Mid & East Antrim
Positive Ageing Month
October 2024
Welcome and introduction by the Mayor
As Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council I am delighted to have been invited to provide the introduction to the programme for Positive Ageing Month 2024 in our area. Council is committed to working in partnership with other stakeholders to establish Mid and East Antrim as a place where our older people can live active and engaged lives, making a valuable contribution to their communities.
Positive Ageing Month is one such initiative where, in association with our partners, Northern Health and Social Care Trust, Public Health Agency and Mid and East Antrim Agewell Partnership, our Council is working collaboratively to put together an extensive and diverse range of events and workshops.
This year’s UK theme is ‘The part we play,’ which celebrates the integral role of older people in our communities and the programme is a mix of in
person and virtual events from across our borough and Northern Ireland, there is something there for everyone.
I am proud to be one of Council’s Age Friendly Champions and look forward to working with our Age Friendly partners to promote the wellbeing of our older residents and help celebrate their valuable contributions to our borough, and beyond.
Week 1
01 Tuesday
International Day of Older People
Mid and East Antrim is proud to be joining the UK network of Age-friendly Communities in celebrating the International Day of Older People (IDOP) in October.
Every year, on 01 October, people from across the world come together to mark the United Nations International Day of Older People.
Across the UK, a range of activities will be taking place to raise awareness of opportunities and challenges of an ageing population, and to mobilise the wider community to address difficulties faced by many older people.
This year’s UK theme is ‘The part we play,’ which celebrates the integral role of older people in our communities and is supported by the Centre for Ageing Better.
Launch of Linking
Generations NI Christmas intergenerational small grants scheme
This funding aims to create festive connections across generations and between organisations that wouldn’t normally work together.
Christmas and the festive season spirit offers a great opportunity to develop connections and make a difference in our communities.
LGNI’s vision is that these connections and relationships will continue into the future.
Activities can be a one-off event or a project delivered over a number of sessions promoting the value of intergenerational connections at a time of year that so many may feel lonely and disconnected.
The small grants are £125 and open to a range of groups across Northern Ireland including: older people’s groups, care homes, schools, community groups, youth groups etc. All activities must take place during December and be mutually beneficial for all involved. The grants will form part of LGNI’s Christmas Campaign and
we ask that grantees share their activities and good news stories with us and on social media to inspire and spread festive cheer! The scheme opens today to celebrate the launch of Positive Ageing Month.
elaine.brownlee@ bjf.org.uk 077 5484 6305
A free month-long display - Stitching a Story
- The Braid, Ballymena - Monday to Saturday (closing 19 October) - 10am to 4pm | Free
Textile artist Wilma Kirkpatrick’s award-winning work showcases various stitching and embroidery techniques, using using domestic and industrial machines 028 2563 5028 braid.museum@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk
Information is accurate at time of going to print, but may be subject to change.
If you have any queries regarding events or would like more information please contact the event organisers or Helen McClean, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s Age Friendly Co-ordinator, age.friendly@midandeastantrim.gov.uk 028 2826 2353
02 Wednesday
‘This is Me’ Dementia Friendly Choir
- The Music Yard, Larne - 2pm to 3.30pm | Free
Come along and enjoy music and singing in a relaxed environment with light refreshments afterwards. No singing experience necessary. Come on your own, with friends, family or carers
028 2827 7212
03 Thursday
Grandparents and Grandkids - Pop Up Play Carrickfergus
- Mill Pond at Carrickfergus Leisure Centre
- 11am to 12.30pm | Free
Kids! Do you have grandparents that you struggle to keep entertained during the day?
Come along to the park and we will keep them entertained while you play – all well-behaved grandparents welcome! Tea, coffee and pop-up play activities for young, old and young at heart! No need to book just come along and join us!
04 Friday
A free month-long display ‘A Stitch in Time’
- Larne Museum & Arts Centre
- Untill 12 October - 10am to 4pm
Access and enjoy a collection of quilts and related artefacts from the Museum’s archives. The display will include two signature quilts including one from Cairncastle National School dated August 1887.
028 2826 2443
marian.kelso@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk
05 Saturday
Agewell Craft Fair
- Houston’s Mill, 10 Buckna Road, Broughshane, BT42 4NJ
- 10am to 4pm
- Suggested entrance donation: £3
Come along to our Craft Fair, you might grab a bargain! 028 2565 8604
06 Sunday
Silver Sunday
Silver Sunday is a day in the national calendar, the first Sunday in October, when we ask the nation to pause and think about older people and celebrate their contribution to society.
Week 2
07 Monday
The Kindness Postbox
- Free
- Open during normal library opening hours
This was started in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland with the intent to bring the gift of kindness to residents of local care homes that had been affected by Covid-19. With the help of local volunteers they raised interest in the project before an official launch in April 2020.
The idea has now spread and through the Loneliness Network in Mid and East Antrim there are currently four partnerships helping to connect generations and reduce isolation.
An exhibition of drawings, cards and letters will be on display in local libraries to share the colourful connections.
www.kindnesspostbox. co.uk/ or https://tinyurl. com/yt9y7arf
Larne Library
028 2827 7047
Ballymena Central Library
028 2563 3950
Carrickfergus Library
028 9336 2261
Move More Live More
- 2x 1 hour sessions - 11 online |Free
Session 1
MMLM is a falls prevention health and wellbeing programme. This consists of expert speakers such as physiotherapist on how to stay strong within our body and other experts talking on different aspects of health such as sleep, nutrition, and mental health and how this relates to falls. In each session we will finish off doing some strength and balance exercises which are for suitable for all abilities.
Claire.mckeown@ ageni.org
077 7311 3544
www.ageni.org movemorelivemore
1-2-1
eClinic
- Ballymena Central Library
- 10am to 1pm | 2pm to 4pm
IT help for beginners: help with your mobile device, general IT assistance, information about library e-services. Book in for a one hour slot. 028 2563 3950
08 Tuesday
Agewell Flower Friends
Keep an eye out for surprise bouquets of flowers across Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Larne! If you find some, give them to the next Older Person you meet to help us celebrate Positive Ageing Month!
028 2565 8604
Kindness
Postbox Exhibitions
- Free - Open during normal library opening hours
Larne Library 028 2827 7047
Ballymena Central Library
028 2563 3950
Carrickfergus Library 028 9336 2261
1-2-1
eClinic
- Kells and Connor Library - 2pm to 4pm
IT help for beginners: help with your mobile device, general IT assistance, information about library e-services. Book in for a one hour slot.
028 2589 0019
Connect North Rapid Rundown (Online)
- Free | 2pm
Join us for a quick-fire information session on services and support available in the Mid and East Antrim area including a demonstration of the Population Plus online directory.
Book online at: www.meaap.co.uk/ rapidrundown
028 2565 8604
09 Wednesday
Coping with Cost of Living & Financial Wellbeing
- Bank of Ireland (online)
- 11am to 12pm |Free
Microsoft Teams
Meeting ID:
349 799 404 060
Passcode: P2CBvR
Alzheimer’s Society Online Carer
Support Group
- 7pm to 8pm
For more details and the zoom link contact Hannah: 077 1011 9366
Reminiscence session for people affected by dementia and their carers
- 11am to 12pm |Free
- Ballymena Central Library 079 1866 1823
Dementia Friendly Choir
- The Music Yard, Larne
- 2pm to 3:30pm | Free 028 2827 7212
Agenda for Residential Care Costs Talk
- 2pm | Free
An online session focused on to Planning Ahead for Future Care cost,. this session will look at Residential Care Costs, types and costs of Care. Financial Assessment re your contribution to Care Costs. First look at what is meant by Capital - What is included as Capital? Then look at what is meant by Income -What is included as Income. Current Legislation and Future Legislation.
To register contact: martinmcdaid@ hotmail.com
Kindness
Postbox
Exhibitions
- Free
- Open during normal library opening hours
Larne Library
028 2827 7047
Ballymena Central Library
028 2563 3950
Carrickfergus Library
028 9336 2261
10
Thursday
Kindness Postbox Exhibitions
- Free - Open during normal library opening hours
Larne Library
028 2827 7047
Ballymena Central Library
028 2563 3950
Carrickfergus Library
028 9336 2261
RNID Clinic Larne
- Larne Market Yard, Station Road, Larne, BT40 3AA
- 10am to 12pm | Free
iain.irvine@rnid.org.uk 079 4016 0672
BT Digital Voice Session
- 4pm | Free
Come along and hear from BT in relation to the important changes that will be made to landline telephone service. BT's latest research shows that older people might not be fully aware of these updates and could be the most affected. The session will give people the to get their questions answered and concerns addressed.
Join the meeting now Meeting ID: 311 897 791 663 Passcode: qfj52Q
www.bt.com/broadband/ digital-voice
BFI (British Film Institute) Replay
- Larne Library - 10am to 12pm |Free
Eating Well as You Age
- 11am |Free
As you get older, eating well can help improve your mental sharpness, boost your energy levels, and increase your resistance to illness. This session on diet and nutrition tips will help you eat well as you age.
Grandparents and Grandkids - Pop Up Play Ballymena
- People’s Park, Ballymena - 11am to 12.30pm | Free
Kids! Do you have grandparents that you struggle to keep entertained during the day?
Come along to the park and we will keep them entertained while you play – all wellbehaved grandparents welcome!
Tea, coffee and pop-up play activities for young, old and young at heart! No need to book just come along and join us!
11 Friday
Kindness Postbox Exhibitions
- Free - Open during normal library opening hours
Larne Library 028 2827 7047
Ballymena Central Library
028 2563 3950
Carrickfergus Library 028 9336 2261
12 Saturday
Memory Walk
To help fund its dementia support services and research, Alzheimer’s Society is hosting 26 Memory Walks across England, Wales and Northern Ireland this autumn and is encouraging people to register for their nearest walk.
There will be a walk at Belfast’s Ormeau Park on 12 October, when families affected by dementia will have an opportunity to remember and celebrate their loved ones.
13 Sunday
A Dementia Friendly Service
- Ballyloughan
Presbyterian Church, Doury Road, Ballymena - 3pm |Free - Max 40 minutes
- No booking needed
A short church service for people affected by dementia and their carers. Tea and coffee provided afterwards. No booking needed
Valerie.guthrie@ alzheimers.org.uk
Carrickfergus Tea Dance
- Jubilee Hall, Carrickfergus - 2pm to 4pm | Free
1-2-1
eClinic
- Portglenone Central Library - 2pm to 5pm
Discover how to use BFI Replay and access over 60 years of digitised videos and television programmes from archives such as the BBC and ITV.
028 2827 7047
IT help for beginners: help with your mobile device, general IT assistance, information about library e-services. Book in for a one hour slot.
028 2582 2228
Contact Carrickfergus Community Forum, 028 9335 9777
030 0330 5452 memorywalk@ alzheimers.org.uk
A free month-long display - ‘A Stitch in Time’
- Larne Museum & Arts Centre
- Monday to Saturday (closing 1 November) - 10am to 4pm | Free
Access and enjoy a collection of quilts and related artefacts from the Museum’s archives. The display will include two signature quilts including one from Cairncastle National School dated August 1887.
028 2826 2443
Week 3
14 Monday
Senior Moments Club, Carrickfergus
- St Nicholas’ Church Halls, Lancasterian Street, Carrickfergus
- 2pm to 4 pm
Demonstration on Air Fryer Cooking by Council’s Community Health and Wellbeing Officer.
Jean 077 7615 4956
1-2-1 eClinic
- Larne Central Library
- 2pm to 4 pm
IT help for beginners: help with your mobile device, general IT assistance, information about library e-services. Book in for a one hour slot.
028 2827 7047
Agewell AdventuresBallymena to Newry
Join our Agewell Adventure Team on an exciting day out by train! A great opportunity to explore new places with the support of our friendly volunteers.
Book essential by telephone on:
028 2565 8604
Autumn Exhibition, Carrickfergus Art Club
- Museum & Civic Centre
- Monday to Saturday
- 10am to 4pm | Free
15 Tuesday
Agewell Flower Friends
Keep an eye out for surprise bouquets of flowers across Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Larne! If you find some, give them to the next Older Person you meet to help us celebrate Positive Ageing Month!
028 2565 8604
Important TV Licence Info (Online)
- 11am |Free
This information event will detail information on what the TV Licence pays for, who has to pay, concessions available, support for those who can’t pay and how to avoid scams.
Join the meeting now: Meeting ID: 338 159 367 315
Passcode: PTF6j2 edward.ferrin@ cavendishconsulting.com
Autumn Exhibition, Carrickfergus Art Club
Museum & Civic Centre
- Monday to Saturday
- 10am to 4pm | Free
16 Wednesday
RNID Clinic Ballymena
- Ballykeel Community Centre, 20a Crebilly Road
Ballymena, BT42 4ND
- 12pm to 2pm |Free
iain.irvine@rnid.org.uk
079 4016 0672
Autumn Exhibition, Carrickfergus Art Club
- Museum & Civic Centre
- Monday to Saturday
- 10am to 4pm | Free
17 Thursday
Alzheimers Support Group
- Top floor, Maine Business centre,86 Main Street, Cullybackey
- 10.30am to 12pm | Free
Valerie: 079 1866 1823
Grandparents and Grandkids - Pop Up Play Larne
- Dixon Park, Larne
- 11am to 12.30pm | Free
Family History – Irish 1901 and 1911 Census for Beginners
- Carnlough Library
- 2pm to 4pm | Free
Learn how to use the 1901/1911 census of Ireland for your family history research, as well as tips and tricks for how to search when you can’t find someone on the census.
028 2888 5552
18 Friday
The menopause and your pension
Online |Free
Did you know that the menopause can have a negative impact on women’s pensions? Some women struggle to deal with their symptoms during this crucial retirement saving period and often work less or reduce their hours. In this webinar, our MoneyHelper Pensions specialists will explain what impact the menopause could have on
your pension and how you can focus on saving for your retirement. There will also be time for questions.
Session 1: 11am to 12pm
https://events. teams.microsoft.com/ event/6e0abb75-b6a5406e-af92-e0b3571597ca@ bbe41032-8fce-4d42-bab544e21510886d
Session 2: 3pm to 4pm
https://events. teams.microsoft.com/ event/1bb23213-7af64f5f-af00-f0250c41e9a4@ bbe41032-8fce-4d42-bab544e21510886d
If you do not receive an automatic confirmation email please let us know by: partners@maps.org.uk
‘This is Me’ Dementia Friendly Choir
- The Music Yard, Larne - 2pm to 3.30pm | Free
Come along and enjoy music and singing in a relaxed environment with light refreshments afterwards. No singing experience necessary. Come on your own, with friends, family or carers.
028 2827 7212
Kids! Do you have grandparents that you struggle to keep entertained during the day?
Come along to the park and we will keep them entertained while you play – all well behaved grandparents welcome! Tea, coffee and pop-up play activities for young, old and young at heart!
No need to book just come along and join us!
Autumn Exhibition, Carrickfergus Art Club
Week 4
21 Monday
RNID Clinic Carrickfergus
- The Open Door Centre, 32 Bridewell Drive, Carrickfergus BT38 8JW
- 10am to 12pm | Free
iain.irvine@rnid.org.uk
079 4016 0672
Move More Live More
- 2x 1 hour sessions
- 11 online |Free
Session 1
Agewell Pop Up In Ballymena
- 10am to 12pm |Free - 10am to 3pm |Free
Pop in and visit the team at our Pop-Up Shop on Wellington Street, Ballymena for information on services and support available for Older People.
028 2565 8604
MMLM is a falls prevention health and wellbeing programme. This consists of expert speakers such as physiotherapist on how to stay strong within our body and other experts talking on different aspects of health such as sleep, nutrition, and mental health and how this relates to falls. In each session we will finish off doing some strength and balance exercises which are for suitable for all abilities.
Don’t worry if you have never used zoom before we can help get you connected by sending you a ‘How to Zoom’ guide or we can talk you through it over the phone:
Claire.mckeown@ ageni.org
077 7311 3544
Agewell AdventuresLarne/Carrickfergus to Lisburn
Join our Agewell Adventure Team on an exciting day out by train! A great opportunity to explore new places with the support of our friendly volunteers.
Booking essential, phone: 028 2565 8604
22 Tuesday
Agewell Flower Friends
Keep an eye out for surprise bouquets of flowers across Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Larne!
028 2565 8604
Agewell Pop Up In Ballymena
- 10am to 3pm |Free
Pop in and visit the team at our Pop-Up Shop on Wellington Street, Ballymena for information on services and support available for Older People.
028 2565 8604
NICHI Health Alliance Annual Conference
- Tullyglass Hotel, Ballymena
- 5pm to 8pm | Free
www.ageni.org movemorelivemore
The aim of NICHI is to support the involvement of communities in improving health and social wellbeing and reducing health inequalities. The theme of this year’s Conference and Exhibition is ‘Positive Ageing’.
info@healthallianceni .com
028 9447 8645
23 Wednesday
Agewell Pop Up In Ballymena
- 10am to 3pm | Free
Pop in and visit the team at our Pop-Up Shop on Wellington Street, Ballymena for information on services and support available for Older People.
028 2565 8604
24 Thursday
Agewell Pop Up In Ballymena
- 10am to 3pm | Free
Pop in and visit the team at our Pop-Up Shop on Wellington Street, Ballymena for information on services and support available for Older People.
028 2565 8604
Creating Age-Friendly Developments Webinar
Autumn Exhibition, Carrickfergus Art Club
- Museum & Civic Centre
- Monday to Saturday
- 10am to 4pm | Free
- Dr Mark Hammond, University of Manchester - 10am to 11am | Free - Online
Henly Films Screening
- Town Hall, Carrickfergus - 2pm to 4pm | Free
A screening of a collection of films made in the 1960s by the late Gwendoline Henly of Prospect House, Carrickfergus. They cover a wide range of events in the town including Mayor’s Sunday Parade, YMCA Club Week, Ulster Festival Week, Battle of Britain Sunday Parade, events at St Nicholas Parish Church and the visit of the late Queen and Prince Philip in 1961.
No booking required, but if you wish to reserve a
25 Friday
Agewell Pop Up In Ballymena
- 2pm to 3pm | Free
Pop in and visit the team at our Pop-Up Shop on Wellington Street, Ballymena for information on services and support available for Older People.
028 2565 8604
Halloween Bat Walk
- Carnfunnock Country Park, Larne - 5.30pm to 7.30pm |Free
Explore the woods after dark with torches and bat detectors and see what fascinating creatures you can see in the night sky. Please bring your own torch if you have one. Do you want to learn more about these
fascinating mammals? Enjoy a dander with local expert Aidan Crean, looking and listening for bats.
Attendees will be limited, please book your space here: https://forms.office.com /e/UBgcSEKWKq
028 9335 8233
‘This is Me’ Dementia Friendly Choir
- The Music Yard, Larne
- 2pm to 3.30pm | Free
Come along and enjoy music and singing in a relaxed environment with light refreshments afterwards. No singing experience necessary. Come on your own, with friends, family or carers.
028 2827 7212
This session explores the needs and aspirations of older people, can be better addressed by architects, planners and developers creating new residential developments. We will explore the different ways built environment professions think about older people, what we mean by ‘age-friendly’ housing, and how we can mainstream it in the places we work.
stephanie.rock@ armaghbanbridge craigavon.gov.uk
hollandj@ belfastcity.gov.uk
078 2501 0630
078 2782 3998
Week 5
28 Monday
Senior Moments Club, CarrickfergusMovement to Music
- St Nicholas Parish Halls, Lancasterian Street, Carrickfergus
- 2pm to 4pm | Cost £2
Getting our physical exercise at a slower pace to suit our age group!
Jean 077 7615 4956
29 Tuesday
Dementia Friendly Prom Friendship Group
- Prom Café, Larne Leisure Centre.
- 6pm to 7.30pm | Free
A safe and supportive environment for people living with dementia to participate in leisure and social activities with volunteers.
Confidential peer support for carers, with talks and activities to promote good health and wellbeing.
Contact the Prom Café for more information on 028 2827 4662
Halloween Hooley in Town Park, Larne
Annual Halloween Event suitable for the whole family. Spooky fun, delicious food and haunting characters collide to create a spooktacular night out!
Don’t forget your costume!
www.midandeastantrim .gov.uk/events
31 Thursday
Agewell AGM & Members Meeting –including training to ‘Recruit, Retain and Reward Volunteers’ with Volunteer Now
- 12am to 4pm
- The Bank, Main Street, Portglenone
Book online via: www.meaap.co.uk/agm 028 2565 8604
30 Wednesday
Dementia Friendly Choir
- The Music Yard, Larne
- 2pm to 3.30pm | Free 028 2827 7212
CarrickFEARus in Shaftesbury Park, Carrickfergus
Annual Halloween Event suitable for the whole family. Spooky fun, delicious food and haunting characters collide to create a spooktacular night out! Don’t forget your costume!
www.midandeastantrim .gov.uk/events
HalloweENA in People’s Park, Ballymena
Annual Halloween Event suitable for the whole family. Spooky fun, delicious food and haunting characters collide to create a spooktacular night out!
Don’t forget your costume!
www.midandeastantrim .gov.uk/events
Have you Heard… RNID offers face to face support session for NHS hearing aid users?
Carrickfergus Ballymena Larne
Location The Open Door Centre, 32 Bridewell Drive, Carrickfergus, BT38 8JW Ballykeel Community Centre, 20a Crebilly Road Ballymena BT42 4ND Larne Market Yard, Station Road, Larne, BT40 3AA
Date Third Monday each month
Time 10am to 12pm 12pm to 2pm 10am to 12pm
Your local RNID can help with:
• New batteries
• Cleaning and re-tubing of earmoulds
• Information on how to look after and fit hearing aids
• Signposting to other services
If you’re worried about your hearing you can take a free hearing test in just 3 minutes. Just go to:
https://rnid.org.uk/information-andsupport/take-online-hearing-check/ iain.irvine@rnid.org.uk 079 4016 0672
Dementia - Better diagnosis needed for disease that strikes one in three…
Northern Ireland’s main dementia charity is encouraging people to seek early diagnosis as a third of people affected have not received a diagnosis. This means they may be missing out on vital help and support.
Thanks to increasing amounts of research we now know that – it’s not getting old, it’s getting ill!
More than 24,000 are living with dementia in Northern Ireland with this number predicted to jump to over 37,000 by 2040. Dementia affects almost a million people across the UK yet Alzheimer’s Society says a timely diagnosis gives people access to the vital care, support and treatment they need.
Worried about your memory?
Each person experiences dementia in their own individual way and different types of dementia also tend to affect people differently, especially in the early stages. However, some common early signs and symptoms of dementia include:
• Memory loss
• Difficulty concentrating, planning or organising
• Problems with language and communication
• Misunderstanding what is being seen
• Confusion about time or place
• Mood changes or difficulty controlling emotions
If you’re worried about yourself, or someone close to you, then check your symptoms today using Alzheimer’s Society’s symptom checklist.
alzheimers.org.uk
Dementia Support Line: 033 3150 3456
Memory Walk
To help fund its dementia support services and research, Alzheimer’s Society is hosting 26 Memory Walks across England, Wales and Northern Ireland this autumn and is encouraging people to register for their nearest walk.
There will be a walk at Belfast’s Ormeau Park on 12 October, when families
Your local leisure centre has lots on.
Ballymena Seven Towers Leisure Centre 028 2563 3382
Monday
Tuesday Aquafit (small pool)
- 12.15pm to 1pm
Larne Leisure Centre & Area 028 2826 2497
Over 50’s walking netball - 10am to 11am
Over 50’s danderball - 11am to 12am
Racquet Sports - 11.30am to 12.30pm
Pickleball
Wednesday Yoga - 6pm to 7.30pm
Pilates
- 6.30pm to 7.30pm
Light Exercise (Multi use hall) - 7.30pm to 8.30pm
Thursday Pickleball
- 10.30am to 12pm
Friday Pilates
- 12.15pm to 1pm
midandeastantrim.gov.uk/meactive
Concessionary rates are available for people aged over 60, or people with a disability
- 5.45pm to 7.15pm
Pickleball - 10.30am to 12pm
Over 50 Mens Circuits - 12.15pm to 1pm
Carrickfergus Amphitheatre 028 9335 8342
Beginner Pilates - 9.15am to 10am
Pickleball - 10.30am to 12pm
Over 50 circuits (male class) - 10.30am to 11.15am
Larne FC Coffee Club and Light Exercise - 10am to 11am
Leisure Centre Light exercise - 10.15am to 11.15am
Leisure Centre AquaFit - 1.30pm to 2.30pm
Ballygally Comm. Centre
Over 50 Mens Circuits - 9am to 10am
Over 50 Women Circuits - 10am to 11am
Danderball - 10.30am to 11.30am
Chair Aerobics - 11.30am to 12.15am
Monday from 7 October 1pm
midandeastantrim.gov.uk/meactive
Agewell Adventures Advice on Falls
Agewell Adventures is an exciting initiative which supports older people living in Mid and East Antrim, to utilise their free Smart Travel Pass to visit new places across the province. Whilst having a 60+ SmartPass is great, some older people don’t necessarily have the confidence to travel very far on their own. That is why, at Agewell, there is a dedicated volunteer team to support you to see the beautiful sights of Northern Ireland in a safe, friendly and low cost, small group environment, accompanied by an Agewell Volunteer for peace of mind. Sylvia from Ballymena said...
I only use my SmartPass to go into town for my weekly messages, but it’s lovely to have the confidence to go a bit further afield. I always worried about what could happen if I got on the wrong train or bus, or who would help me if I got lost or had a fall. Whilst I am still very able and active for my age, I don’t have many friends who can go with me on a day out, so Agewell Adventures is a great way for me to still be active, see different places and enjoy a day out, whilst knowing that help is on hand should I need it.”
The next Agewell Adventures will take place on:
• Monday 14 October travelling from Ballymena to Newry
• Monday 2 October travelling from Larne and Carrickfergus to Lisburn.
Booking is essential. If you are interested in joining an Agewell Adventure, call to find out more:
028 2565 8604
Try to summon help:
• Don’t panic : try to stay calm.
• Assess the situation. If you are hurt or feel unable to get up, follow The Rest And Wait Plan.
• If you are unhurt and know you are able to get up, follow The Up And About Plan.
The Rest and Wait Plan
Try to summon help:
• Use a pendant alarm if you have one.
• Bang on the wall.
• Call out for help.
• Crawl towards your phone and dial 999.
• Move to a soft surface such as a carpet.
Keep warm:
• Try to reach for something to cover yourself.
• Try to move out of draughts.
Keep moving:
• Do not lie in one position for too long, as you may get cold or could develop a pressure sore.
• Roll from side to side and move your arms and legs if possible - this will help to keep you warm.
The Up and About Plan
If you think you are unhurt:
• Roll onto hands and knees and crawl to a stable piece of furniture such as a bed, stool or chair.
• With hands on the support, place one foot flat on the floor, bending
• Lean forwards, push on your hands and feet, and bring your feet together.
• Slowly turn and sit on the seat. Rest for a while before slowly getting up.
Shopmobility Services in Your Area
Shopmobility provides scooters and wheelchairs FREE of charge to people with limited mobility who wish to shop or make other calls within the Town Centres of Antrim, Ballymena and Carrickfergus.
We also offer a long term equipment loan scheme for people leaving hospital or having had treatment, palliative care and for visiting family and friends going on holiday or overnight stays.
Available equipment includes:
• Rollators,
• Mobility scooters,
• Transit and self propelled wheelchairs.
To book a wheelchair or scooter please phone your nearest Shopmobility Unit.
We can be contacted by email: shopmobilityballymena@outlook.com
We can be contacted by phone:
Antrim: 078 6070 9876
Ballymena: Office 028 2563 8822
Mobile 079 2854 2245
Carrickfergus: 028 9336 8415
Critical Care Registers
If someone is dependent on a water supply or electrical equipment for daily care then they can sign up to a Care Register.
The facility is offered by both Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) and Northern Ireland Water (NI Water). If there is a cut in supply, being on the register means that contact details are prioritised by the relevant service supplier. They will also contact the person ahead of any planned outages advising of the planned length of time that they may be affected in supply in order to allow enough time to make alternative arrangements.
This service is of particular benefit for individuals who rely on medical equipment such as oxygen concentrators, home dialysis machines and vital signs monitoring equipment.
For further information on how to register, and details of which services are offered by which company, contact the service provider directly or through the NI Direct page at
https://www.nidirect.gov. uk/articles/care-registers
https://www.niwater.com/ customer-care-register/
https://www.nienetworks. co.uk/help-advice/ vulnerable-customers/ critical-care-register
Useful Contact Numbers
Age NI Advice Line
080 8808 7575
Ambulance Service 999 or 112
Antrim Area Hospital 028 9442 4000
Dalriada Doctor (outside GP Hours) 028 2566 3500
Leisure Centres
Ballymena Seven Towers 028 2563 3382
Carrickfergus Amphitheatre 028 9335 8342
Larne Leisure Centre 028 2826 2497
Libraries
Ballymena Central 028 2563 3950
Carrickfergus 028 9336 2261
Larne 028 2827 7047
MEA Agewell 028 2565 8604
Mid & East Antrim BC 030 0124 5000
NI Housing Executive 034 4892 0901
NI Waterline 034 5744 0088
Police Service NI 101
Shopmobility Ballymena
028 2563 8822
Shopmobility Carrickfergus 028 9336 8415
Translink Customer Line 028 9066 6630
Thank you to all our Age Friendly Alliance partners who contributed to the planning and delivery of events for Positive Ageing Month 2024 in Mid and East Antrim.
age.friendly@midandeastantrim.gov.uk
midandeastantrim.gov.uk