

Join the...

Seniors’ Forum in Celebrating 30 Years Antrim and Newtownabbey Seniors’ Forum is open to all people aged 50 and over.

The forum is currently celebrating 30 years of work to help older people in Antrim and Newtownabbey live healthy and active lives.

You can join the Forum as a group or an individual and it is FREE of charge. Signing up enables you to access a range of useful information, including upcoming events etc. This is collated by the Forum on behalf of the statutory, community and voluntary organisations. This information highlights upcoming events, important safety messages and much more. You can also

attend a range of outings throughout the year including bus trips, quiz nights, social evenings and sporting tournaments. As a member, you are welcome to attend any of the fun-filled activities happening each week. Moreover, you can also attend the monthly meetings.

The Forum meetings provide a fantastic opportunity to connect with new people and groups over a cup of tea, listen to an informative talk from a guest speaker and hear about upcoming activities. The meetings take place on the last Friday of each month. The 2023/2024 calendar is as follows:

Date

Venue

Friday 24 November 2023

Carnmoney Presbyterian Church

December

No meeting due to Christmas break

Friday 26 January 2023

Stiles Community Centre

Friday 23 February 2023

Lilian Bland Pavilion

March

No meeting due to Easter Break

Friday 26 April 2023

Stiles Community Centre

Friday 31 May 2023

Lilian Bland Pavilion

Friday 28 June 2023

Stiles Community Centre

Sign up Now! Groups – Free annual membership Individuals – Free annual membership Volunteers – If you would like to engage and help support older people through volunteering get in touch

To request a membership application: T. 028 9083 8848 E. antrimandnewtownabbeysf@gmail.com

Like and follow the Antrim and Newtownabbey Seniors’ Forum Facebook page for regular updates, valuable information and signposting services.

4 | News For You

Organisational News and Updates: Congratulations to...

Crumlin Senior Citizen’s Club who held a coffee morning and raised £2,250 for McMillan Cancer Support. It was a great morning, enjoyed by all who attended.

Congratulations to Margaret, Chair of St. Bernard’s Thursday Club, who recently celebrated her 90th Birthday.

Antrim Floral Art Group who have been creating show stopping floral art for 45 years.

Antrim Walking Group celebrating 20 years of putting their best foot forward and they still have two of the original members walking with them weekly.

Autumn/Winter Edition 2023 | 5

Why Not Try Something New This Season?!

Antrim Cardiac Support Group

Carnmoney Community Friendship Club

1st Monday of each month 7.30pm Fern House, Antrim Area Hospital, 45 Bush Road, Antrim, BT41 2RL

2nd Wednesday of each month 2pm – 4pm Carnmoney Parish Church Hall, 75 Church Road, BT36 6DJ

Open to anyone who has experienced a cardiac event. Family and friends also welcome.

Come together once per month for friendship, refreshments, activities and guest speakers.

04/12/2023: Christmas Dinner at Leighinmohr House Hotel, Ballymena (Booking required)

25/11/2023: Visit the Christmas Craft Fair (10am-3pm) 13/12/2023: Christmas Party (Tickets Needed)

Contact: Liz McWilliams T. 07864 684911 or E. lizmcw@hotmail.co.uk

Contact: Rev. Andy Heber T. 028 9083 6337 or E. andy.heber@googlemail.com

Antrim Elim Church Parkhall Road, Antrim, BT41 1BU 02/12/2023: Christmas Craft Fair (10.30am-2pm)

Antrim Retirement Group 1st Monday of every month 2pm – 4pm, CFC Church Halls, Antrim, BT41 4DG New members welcome to come along and listen to a speaker, refreshments and occasional outings.

Contact: Elizabeth Woosley T. 07814 624342

6 | News For You

Newtownabbey Methodist Mission 35A Rathcoole Drive, Newtownabbey, BT37 9AQ 25/11/2023: Christmas Sale (12-3pm)

Toome and District Senior Citizens Club Every other Monday evening (13 & 27 Nov, 11 Dec and 8 & 22 Jan) 8pm – 10.30pm Gortgill Community Hall Everyone is welcome to come along for dancing and light refreshments. Transport is available for those travelling from Randalstown.

Contact: Mary Toal T. 07803 239175 E. marybtoal66@gmail.com

Templepatrick Parish Hall / St. Patrick’s Church of Ireland, Templepatrick 1 Old Coach Road, Templepatrick, BT39 0BA Every Monday: Pins and Needles Sewing Group (2pm-4pm) Every Friday: Indoor Bowls (7.30pm) 1st/3rd Wednesday of each month: Community Soup Lunch (12pm-2pm)

Antrim Walking Group

Come along and enjoy their Christmas Tree and Flower Festivals running 8-10 December 2023. For the Christmas Tree Festival visit the Parish Hall and for the Flower Festival visit St. Patrick’s Church.

Event times are:

Get on your feet and get active with Antrim Walking Group.

08/12/2023: 1pm-8pm 09/12/2023: 10am-8pm 10/12/2023: 1pm-8pm

November 22/11/2023: Broughshane Riverside Walk 29/11/2023: Antrim Highway to Health

December 06/12/2023: Randalstown Forest 13/12/2023: Millrace Trail 20/12/2023: Antrim Marina

Christmas Country Market Sat 2 Dec 2023 (11am – 4pm) and Sun 3 Dec 2023 (12noon – 5pm) Dunamoy Cottages and Spa Adm: FREE

January

Local Artisans and Christmas-themed crafters.

10/01/2023: Antrim Castle Gardens 17/01/2023: Gracehill Village Walk 24/01/2023: Rea’s Wood 31/01/2023: Larne Highway to Health

Christmas Craft Fair

Contact Michael for specific details of meeting places. T. 07880 715143 or E. michaelcoote@ymail.com

Sat 18 Nov 2023 (10am – 4pm) Mossley Mill Adm: £3 (under 16’s FREE) Pay at the door. Free but limited parking available.

Autumn/Winter Edition 2023 | 7

Age Friendly: Positive Ageing Month, A Recap!

To recognise the contribution older people make to our Borough and their own communities, we celebrate Positive Ageing Month every October. This is a month-long campaign of activities and programmes.

This year the Council hosted seven informative and interactive health fairs and created a booklet of activities happening across the Borough.

Health fairs were held in Stiles Community Centre, Lillian Bland Pavilion, Ballyclare Town Hall, Neillsbrook Community Centre, Mossley Pavilion, Crumlin Leisure Centre and Valley Leisure Centre. Collectively, over 200 residents attended the seven events.

Those attending had a chance to ‘Meet the Age Friendly Officer’, try armchair aerobics, visit a range of stands, participate in health checks and hear from local groups that they can attend in their area.

Feedback from the events was fantastic with people commenting on how informative they were and how it was a great opportunity to find out what is happening in the Borough.

The Positive Ageing Month booklet details over 70 organisations, which meet regularly throughout the Borough. Why not take a look and see if there’s anything you would like to get involved in? It also includes information from Community Advice, Libraries NI and Antrim and Newtownabbey leisure classes and parks.

You can view the booklet at antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk /positive-ageing

Would you like more information on what is happening in your area?

Contact: Kelly Doyle, Age Friendly Officer T. 028 9034 0160 E. envhealth@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

8 | News For You

Home Safety in the Winter As we get older the cold weather affects us more; our immune systems become weaker, health conditions become harder to manage and we are more likely to have falls. However, we have some top tips to help you stay safe, warm and well in your home.

Keeping Warm and Active The main living areas in your home i.e. living room and bedroom should be 18-21ºC. Wearing several thin layers of clothing traps body heat better than one thick layer. Wool, cotton or fleecy synthetic materials are warmest.

Sitting still for long periods makes you feel cooler. Any activity, household chores or armchair exercises that you can manage will help improve circulation and warm you up.

Try to eat at least one hot meal per day.

Drinking hot drinks throughout the day can also help keep you warm.

Keep radiators and heaters free from obstruction and close curtains at night to help retain heat.

Electric Blankets If you are considering using an electric blanket it may be worth taking into account these points….

1. When purchasing an electric blanket only buy from a reputable retailer and check that it has the UK Safety standard mark.

Do not purchase second hand blankets as they may no longer meet current safety standards.

2. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and only use the blanket for its intended purpose, with over-blankets

positioned above the occupant and under-blankets positioned under the occupant. Do not use the blanket whilst it is still folded, rucked or creased or use pins to hold the blanket in place on the bed.

3. When not in use store an electric blanket flat if possible (e.g. on a spare bed) or loosely rolled (never folded tightly) and do not place other objects on top of the stored blanket. Take a few minutes to check the blanket’s condition when getting out from storage or when changing the bedclothes.

Replace electric blankets if: • The fabric is worn or frayed • Scorch marks or discoloured areas are visible on the fabric • Wires are exposed or poking through the fabric • There is damage to the cord between the supply plug and the controller and/or the controller to the blanket • The controller makes a buzzing sound when switched on and/or is emitting a smell • The connector fitted to the blanket is damaged or over-heating.

Do not use hot water bottles in bed along with an electric blanket and never touch the blanket with wet hands or feet.

Electric blankets should not be used for infants or by a person who may have a condition that makes them insensitive to heat.

People with pacemakers fitted should avoid using heated bedding for all night use.

For more information contact Environmental Health T. 028 9034 0160 or E. envhealth@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk or visit the website antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/homesafety

Autumn/Winter Edition 2023 | 9

Keep Your Lights Merry, Safe and Bright This Christmas!

Want to keep your Christmas bright and safe?

Check out our guide to Christmas light safety.

You need to take care of your Christmas lights if they are not properly maintained, they can cause an electric shock or fire, and that doesn’t make for a Merry Christmas. In fact, according to Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), 350 people a year are injured by Christmas tree lights.

To help prevent the most common electrical problems with Christmas lights, and to enjoy a safe and happy festive season, we recommend the following simple precautions and checks.

Always

 Buy from a reputable store and follow the

Never

 Use lights outdoors unless they are specially designed for such use.

 Connect different lighting sets together.  Connect lights to the supply whilst still in the packaging.

 Remove or insert lamps while the chain is connected to the supply.

 Overload sockets - try to avoid the use of extension leads or adaptors.

 Attempt to repair faulty lights - replace them.

 Use lights that are damaged or faulty.

 Check your Christmas lights are not

It is recommended to use LED lights over traditional filament Christmas lighting because:

 Only use replacement bulbs of the

• They operate at extra-low voltage which significantly reduces the risk of electric shock.

 Ensure all outdoor lights are connected

• They use much less power, generating little heat and so reducing the risk of fire and burns. This makes them safer to use.

manufacturers' instructions.

damaged or broken before use and look out for loose wires. same type and rating as those originally supplied with the lights. via a 30mA RCD protected socket.

 Replace failed lamps immediately to prevent overheating.

 Ensure plugs and transformers are plugged in indoors, even if the lighting is suitable for outdoor use.

 Switch your lights off and unplug them before you go to bed or go out.

 Keep lights away from flammable

decorations and materials that can burn easily.

10 | News For You

• They are estimated to use 80-90% less electricity than filament lamps so they are less expensive to run and typically last up to 60 times longer.

• They are more durable. As LED lights are made of a special plastic with no filament, there are no glass lamps to break.

Add Home Security to Your Christmas List Spending money on security for your property and garden is a good investment. Approved security fittings will last a long time and they can add value to your property and help deter thieves.

Protect Your Shed

Sheds and outbuildings are often targeted by thieves as they are easily accessible and tend to hold valuable items that can be sold on. Items such as bikes, lawnmowers, power tools, garden tools and sporting equipment, such as golf clubs, are easy pickings if left unsecured. Here are some points to help us think SAFETY this Christmas.

• Fit grilles or mesh to the windows.

Preventing Theft • Large items, such as bicycles, should be chained together. It is much more difficult for a thief to carry a lot of bulky, heavy items than one individual item.

• Ensure that ladders are locked to a secure fixture in the shed or garage, so they cannot be used to reach the top floor windows of your house or to climb over walls or high fences.

• Valuables should be marked with your postcode. There are other ways to mark your property and your local Crime Prevention Officer will be able to advise.

• Use defensive planting to protect vulnerable areas such as windows, fences, boundary walls and drainpipes. ‘Defensive planting’ is the term used to describe the way you can use certain prickly plants, bushes and shrubs to deter burglars. This green-leafed security measure is not meant to replace, but to complement other security measures, such as lighting, locks and alarms.

Security Lighting • Well positioned external lighting can help deter intruders and specialist lighting can be purchased from reputable DIY stores.

Your local Crime Prevention Officer can advise on the best areas to install and position the lighting for maximum effect.

• Fit a closed shackle padlock to the door.

Any fittings should be bolted through the door and screws concealed.

• Invest in a good alarm.

• Have a sensor or security light installed to focus on the shed. This will make you aware of any movement in and around your shed.

Insurance Policies • Check that your household insurance policy covers garden or shed equipment and find out if any minimum security standards apply.

• Some items may have to be individually listed on your insurance policy to ensure that they are covered.

Garden Safety • Keep gates, fences and walls in good repair to stop intruders.

• Never leave expensive equipment in the shed or outside.

• Do not leave ladders and tools in your garden as these could be used to break into your home.

Help Us To Prevent Crime!

Any unusual people or activity in your local area should be noted and reported to the PSNI on 101.

By taking an interest in what goes on in your neighbourhood you could help prevent a crime. If you witness a crime in progress, call 999. The PSNI relies on information from members of the public in order to crack down on this type of crime effectively.

Further Crime Prevention advice is available by contacting your local Crime Prevention officer on 101. Alternatively, visit www.psni. police.uk/advice_information/protectingyour-home

Autumn/Winter Edition 2023 | 11

Budget Better With Oil Stamps in Winter Do you rely on oil to heat your home?

Would you like help to budget when saving for home heating oil?

If you answered YES to one or both of the questions above, the Oil Stamp Saving Scheme may be for you!

The scheme is available to all residents using oil to heat their home in the Borough. In order to start saving, grab an Oil Stamp Card from a local retailer or contact the Health and Wellbeing Team using the details below. Once you have your card, you buy £5 stamps from one of the participating stores and add them

to the card. You can save up to £200 on one card. The stamps are non-refundable and when purchased can only be redeemed by buying home heating oil. You can find details of over 30 retailers who have signed up to the scheme here: antrimandnewtownabbey.gov. uk/oil-stamp-retailers When you are ready to purchase home heating oil you can use your oil stamp card as full or part payment towards the order. A list of oil suppliers who have signed up to the scheme is available here: antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk /oil-stamp-suppliers ANTRIMANDNEWTOWNABBEYBOROUGHCOUNCILANTRIMA

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Stay Warm, Stay Safe This Winter A number of steps you can take to protect yourself this winter.

Using heaters in your home: • When using portable heaters always read the instructions, understand how to use them safely and ensure they are in good working order.

• Keep heaters away from flammable materials.

can cause toxic fumes in the home and is a fire risk.

• Install a Carbon Monoxide alarm in all rooms with fuel burning appliances.

TOP TIP: Don’t dry clothes directly on or in close proximity to a heater or open fire.

Using Candles:

• Turn the heater off when going out or going to bed.

Candles are not a sufficient way to heat the room. If you are using candles, ensure they are placed in a suitable holder and away from flammable materials.

TOP TIP: Close internal doors at night. It helps retain heat and stops the spread of fires.

Using LED candles, torches or battery lights is a brighter and safer alternative.

Using your fire:

TOP TIP: Avoid using candles when tired or drinking alcohol.

• Use the correct fuel. Burning household waste or material such as treated wood

Remember in the event of a fire… Get out, stay out, call 999.

To access the full ‘Cost of Living, Steps to Stay Safe’ leaflet or read about a free home fire safety check visit www.nifrs.org

12 | News For You

Handle Your Food With Care Christmas can be a magical time of year, but not if you end up with food poisoning! There’s always a lot going on at this time of year and it’s easy to forget the importance of storing and preparing food safely. But none of us want to give or get the unwanted gift of food poisoning.

We tend to buy more than usual at Christmas, which often means cramming our fridge full of festive food. Follow these top tips to help prevent food poisoning during the holidays.

Tip 1: Make a list and check it twice!

Consider who is coming for dinner, plan meals and create a food shopping list to avoid waste and crammed fridges.

Tip 2: Keep your Christmas Cool Use and store food according to instructions, which will keep it fresher for longer. Always store raw meats and ready-to-eat food, such as freshly prepared fruit and cooked meat, separately to avoid cross-contamination.

Tip 3: Get to know your Dates Understanding the difference between ‘best before’ and ‘use-by’ dates means you can avoid throwing away good food unnecessarily. Best before is about quality: food will be safe to eat after this date, but may no longer be at its best. Use-by is about safety: food shouldn’t be eaten, cooked or

frozen after this date, as it could be unsafe – even if it looks and smells fine.

Tip 3: Get your Festive Freeze on 80% of people have thrown away food that was close to its use-by date without realising they could freeze it and keep it for later. It is safe to freeze food right up until the use-by date.

Tip 4: Love your Leftovers There are endless ways to reinvent Christmas leftovers. Cool them, cover them and put them in the fridge or freezer within one to two hours. Remember leftovers should be eaten or frozen within two days. ‘Love Food Hate Waste’ have various creative recipes and ideas on their website to help make your Christmas leftovers go further: www.lovefoodhatewaste.com

Tip 5: Know your Reheating Rules Once food is defrosted, you will need to eat it within 24 hours. Remember that previously cooked and frozen meat should only be reheated once. However, you can safely cook defrosted meat into a new meal and freeze that dish for use another day. For example, you can buy your turkey frozen, defrost it, cook it and use the leftovers in a curry, which itself can be frozen to eat and enjoy another day. Always reheat food until it is piping hot the whole way through.

For more simple ways to save food, save money and save our planet visit www.lovefoodhatewaste.com

Autumn/Winter Edition 2023 | 13

Dog Watch – A Community Partnership for Cleaner Neighbourhoods In order to combat dog fouling within the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough, Council Enforcement Officers have launched a new initiative to help tackle the issue - ‘Dog Watch’.

With the support of local communities, the enforcement team hopes to make a real impact through raising awareness, emphasising responsible dog ownership and assisting in identifying those irresponsible dog walkers who fail to clean up after their dog!

The launch of ‘Dog Watch’ coincides with the recent increase in Fixed Penalty fines, ensuring that any identified offenders will face a hefty £200 penalty (reduced to £150 if paid within 14 days).

What is ‘Dog Watch’?

engagement with the Council Enforcement Team to help address dog fouling in our Borough. If you believe your area is badly impacted by fouling, we urge you to get in touch. Over a two-week period, the Council Enforcement Team will extensively patrol, survey the area, set up informative signage and engage with dog walkers to educate and promote responsible dog ownership.

The goal is to establish long lasting partnerships between residents, community groups and officers on the ground. This collaboration will help us identify and address the root cause of fouling in specific areas.

While the emphasis is on education and encouraging responsible dog ownership, enforcement action will be taken against anyone who fails to clean up after their dog.

‘Dog Watch’ is an appeal to community groups and residents, encouraging active

If you are part of a residents’ group and believe your area would benefit from ‘Dog Watch’, contact the Council Enforcement Team T. 028 9034 0160 or E. envhealth@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

14 | News For You

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council Reminds You to Paws for Thought This Christmas!

Puppies may be the cutest surprise to find under the tree on Christmas morning, but be mindful before making a life-long decision this Christmas. With the Cost-of-Living crisis affecting most families in some way, it is more important than ever before to be fully committed when bringing a puppy into your home. According to Dogs Trust, the largest animal welfare charity operating in Northern Ireland, 48% of dog owners currently worry about being able to provide for their dogs, and 1 in 5 are concerned that the rising price of dog food will cause further financial strain.

It is essential to take your long-term financial situation into consideration before adding a four-legged friend to your family.

Unfortunately, January is the Council Enforcement Team’s busiest time of the year as the number of dogs being given up and abandoned increases. Dogs Trust receives a staggering number of calls every year in the 30 days following Christmas from new owners seeking to give up their pets. This year they are taking a stand against impulse puppy purchasing, urging people to think before

buying on a whim: Dogs are for life, not just for Christmas.

Demand for puppies at Christmas time also contributes to a sinister and lucrative underground economy. ‘Paws for Thought’, a multi-agency campaign between local Councils, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and PSNI has been launched to tackle illegal puppy farming and the illegal movement of dogs. If you are considering getting a puppy, ‘Paws for Thought’ and make sure to give it proper consideration. Do you really know where the pup is coming from? Can you be sure that it isn’t from an illegal breeder or puppy farm? Has it been stolen? If you do decide to buy a puppy this Christmas, make sure to buy from a licensed breeder to ensure the puppy has had the best start in life.

We would encourage anyone with specific information or suspicions of an illegal breeding establishment, or indeed where there are animal welfare concerns, to contact the Council Enforcement Team T. 028 9034 0160.

Further information on the ‘Paws for Thought’ campaign can be found at www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/paws-thought

Autumn/Winter Edition 2023 | 15

Community Advice Antrim and Newtownabbey Community Advice Antrim and Newtownabbey (formerly Citizens Advice) is an independent charity, providing an advice service that is confidential and free. They have been providing advice and support to people across the Borough for almost 60 years.

Last year Community Advice dealt with over 43,000 enquiries from people across the community, helping to generate over £8million in income for individuals and families.

• Rates and housing costs

Community Advice also works in partnership with other organisations to provide emergency support in times of crisis. If you’re struggling financially, they can support you over the phone, face-to-face or even online.

• Cost of Living issues

T. 028 9590 6505

• Money matters

E. advice@advicean.com

Find out more about: • Pension credit

• Debt and budgeting

Live chat at www.communityadvicean.co.uk

• Disability benefits

Face-to-Face advice is available at the two main offices in Antrim and Newtownabbey along with their outreaches across the Borough.

• Employment rights • Housing issues • Consumer rights

Location

Address

Day

Opening Times

Farranshane House, Ballygore Road

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

9am-4pm 9am-7pm 9am-1pm 9am-4pm 9am-2.30pm

Newtownabbey

Dunanney Centre, Rathmullan Drive

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

9am-4pm 9am-7pm 9am-1pm 9am-4pm 9am-2.30pm

Ballyclare

Ballyclare Presbyterian Church

Thursday

2pm-5pm

Crumlin

Camlin Credit Union, Main Street

Thursday

2pm-5pm

Glengormley

Barron Hall, Antrim Road

Tuesday

1pm-5pm

Randalstown

The Arches

Monday

1.30pm-4.30pm

Toome

Toome House

Monday

9.30am-12.30pm

Antrim

For more information about Community Advice Antrim & Newtownabbey including all opening times, check us out on our website at www.communityadvicean.co.uk

16 | News For You

Loneliness Champions Antrim and Newtownabbey Loneliness Network brings together the Council and the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, alongside others in the statutory, voluntary and community sectors.

The Network aims to raise awareness of loneliness, share best practice and learning on ways to prevent, address and tackle

loneliness across the Borough.

In June, the Network recognised six members as Loneliness Champions. All six members were nominated for their knowledge, skills and experience in helping to prevent loneliness and for positively impacting the lives of others living within the Antrim and Newtownabbey area.

For further information about the Antrim and Newtownabbey Loneliness Network E. connectedanln@mail.com or follow on Facebook facebook.com/connectedanln

Recycling Centre Winter Hours 2023 – 2024 Household Recycling Centre

Monday - Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Newpark

9am – 6pm

Bruslee

9am – 6pm

Crumlin

9am – 6pm

O’Neill Road

9am – 6pm

Craigmore

9am – 6pm

9am – 6pm 9am – 6pm 9am – 6pm 9am – 6pm 9am – 6pm

12 – 5pm 9am – 5pm Closed Closed Closed

Winter hours apply from 1 October 2023 to 31 March 2024. *Household Recycling Centres are closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day and all reopen on New Year’s Day, 9am-6pm.

Autumn/Winter Edition 2023 | 17

Leisure Classes Residents and visitors can enjoy the latest state-of-the-art facilities, equipment and leisure experiences at each of our five centres. We have activities that suit all ages, abilities and interests.

Live Long The Live Long programme aims to provide a range of social and physical activities for participants in order to improve both mental and social fitness, as well as physical health.

Leisure Centre

Day(s)

Time

Antrim Forum

Monday

10.30am-12.30pm

Ballyearl

Friday

11am-1pm

Crumlin

Friday

9.30am-11.30am

Sixmile

Monday

10.45am-12.15pm

Thursday

10.45am-12.15pm

Tuesday

10.30am-12.30pm

Valley

Steady and Strong Would you like to improve your strength and balance?

Then this class is for you.

For full information and the criteria, please contact the MORE Team E. more@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk T. 0300 123 1580

18 | News For You

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is now offering exercise sessions to support mental health.

These classes provide light to medium group-based exercise that can help to improve physical and mental wellbeing.

Ballyearl Leisure Centre: Monday, 6-7pm Valley Leisure Centre: Tuesday, 6-7pm Crumlin Leisure Centre: Tuesday, 6-7pm Exercise is a great way to boost your mood and reduce stress, so why not take advantage of this fantastic opportunity?

Book in advance online – the classes are free for members.

To book, visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/MORE or contact T. 0300 123 1580 E. MORE@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

Autumn/Winter Edition 2023 | 19

Nordic Walking Join us while we explore some of our wonderful parks as we learn about the health benefits of Nordic Walking.

Nordic walking reduces pressure on your joints with the poles providing propulsion, making

you feel lighter on your feet.

Nordic walking is suitable for all abilities and poles will be provided on the day.

Each guided walk will include information and training on the use of Nordic Poles.

To register your interest E. angela.ross@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk stating what date and location you would be interested in.

20 | News For You

Get in the Christmas Spirit, Visit the Theatre O Holly Knight Wed 29 Nov - Sat 30 Dec // Theatre at The Mill // Adm: £19.50 & £17 Preview night £13 Writer Michael Cameron is back at Theatre at The Mill with his new musical play for Christmas 2023, O Holly Knight! Featuring a stellar cast and a wonderful blend of nostalgia, comedy, music and romance.

Jack and the Beanstalk Sat 2 Dec – Sun 17 Dec // The Courtyard Theatre // Adm: £12 (Group Discount Available) Join us for magic and mayhem in the mysterious land above the clouds.

Will Jack save the beautiful Princess and thwart the mean old Giant?

A Christmas Carol Wed 13 Dec // 7.30pm – 9.30pm // The Old Courthouse // Adm: £15 The award-winning Dyad Productions bring their magic to Dickens’ classic and perennially relevant ghost story.

The Belfast Ma: Makin Christmas Thur 21 Dec - Sat 23 Dec // 7.30-9pm // The Old Courthouse // Adm: £20 The Belfast Ma is back this Christmas with her brand-new comedy theatre show ‘The Belfast Ma: Makin Christmas’, starring TikTok sensation Paul Nugent as everyone’s favourite Ma, Sadie Devine.

Did you know…

A member of our Culture team can help you with bookings and enquiries.

They are available: Monday - Friday, 9am-5pm Saturday and Sunday, 10am-5pm The customer hub will also operate on the evenings of theatre shows and events.

T. 0300 123 7788 or E. culture@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk Booking can also be made online by visiting theatreatthemill.com

Autumn/Winter Edition 2023 | 21

Saturday 18 - Saturday 25 November

BAG FOR LIFE

Give Our Borough a Gift this Christmas For details visit: antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/Christmas

enchantedwintergarden.com 22 | News For You

ANBorough

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Find the following words in the puzzle.

Words are hidden

and

Baubles

Crackers

Nativity

Stuffing

Boxing Day

Elves

Presents

Tinsel

Christmas

Holly

Reindeer

Tree

Christmas Eve

Lights

Santa

Turkey

Christmas Pudding

Mistletoe

Stocking

Wine

Autumn/Winter Edition 2023 | 23

Useful Phone Numbers Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council Offices

028 9034 0000

Antrim and Newtownabbey Seniors’ Forums

028 9083 8848

Antrim and Newtownabbey Age Friendly Officer

028 9034 0160

Northern Ireland Housing Executive

0344 892 0900

Age NI Advice Service

0808 808 7575

Action Fraud

0300 123 2040

Dalriada Urgent Care

028 2566 3500

Northern Ireland Water

0345 744 0088

NI Direct

0300 200 7899

Northern Ireland Electricity

0345 764 3643

Police non-emergency number

101

Bus and Rail Enquiries (Translink)

028 9066 6630

Road Repairs (Including Potholes), Department for Infrastructure

0300 200 7893

Street Lighting, Department for Infrastructure

0300 200 7899

Community Advice, Antrim and Newtownabbey

028 9590 6505

This magazine is available upon request in a range of alternative formats.

Alternative formats may include Easy Read, Braille, large print, audio formats (CD, mp3 or DAISY) or minority languages to meet the needs of those for whom English is not their first language.

If you want to learn more about this or have any requirements, please contact Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Customer Accessibility and Inclusion Officer Ellen Boyd E. ellen.boyd@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk