News For You - Age Friendly Summer Newsletter

MAKING A DIFFERENCE TO PEOPLE’S LIVES

News FOR YOU

AGE FRIENDLY NEWSLETTER, ANTRIM AND NEWTOWNABBEY

Introduction

Hello and welcome to our quarterly newsletter. We are delighted to share with you some exciting events happening across the Borough this summer as well as safety tips and advice to help you keep 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.

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

Antrim and Newtownabbey Seniors’ Forum – 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

Date of Next Meeting:

Friday 29 September, 10.30am, Lillian Bland Pavilion

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

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

Meet the...

Age Friendly Officer for Antrim and Newtownabbey

Name: Kelly Doyle

Job Title: Environmental Health Officer, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council

Who am I?

My name is Kelly Doyle. I have worked for Council for 7 years but have been a resident in Antrim and Newtownabbey my whole life. I love eating out and visiting the local parks in the Borough. Growing up I always enjoyed meeting new people and volunteering on many different youth teams overseas and across Northern Ireland. My passion is to help people and I am excited to do this through my Age Friendly role in Council.

What is my role?

My role is to develop communities where, as people grow older, they can lead independent lives in good health, staying engaged in their communities and remain socially included and physically active.

What is Age Friendly?

Age Friendly is a framework developed by the World Health Organisation (WHO). It was established to support the development of Age Friendly Communities.

How will I make communities more Age Friendly?

The framework focuses on eight main areas. They are; Social Participation, Respect

and Social Inclusion, Civic Participation and Employment, Communication and Information, Community Support and Health Services, Outdoor Spaces, Housing and Transportation. By concentrating on these areas it is hoped to create Age Friendly Communities in Antrim and Newtownabbey.

What am I working on?

Currently, I am creating an online interactive map which will showcase the wide variety of resources available across Antrim and Newtownabbey. It is hoped the map will launch in Autumn 2023. Furthermore, I am working alongside Robert McQuiston from the Antrim and Newtownabbey Seniors’ Forum to create an exciting calendar of activities for Positive Ageing Month running throughout October 2023. An Age Friendly Action Plan is also being written and the plan should be ready for consultation by the end of 2023. Ongoing, I am working with Community and Voluntary organisations to grow the network of connections I have throughout the Borough. I also love to hear about your experiences of growing old in the Borough and how these can be improved. Please feel free to get in touch.

Meet the...

Antrim and Newtownabbey

Seniors’ Forum Co-ordinator

Name: Robert McQuiston

Job Title: Project Co-ordinator, Antrim and Newtownabbey Seniors Forum

What is my role?

I have been working with the Seniors’ Forum since 2013 (then known as Newtownabbey Senior Citizens’ Forum). Between 2013 until 2017 I co-ordinated the ‘Getting Out There’ project and from 2018 until 2021 I lead the very successful ‘Five-0 and On the Go’ project. Within my current role, I have successfully secured funding to work in partnership with Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council. Jointly, we deliver the ‘Age Friendly Strategy’ for the Borough.

I co-ordinate the Antrim and Newtownabbey Seniors’ Forum which has monthly meetings. I also organised intergenerational activities for groups across the Borough and I interact with a variety of seniors’ groups to enhance the work they do and discover how they can be supported. In my role I have identified gaps in service provision, for example, the closure of the Men’s Shed in Ballyclare. As a result of this a new Ballyclare Over 50s Men’s Drop In has been created with men now meeting regularly enjoying each other’s company and companionship.

Organisational News / Updates

This month, Ballyclare Over 50s Men’s Drop In enjoyed a great morning with David Trenier from Halk Walks Northern Ireland at Brecken Hill.

Sweet sounds echoed through the Barron Hall as they welcomed Ciaran McLarnon (from ACRE). He delivered a presentation on “Climate Control and Action” and the group finished with a ukulele session and learnt the Acre Climate song (written by Ciaran).

A big thank you to Jim Whittley (Chair of Sentry Hill Allotments) for hosting a BBQ for Antrim and Newtownabbey Seniors’ Forum. The food, setting and craic made the day very enjoyable.

Thank you to Stephanie Burns (Maine Fold Randalstown) for hosting our ‘Well Being Workshop’. The workshop was delivered by Selena Ramsey, Health and Wellbeing Manager in the Health and Social Care Trust (assisted by Susie). A big thank you to all who attended.

If you would like more information about joining any of the groups, contact Robert T. 028 9083 8848 or E. antrimandnewtownabbeysf@gmail.com

Home Safety Tips: Looking After Grandchildren

appropriate and up to current safety standards. Old family toys may not be suitable if small parts (such eyes on a doll or fur on a teddy bear) can detach easily and become a choking hazard.

Windows

If you have family or friends with young children visiting your home here are some safety tips to consider:

Dangerous Items

Think about what they can reach – often things we keep handy such as medication and cleaning chemicals may be hazardous to a small child. Don’t rely on ‘safety’ caps or lids on containers – while they can make it awkward to remove they are not fully childproof. Put items in a high cupboard and consider cupboard locks. Move items that are breakable out of reach.

Button Batteries

Button cell batteries such as those found in small gadgets, remote controls and hearing aids, if accidentally swallowed, could cause a child to choke or if ingested produce acid that does serious damage to their internal organs.

Choking Hazards

Remove choking hazards (objects smaller than a 50p) such as coins and buttons. Make sure food such as grapes and cocktail sausages are cut up so they won’t cause a child to choke. Make sure toys are age

Windows can present hazards, keep them locked so children can’t open them and fall (especially upstairs) or fit window restrictors to prevent them opening more than a few centimetres. Arrange furniture so children cannot use it to climb up on to reach windows. Looped blind cords can be dangerous if children catch them around their neck. Keep all blind cords and chains out of reach of children. If looking after children frequently, get safety devices installed such as cleats or hooks to wrap long string cords around or cord tensioner clips for looped chains or cords.

Hot Drinks

Hot drinks, if accidentally spilled over a small child, can cause a serious scald. Do not drink hot drinks while holding infants and keep small children away from the kitchen when there are hot items present.

Gardening

Ponds and water features as well as containers such as buckets and water butts can be a downing hazard – just a few centimetres can be deep enough for a small child to drown in. Secure sheds and garages to ensure children cannot access sharp tools or chemicals. Be aware of any plants that are poisonous – if it is not possible to remove the plant make sure children cannot access them.

For more information contact T. 028 9034 0160

E. envhealth@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk or visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/home-accident-prevention

...on your patch

Muddy Boots is the Council’s popular ‘grow from home’ online programme. It is FREE to residents and jam-packed with instructional videos, grow guides, seasonal planners and much more! It is suitable for all ages and abilities, so no matter your experience, skills, or even the space you have, Muddy Boots is for you!

Just look at what our Muddy Boots participants have grown!

Vegetables: Rocket, carrots, cabbage, lettuce, spinach, spring onions, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, cucumber, butternut squash, peas, kale, parsnips, courgettes, peppers, rhubarb, Jerusalem artichoke, broccoli, French beans, runner beans, broad beans, sweetcorn, squash, leeks, asparagus, shallots, leafy salad, sprouts, beetroot, turnip, radish, chard, swede, tender stem broccoli, celeriac, sugar snap peas, celery, gherkins, pumpkins, garlic.

Fruit: Raspberries, blueberries, redcurrants, gooseberries, blackcurrants, strawberries, grapes, apples.

Herbs: chives, parsley, rosemary, thyme, lavender, coriander, oregano, dill, basil, fennel, mint.

Why not start ‘growing your own’ your way today with Muddy Boots. You can register for FREE at antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/muddyboots or scan the QR code with your smart phone

Leisure Live Long Programme

The Live Long programme aims to provide a range of social and physical activities for participants in order to improve both mental

How can you get involved:

and social fitness, as well as physical health. The programme is delivered in partnership with the Sports Changes Life foundation who say ‘Sport can be enjoyed by anyone regardless of their ability and age should not be a restriction or barrier to participation’. Sport Changes Life strives to improve people’s day to day lifestyles by using sport as a tool for engagement.

Tuesday Valley 10.30am-12.30pm

Monday & Thursday Sixmile 10.45am-12.45pm

Friday Ballyearl 11am-1pm

Friday Crumlin 11am-1pm

The Live Long Programme offers a range of sports including; badminton, pickle ball, indoor bowls, boccia and table tennis. It is aimed at people who are mobile and

enjoy being active. There is always time for refreshments and to meet other people living similar lives, using sport to bring people together.

For full information on classes visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/leisure-centres

Movement For Your Mind

The Council is offering exercise sessions to support mental health. These classes provide light to medium group-based exercise that can help improve mental as well as physical wellbeing.

Leisure Centre Times

Ballyearl 6-7pm

Valley 6-7pm

Crumlin 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 antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/MORE

Steady and Strong

Would you like to improve your strength and balance? Then this class is for you!

Classes will begin in Crumlin and Ballyearl Leisure Centre in September 2023.

This programme lasts for 12 weeks and is FREE for members or £2 for non-members.

For more information or to book, contact the MORE team T. 0300 123 1580 antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/MORE

Enjoy Arts and Culture This Summer

Summer Sunday Music

Summer Sunday Music is a FREE programme showcasing the talents of contemporary artists and local bands whilst giving all the family the perfect excuse to enjoy a long lazy Summer Sunday in Antrim Castle Gardens, Jordanstown Loughshore Park, Sixmile Park, Ballyclare and Antrim Lough Shore. 2023

T. 0300 123 7788 or E. culture@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

2-4pm Antrim Castle Gardens

6 Aug

13 Aug Star

2-4pm Sixmile Park, Ballyclare

2-4pm Loughshore Park, Jordanstown

SATURDAY 2 SEPTEMBER 2023

ANBorough Theatre at The Mill, Mossley Mill, Carnmoney Rd N, Newtownabbey, BT36 5QA 10 | News For You

Community Tea Dances

Join live band ‘Double Trouble’ for some great tunes from all eras.

Enjoy a cup of tea and whether you dance or not, these relaxed, friendly and entertaining afternoons are sure to be enjoyable.

Ballyclare Town Hall 2023

30 Aug, 27 Sept, 25 Oct, 29 Nov, 20 Dec

Old Courthouse 2023

9 Aug, 6 Sept, 4 Oct, 1 Nov, 6 Dec

Ballyclare Town Hall 2024

31 Jan, 28 Feb, 20 Mar, 24 Apr, 29 May, 26 Jun

Guided Tour of Antrim Castle Gardens

Saturdays 2-3pm

5 Aug, 12 Aug, 19 Aug, 26 Aug

Sundays 11am-12pm

6 Aug, 13 Aug, 20 Aug, 27 Aug

Free to attend, prior booking is essential.

Meeting Point: Wolfhound Statue, Clotworthy Courtyard, Antrim Castle Gardens

Our Ranger-led Guided Tour of Antrim Castle Gardens takes approximately one hour and involves an easy walk over flat ground.

The tour focusses on the general history of the 350-Year-Old Gardens alongside the

remnants of the Massereene family dynasty, dating back to 1573. You will hear many interesting facts, stories and tales of the colourful characters making up the family history.

All this while walking through the beautiful and historically significant site, where the original Garden features have remained intact since the mid-late 1600’s.

Book your ticket at theoldcourthousetheatre.com/ACG-Tours

Community

Got a Bottle… Join the Refillution!

The Council have installed eight Contactless Water Refill Stations from EcoFil to allow residents and visitors to Refill for Free!

Bring your reusable water bottle and stop buying single-use plastic bottles.

Make the switch to reusable bottles, and take the pledge to help ‘Clean The Sea’ by scanning the QR code on our refill stations.

We can all play our part to help to reduce plastic waste!

You can find one of our ‘Refillution’ stations at the following locations:

• Antrim Lough Shore (Slipway)

• Antrim Castle Gardens (Near the Dog Park)

• Jordanstown Loughshore Park (Outside the Caravan Park)

• Hazelbank Park (Car Park)

• Mossley Mill (Theatre at The Mill)

• V36 (At the Peace Gate)

• Neilsbrook Community Centre (Beside River Walk)

• Sixmilewater Park, Ballyclare (Main Entrance)

For more information visit www.niwater.com/refillution or antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/refillution

Age NI enables older people to make the very best of their lives and works to create a society that truly values, supports and welcomes them. Their vision is a society in which older people can thrive as they age. Their mission is to help people to enjoy later life.

Age NI believe that people should be supported to love later life. They should have enough money, be enabled to stay well and feel good, and have the opportunity to be equal and engaged citizens.

The charity provides a range of services across Northern Ireland including:

• Age NI Advice Service: which deals with more than 10,000 enquiries every year

• Check in and Chat Service

• Day, residential and domiciliary care to 1,200 clients every week in centres across Northern Ireland.

• Wellbeing Services (Northern Trust)

- First Connect

- Move More Live More: Staying active and safe

- Connect North Link Workers - helping older people stay active and connected in their local communities.

To enquire, contact Age NI. Opening Hours: Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm T. 0808 808 7575 E. advice@ageni.org

Is it time to look after yourself?

Good Vibrations is a new over 50’s men-only health programme.

• Find out how to look after your health and stay strong

• Learn expert tips for minding your head

• If you’re in a job, plan your later working years

• Option to join a men’s group

• Individual support if you need it.

Interested? Contact

E. good-vibrations@ageni.org

Good Vibrations Co-ordinators:

George Smith

E. George.Smith@ageni.org

M. 07436 581437

Stephen Gourley

E. Stephen.Gourley@ageni.org

M. 07816 247624

Connect North

Connect North can help connect you to the right help and support. Replacing the Community Navigator role, Connect North can address social needs such as; work, money or housing, help with managing long term health conditions and combating loneliness. Connect North helps residents living in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust area who are living with or affected by one of the following:

• Palliative Diagnosis

• Cancer

• Dementia

• Mental Health Issue

• Long term medical condition

You can self-refer in to the Connect North service or be referred by a Health Care Professional. Once the referral is received, a Link Worker will contact you to discuss support needs and complete a wellbeing support plan which will then be reviewed regularly.

For more information contact the Antrim and Newtownabbey Connect North Link Worker, Melanie Maxwell-Mcilroy E. connectnorthlw.an@ageni.org T. 07814 196820

Ballyclare Over 50s Men’s Drop In

The Ballyclare Men’s Drop In is looking for new members.

Are you a man, over 50 from Ballyclare or surrounding areas? This drop in could be for you. Why not give it a go and take the opportunity to try new activities, make new friends and have great craic.

Linking Generations Northern Ireland

Linking Generations Northern Ireland (LGNI) has led the way in connecting generations in communities across Northern Ireland since 2009. Through the network they connect people interested in intergenerational practice and inspire and support them to develop connections and activities in the communities they live, work and go to school.

Linking Generations offer small ‘seed’ grants twice a year to encourage intergenerational activity at grass roots level. One local

organisation that received an ‘All Ages’ April grant was Willow Tree Lodge which is based in the Borough.

Residents came together with members of the Calvary Pentecostal Church Youth JAM Club to plant fruit trees – with an eventual aim of making jam together with the produce. This was the start of a lovely intergenerational friendship! Everyone agreed it was a great day and they had lots of fun.

For lots of intergenerational ideas visit www.linkinggenerationsni.com

Have Your Say...

A consultation on changes to the Northern Ireland Concessionary Fares Scheme has been launched by the Department for Infrastructure (DfI).

For details visit www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/consultations/ consultation-changes-concessionary-fares-scheme

Barbeque Safety

Whether you are in the garden or out camping, follow these tips to barbeque safely and avoid injuries or damage to property from fire:

• Make sure your barbeque site is flat and away from fences, trees, shrubs and sheds

• Keep a bucket of water or garden hose nearby in case of emergencies

• Never use petrol or paraffin to start or revive your barbeque – use firelighters or starter fuel on cold coals

• Keep children, pets and garden games away from the cooking area

• Never leave a barbeque unattended

• Concentrate on what you are doing; it’s easy to get distracted when you have family and friends around

• After cooking, make sure the barbeque is cool before moving it

• Make sure ashes are cold before disposal

• Remember, alcohol consumption increases the risk of accidents occurring.

Additional Tips for Gas Barbeques

• Make sure your barbeque is in good working order

• Make sure the gas tap is turned off before changing the cylinder and always disconnect the cylinder in open air

• When you have finished cooking, turn off the gas cylinder before you turn off the barbeque controls – this ensures any gas in the pipework will be exhausted.

For more fire safety information visit www.nifrs.org/community-safety

RNID Near You

Hearing Aid User Support Service

RNID in partnership with the Department of Health are holding a free walk-in support service where we can:

• Re-tube mould style hearing aids

• Clean Open-Fit style hearing aids

• Change and supply RIC wax fitters

• Supply hearing aid batteries

• Provide advice on getting the best from your hearing aids

• Advise on equipment

• Provide information on deafness, hearing loss and tinnitus

• Signpost to other services

Glengormley Methodist Church

First Thursday of each month 2023, 10am-12pm 5 Jan, 2 Feb, 2 Mar, 6 Apr, 4 May, 1 Jun, 6 Jul, 3 Aug, 7 Sept, 5 Oct, 2 Nov, 7 Dec

Ballyclare Town Hall

Last Thursday of each month 2023, 10am-12pm 29 Jun, 27 Jul, 31 Aug, 28 Sept, 26 Oct, 30 Nov, 28 Dec

Contact

Walking For Health

Antrim and Newtownabbey Area

Antrim Walking Group Varies

Every Wednesday at 10.15am

Michael Coote

T. 07880 715143

E. michaelcoote@ymail.com

Joanna Surgenor

T. 07989 057225

E. joannasurgenor@hotmail.co.uk

Sam Logue

Dunadry Walking Group Varies

Every Tuesday at 7pm and Wednesday at 10am

T. 07729 653194

E. samuel_logue@yahoo.com

Freda McBride

T. 07753 764474

Antrim and Newtownabbey Seniors Forum Varies

Newtownabbey Walking for Health Group Varies

Simply Strolling Antrim (Gentle Walks) Antrim Forum

Simply Strolling Newtownabbey (Gentle Walks) Mossley Mill

Every Wednesday at 2:00pm (Men only)

Every Thursday at 10:15am.

Every Wednesday 9:30am

Every Monday at 9:30am

Jack Mailey

T. 028 9083 8848

E. jaxfone5@gmail.com

Dr Lynn Dunwoody

T. 07860 699187

E. l.dunwoody@ulster.ac.uk

Alan McCausland

T. 028 9446 3113

E. alan.mccausland@ antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

Alan McCausland

T. 028 9446 3113

E. alan.mccausland@ antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

Alan Borland

T. 07789 993941

Templepatrick Walking Group Varies

Every Tuesday at 10am

E. alan.borland.abd@gmail.com

Hilary Beckett

T. 07748 061552

E. becketth@hotmail.co.uk

For further information on Walking for Health or if you are interested in becoming a walk leader please contact the NHSCT Health and Wellbeing Team.

E. healthandwellbeingteam@northerntrust.hscni.net T. 028 2563 5575

Just For Fun

Age Friendly Word Search

Useful Phone Numbers

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