Older residents across the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough are set to benefit from a new two-year programme of workshops and activities aimed at improving wellbeing, building connections and supporting independent living.
The Age Friendly Programme will be launched with PEACEPLUS funding and delivered by Southern Regional College. It will feature workshops running over six weeks, with sessions designed around six themes: keeping active, keeping well, keeping connected, keeping informed, keeping creative and keeping learning.
Activities aimed at connection and wellbeing
The programme is intended to support the borough’s growing over-50 population by helping older people take part in social, educational and community activities. The council said the project would foster a greater sense of community, connection and wellbeing for the expanding demographic.
Planned opportunities include volunteering, digital-skills development, arts and crafts, heritage activities, community support and intergenerational programmes. The project also aims to help older adults build meaningful connections with local service providers and become more involved in their communities.
Lord Mayor of ABC Borough and council Age Friendly Champion Councillor Mary O’Dowd said: “Being active and learning new things are great ways to stay young at heart! Regular physical and social activities can make a significant difference to older residents, helping them maintain their independence, improve their wellbeing and reduce social isolation.
“By participating in the Age Friendly Programme, older people will gain practical skills and knowledge to support healthy and active ageing.”
How residents can find out more
The programme is supported by PEACEPLUS, which is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body. The council said PEACE programmes have helped reinforce progress towards a more peaceful and stable society in Northern Ireland and the border region since they were established in 1995.
Southern Regional College’s Assistant Director of Business and Economic Engagement, Tracy Rice, said the partnership would create opportunities for older people to connect with others, build confidence and develop new skills.
“Southern Regional College is delighted to be working in partnership with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council on the Age Friendly Programme, delivered through PEACEPLUS. This is an important initiative that will help create meaningful opportunities for older people to connect with others, build confidence, develop new skills and become more actively involved in their local communities.
“Through our work in the Business and Economic Engagement Department, we are proud to facilitate and contribute to a project that places inclusion, wellbeing and community engagement at its heart. We look forward to seeing the positive and lasting impact this project will have, helping older people feel valued, supported and empowered to participate fully in community life.”
Residents aged 50 and over who live in the ABC Borough can join the Age Friendly mailing list by email or find more information at armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/agefriendly.
The announcement follows confirmation last year that ABC Council had secured £6,759,997 from PEACEPLUS for a four-year programme of social, community, cultural and capital projects and events. That wider programme aims to promote community relations, respect, diversity and active citizenship.