FOCUS ON: A HELPING HAND

If growing older is such a natural process in the human condition, why do we fear it so much? Ageing can be a challenging and daunting process for us all, with some activities becoming affected by factors such as mobility and illness. Instead of feeling anxious and ignoring the inevitable it is important that we instead try and embrace the change, considering which steps to take to help make those later years rich and satisfying. Small changes to your daily routine such as eating healthier and getting more exercise can make a big difference in keeping you fit and healthy. These changes can also help to reduce the physical signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles and a decline in your physical ability. Getting more exercise doesn’t have to be seen as a chore or strenuous activity, it can be as simple as walking to the shop instead of driving or meeting a friend for a leisurely walk instead of a coffee.

We also take a look at the range of services and companies within Northern Ireland that not only focus on helping deal with the aging process but also on helping those living with a disability. Through the work and dedication of these charities and mobility services, people living with a disability can overcome obstacles and manage everyday activities independently.

AHelping Hand

Retirement living at Baile Beag Estate

Baile Beag Estate is a new concept on retirement living for over 50’s in Ireland launching in September 2022.

Baile Beag Estate believes that, as you get older, life should be fulfilling, engaging, and uplifting. Their aim is to give you access to the absolute best life has to offer in experience and service. Enjoy living life in your own luxury 2 or 3 bedroomed lodge, at one of the most beautiful locations in Ireland on the shores of Carlingford Lough, enjoying the backdrop of the Cooley Mountains. This Estate offers unique luxury supported accommodation.

Baile Beag puts your safety, health, and well-being at the heart of everything they do.

Development includes an onsite community health hub offering exceptional holistic therapies, health, and fitness amenities, along with access to excellent healthcare provision. With direct access onto the Greenway residents can walk or cycle directly into Carlingford and Omeath. The

Onsite Slipway allows residents direct access onto Carlingford lough. Baile Beag Clubhouse offers a licenced bar, café, restaurant and year-round social events. Become part of an incredibly special club that offers everything you love right on your doorstep.

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BIG THANK YOU TO COMMUNITY GROUPS

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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council hosted an afternoon tea event in the Burrendale Hotel, County Club and Spa on Sunday 5 June 2022 as a ‘Thank You’ to community group volunteers from across the district. The event, which was compered by local television presenter Julian Simmons, was to acknowledge and thank volunteers for the hard work and commitment which they provide in managing community facilities throughout the area as well as awarding Community Associations that went over and above to support their communities during the Covid pandemic. Awards were presented in a variety of categories by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council former Chairperson Councillor Michael Rice.

1. Newry, Mourne and Down District Council former Chairperson, Councillor Michael Rice pictured with and Step Up and Stand Out Award Winners. (Back Row) Maurice Rooney, Meadow Road Armagh; Lisa Rooney, Three Ways Community Association; (Front Row) Sharon Hutchinson, Schomberg Society; Newry, Mourne and Down District Council former Chairperson, Councillor Michael Rice; Julian Simmons, Event MC and Niall Murray, Newtownhamilton Community Association. These awards were presented to Community Associations that went over and above to support their communities during the Covid pandemic. 2. Raffle Prize Winners. 3. Councillor Michael Rice presenting Louise Maguire from Meigh Community Centre with the Big Birthday Award in recognition for delivering over 25 years of service to the community. 4. Julian Simmons, Event MC pictured with Community Association Award Winners from across the district. 5. Councillor Michael Rice pictured with Members of Community Association Health and Wellbeing Award Winners. (Back Row) David Hunter, Newry Street Unite; Jim Conlon receiving the award on behalf of Ardglass Community Association. (Front Row) Edith Edgar, Annalong Community Association; Julian Simmons, Event MC and Ita Gibney, Newtownhamilton Community Association. 6. Councillor Michael Rice with Julian Simmons and members of the Forkhill Community Association: Philomena Treanor, Nuala Duffy who collected the lifetime achievers award on behalf of the late Marie Grant and Jimmy Duffy. 7. Award Winning Harpist Ruth Corry. 8. Councillor Michael Rice pictured with Members of the Three Ways Community Association and Lifetime Achievers Award winner Patricia O’Gorman who received the award for displaying high levels of voluntary achievement over 25 years.

Action for Children is dedicated to finding the best foster carers to look after the most vulnerable children in our society. Whilst the fostering application process is a commitment, it allows time to get to know carers inside and out because young people deserve the best care possible.

Every child and young person is unique. Foster carers are, too. That is why Action for Children places such an emphasis on finding the best possible match between a child and a family. Doing this builds strong relationships that last. Fostering Team Manager, David Montgomery, says: “The matching process is looking at you as a family and how a particular child could fit into your circumstances of life.”

When joining the Action for Children family, foster parents will be supported every step of the way. As well as being assigned a dedicated fostering social worker, they will get to know the whole service team, from administrative staff to support staff. They also have access to a 24/7 helpline and comprehensive training to ensure they are equipped with all the skills they need. David says: “It’s our role to provide you with all the training and support necessary for your growth and development.”

The team at Action for Children get to know the children and their carers as individuals; this allows the service to provide wrap around care for the child and the whole foster family. The organisation also runs regular support groups for carers and organise family outings. These outings allow foster carers a space and opportunity to interact with others who know what they are going through.

Fostering with Action for Children is very flexible. Whether you have the ability to welcome a child into your home on a full-time basis or for planned short break care, your time and dedication will be instrumental in helping make a difference to that child’s life.

If you would like to become part of something special, enquire about joining the Action for Children family today. For more information contact the friendly fostering team on 028 9046 0500, visit www.actionforchildren.org.uk/fostering or email fostercareni@actionforchildren.org.uk

A Walk in Memory of Andrew

Andrew Vaughan was a photographer who worked with Ulster Tatler for many years and produced some of our most stand-out front covers. Andrew sadly passed away suddenly in January 2021 and is missed by us all here at Ulster Tatler. Here his wife, Rachel Vaughan tells us about her recent fundraising walk in memory of her late husband.

“Andrew and I were together for 20 years. I grew up with Andrew and he was my rock, my best friend, my everything. I never imagined being widowed at 37 and left to raise our three kids – Tilly 12, Benji 10 and Micah 8. Andrew died from a ruptured brain aneurysm on Wednesday 27th January 2021.

On Saturday 4th June 2022 I set off at 8am to complete my fundraising walk in memory of Andrew, my amazing husband. I did 16 peaks to represent the 16 years of our marriage. It was 16 peaks, covering 21.5miles and 49,000 steps, which I completed in 9.5 hours.

All money raised is for Headway, the brain injury association. If Andrew had survived I know he would have required a lot of help so I want to help others who have survived a brain injury. I know Andrew would be proud. So far I have raised over £4100. I never imagined raising that kind of money with my first target being just £500!”

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LAUNCH OF NEW ‘SISTERSIN’ INITIATIVE

A new initiative which aims to help sixth form girls build their confi dence and broaden their career perspectives, was launched recently at an event in Danske Bank’s Belfast headquarters.

The SistersIN Leadership Programme includes bespoke leadership skills training, an in-school leadership project and mentoring from leading females in business and society. The programme has been developed by the charity SistersIN with the support of foundation partners Danske Bank, the Education Authority and The James Kane Foundation.

Speakers at the launch included Peter Dobbin, Principal of Assumption Grammar School and Director of SistersIN, Dame Brenda Kelly, Attorney General for Northern Ireland, and Aisling Press, Managing Director of Personal Banking at Danske Bank.

Ten schools will be participating in the fi rst phase from September - Ashfi eld Girls High School, Assumption Grammar School, Glenlola Collegiate, Our Lady’s Grammar School, St Cecilia’s College, St Genevieve’s High School, St Ronan’s College, Strathearn School, Thornhill College and Victoria College.

For more information contact the schools or visit www.sisters-IN.org

1. Vicki Hassan and Niall Harkin. 2. Caroline Young and Wilma Fee. 3. Peter Dobbin. 4. Kerrie Louise Townsend and Angela Halpenny. 5. Michael Wilson, The James Kane Foundation; Sara Long, Education Authority; Dame Brenda King, Aisling Press and Peter Dobbin. 6. Celine Corr, Ita Cosgrove and Bronagh Bradley. 7. Barbara Greer Sayer and Ciara Cauley.