MAKING A DIFFERENCE TO PEOPLE’S LIVES
News FOR YOU
AGE-FRIENDLY NEWSLETTER, ANTRIM AND NEWTOWNABBEY
Introduction
Welcome to our summer edition of News for You. We are pleased to be celebrating three years since our very first issue. A heartfelt thank you to all the organisations and groups who continue to share their stories and to you, our readers, for joining us each edition. In this summer edition you will find a wealth of safety advice and feel-good tips to improve your wellbeing. Our goal is to work in partnership to make Antrim and Newtownabbey a place where people can live full, active, valued and healthy lives.
Last year we launched a summer programme for those over 50. The programme focused on connection and community during summer when
groups are often taking a break. Due to the success of the pilot I am delighted to bring you a new, expanded programme for summer 2026. Turn to page 4 for all the details.
Finally, if you have a question about anything Age-Friendly, do not forget to visit the ‘Ask the Age-Friendly Officer’ section on our website at antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/agefriendly. Pop your query into the enquiry box on the website. I look forward to hearing from you.
Doyle, Age-Friendly Officer
Kelly
Meet the Team
Bridie Kelly, Walking For All Officer, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council
Tell us about yourself
My name is Bridie Kelly and I am the Walking for All (WfA) Officer for Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council. Outside of work, I love the outdoorsyou’ll usually find me hiking, camping, or enjoying a cold water swim!
Tell us about your role
The purpose of my role is to support the growth of the Walking for All programme across our Borough. The programme is a funded, communityled walking programme helping people of all ages enjoy short, regular walks in rural communities. I'm part of a team dedicated to making walking accessible, safe, and inclusive for everyone in our community, supporting both their physical and mental health.
How can people get involved?
Getting involved is simple!
• To Walk: You only need to register for the WfA programme once. After that, you are free to join any of our walks across the Borough (and beyond!) whenever you like.
• To Lead: If you’re interested in becoming a Walk Leader, I am here to support you every step of the way. I provide full training and will even come out to do the risk assessments with you to get you started.
• You can register as a walker or apply to be a leader directly through our website at walkingforall.com
What is your favourite thing about the role?
I absolutely love my job! It brings the wonderful opportunity to meet and engage with so many different people every day. Building genuine relationships and seeing the positive impact these walks have on people’s physical and mental wellbeing is incredibly rewarding.
Contact details
If you have any questions or want to start a group in your area,
Antrim and Newtownabbey Over 50s Summer Programme 2026
The Over 50s Summer Programme is returning for another year. This summer the programme offers even more variety, including crafts, exercise and more. The FREE programme is open to anyone aged 50 and over (booking essential).
Discover More In Your Local Park This Summer
Birding for Beginners –Welcome Back Swifts!
Ever wondered what birds are flying around above your head? Come and discover the joy of birdwatching with a free, guided session at Ulster Bar Corner! Led by Antrim RSPB volunteers, this beginner-friendly walk is perfect for anyone curious about the birds around them. Learn all about swifts, the Bird of the Borough and get expert tips to kickstart your birdwatching hobby.
Saturday 4 July
Ulster Bar Corner, Antrim
Ranger Led Guided Tours of Antrim Castle Gardens
The tour focuses 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 1600s.
6 - 7 Jun, 11, 18, 19, 25, 26 July, 1, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30 August, 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27 September 2-3pm
Antrim Castle Gardens
A Safer Community Starts With You
FREE First Aid Training
As part of the Over 50s Summer Programme, I am delighted to offer First Aid Training. The session will cover how to deal with adult medical emergencies, basic life support, AED use, choking and basic paediatric first aid. BOOKING ESSENTIAL, SPACES LIMITED. Sessions will run on:
30 June 2026, 6pm-8pm, Linen Suite, Mossley Mill 20 July 2026, 10am-12pm, Steeple Suite, Antrim Civic Centre
Please only book to attend one session as they will both cover the same topics. Contact Environmental Health T. 028 9034 0160 E. envhealth@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk to book.
Discover Even More Fun in Your Libraries This Summer
In addition to the summer programme above, you can also find a wealth of activity happening in your local library throughout summer. Check out some of the activities below. Contact your local library for more details.
Library Date & Time
Ballyclare 12 August 11am-12pm
Activity Details
Let’s Get Moving Walking Group Gentle walk for all abilities. Fresh air, light exercise, and friendly chat. Booking essential
Cloughfern 11 August 12pm–12:30pm Summer Quiz
Glengormley 3–21 August
Fun, friendly quiz with quick-fire and themed rounds.
Lilian Bland: Pioneering the Skies Art exhibition celebrating Lilian Bland and her achievements.
Greystone 2 July 10:30am–11:30am Strong and Steady
Greystone 3 August 10:30am–11:30am Fleadh Cheoil – Irish Language Session
Ballyclare – 21 July
Cloughfern – 28 July
Various Libraries
Crumlin – 4 August Randalstown – 25 August 2:30–4:30pm
Connect North Drop-in
Chair-based movement session for balance, strength, and relaxation. Booking essential
Beginner-friendly session to learn simple Irish phrases in a relaxed setting. Booking advised
Advice and support for practical, social, and emotional needs (18+). No booking required.
Protect Little Visitors This Summer
Follow These Home Safety Tips
If you have family or friends with small children visiting your home here are some safety tips to consider, especially if you look after them on a regular basis:
• What’s within their reach? Things we keep handy like 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 so keep these out of reach.
• Keep items that contain magnets or button cell batteries out of reach. Button cell batteries such as those found in remote controls and hearing aids could cause a child to choke or, if ingested, do serious damage to their internal organs.
• Ensure food such as grapes and cocktail sausages are cut up so it won’t cause a small child to choke.
• New toys should be age-appropriate and up to current safety standards. Old family toys may not be suitable for those under 3 if small parts can detach easily and become a choking hazard.
• Looped window blind cords can be a strangulation risk so keep cords/chains up out of reach and, if looking after children frequently, get safety devices installed.
• To avoid scalds don’t drink hot drinks while holding infants and keep small children away from the kitchen when there are hot items present.
• Safety applies in the garden as well. Supervise children around any water features as a few centimetres can cause a fatality. Secure sheds and garages to ensure sharp tools or chemicals stay out of reach.
For more information please visit the Home Safety section on the Council website antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/residents/residents-communityinformation/community-advice/home-accident-prevention/under-5s
Small Spark, Big Consequences
Stay Fire Safe This Summer
The summer can mean spending more time outdoors. As we welcome the warmer months, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) is encouraging everyone to follow simple safety advice to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Wildfires
• Don’t throw cigarette ends on the ground or out of car windows.
• Avoid using open fires in the countryside.
• Don’t leave bottles or glass in woodland or grassland.
• Don’t attempt to tackle fires that can’t be extinguished with a bucket of water – leave the area as quickly as possible.
• If you see a fire in the countryside, report it to NIFRS immediately on 999.
Barbeque and Fire Pit Safety
• Make sure the barbeque site is flat, away from fences, trees and shrubs.
• Keep a bucket of water or garden hose nearby in case of emergencies.
• Keep children, pets and garden games away from the cooking area.
Water Safety
• Head to a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.
• Wear a flotation device.
• If you see someone in difficulty in the water
- CALL for help, preferably a lifeguard if nearby. Alternatively ring 999.
- TELL them to float on their back
- THROW them something that floats
Caravan and Mobile Home Safety
• Park caravans and mobile homes at least 6 metres apart.
• Make a fire escape plan.
• Fit a smoke alarm and test it once a week.
• Fit a carbon monoxide detector and keep air vents clear.
• Smoking inside can be dangerous so smoke outside.
You can also complete an online Home Fire Safety Check via the NIFRS website to identify any fire risks in your home. Once completed, you will receive a personalised fire action plan and safety advice to help reduce risk of fire. Complete it now by visiting www.nifrs.org
If you’re over the age of 50 and without internet access, you can ring NIFRS to enquire on T. 028 9266 4221
Dementia UK Admiral Nurses are Here to Help
Nationwide and Dementia UK’s free, face-to-face clinics continue to support families that are living with dementia across the UK, including Glengormley, offering specialist support in local Nationwide branches.
Hosted by Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurses the clinics are open to anyone impacted by dementia. Admiral Nurses are dementia specialist nurses who provide advice and support to families living with dementia.
Living with a diagnosis of dementia can be exhausting and overwhelming, not only for the person with the diagnosis, but the person caring for them too. This is why the support offered through Dementia UK and Nationwide is a critical lifeline to many families.
The clinics can offer support around all aspects of dementia - from worries about symptoms, through to getting a diagnosis, understanding how the condition can progress and discussing transitions in care.
Appointments can be attended by a person living with dementia or a person caring for someone with it. Often the person with dementia and their carer will attend the appointment together. Clinic appointments are 45 minutes in length and take place in a private and
confidential room. You do not need to be a Nationwide customer to book an appointment.
You can search for clinics near you and book an appointment via the Dementia UK website, here:
www.dementiauk.org/information-andsupport/how-we-can-support-you/ admiral-nurse-clinics/nationwide/
Dementia UK also provides a helpline which is run by Admiral Nurses for anyone needing information, advice and support with any aspect of dementia. The charity’s helpline is the only one in the UK that is staffed by specialist dementia nurses. The opening hours are below:
Monday to Friday: 9am-9pm Saturday and Sunday: 9am-5pm
The helpline is open on bank holidays except on 25 December.
The helpline number is T. 0800 888 6678
For more information visit the Dementia UK website which has a range of information and leaflets about dementia
www.dementiauk.org/informationand-support/how-we-can-support -you
Support For Every Step Of The Journey With Alzheimer’s Society
Do you support someone with dementia?
Meet other people who are also supporting someone with dementia. Have the opportunity to talk about your caring role in a safe and relaxed environment and receive helpful information from experienced staff.
Evening meeting, online, 7pm-8pm (second Wednesday of every month)
Upcoming dates: 10 June 2026, 8 July 2026
Contact: Hannah T. 07710 119366 E. eastantrim@alzheimers.org.uk
Morning meeting, face to face, 10.30am-12pm, (third Thursday of every month)
Upcoming dates: 18th June 2026 (no group meeting July)
Contact: Valerie T. 07918 661823 E. antrimballymena@alzheimers.org.uk
Time for Dementia
Local families affected by dementia are being invited to take part in an awardwinning programme, to help train the healthcare professionals of tomorrow and improve dementia care.
The Time for Dementia programme, delivered by Alzheimer’s Society in collaboration with Ulster University, pairs families affected by dementia with undergraduate healthcare students, helping to better educate them about life with dementia and the challenges that come with it.
Time for Dementia is a fantastic way for the next generation of healthcare professionals to gain first-hand knowledge of what it’s like to live with dementia.
If you would like to know more about the programme, or you know someone with dementia and a family carer who would like to take part, please get in touch E. timefordementia@alzheimers.org.uk or call Alison Adams on T. 07563 556161
Summer EnergySaving Tips
Long, bright summer evenings mean you can rely less on artificial lighting by opening your curtains and letting natural sunlight into your home. The natural sunshine not only lights up the place but can contribute to keeping spaces warm into the evening. Here are some simple seasonal switches that can take a noticeable bite out of your electricity bill:
Break the drying cycle
With warmer air, there’s no need to rely on the tumble dryer. Hanging clothes outside on a line, balcony or clothes rack in the garden lets nature do the work, drying laundry in just a few hours while cutting energy use completely.
Give your fridge a summer reset
Hot weather means your fridge and freezer must work harder to stay cool. If ice builds up, they’ll use even more energy. A quick defrost keeps them running efficiently, helping you stay cool without your bills heating up.
Keep showers short and refreshing
When temperatures rise, you might need to freshen up more often. Stick to quick showers - around four minutes - as these can significantly reduce hot water use and keep energy costs down over the summer months.
Let efficient appliances do the work
Appliances like fridges are under more pressure during warmer spells, which makes efficiency more important than ever. Choosing higher-rated models on the UK’s A–G scale means they’ll use less energy, saving you money straight away.
Use summer to get energy-savvy
With lower overall energy use in summer, it’s easier to spot what’s still driving your bills. Paying attention now can help you make smarter, cost-saving choices before energy use climbs again.
Switch off before you switch off
Heading off on holiday? Make sure your home isn’t wasting energy while you relax in the sun. Turning off standby appliances and unnecessary extras can stop costs building up while you’re away.
For more advice or to receive a copy of our Energy-Saving Tips leaflet, please contact Environmental Health T. 028 9034 0160 E. envhealth@ antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk
Let’s Talk Carers’ Support
With Community Advice Antrim and Newtownabbey
Many people don’t see themselves as “carers”. They’re simply a wife looking after a husband, a son helping his mum, a neighbour checking in on someone who needs extra support. If you regularly help someone because of illness, disability, mental health issues or age, you are a carer and that matters because carers have rights and support available to them.
Caring for someone you love can be deeply rewarding, but it can also be exhausting physically, emotionally and financially. Carers often say they:
• Feel tired or overwhelmed
• Worry about money or the future
• Feel guilty asking for help
• Feel invisible or “forgotten”
If this sounds familiar, you are not alone and it does not mean you are failing. It means you are human.
Caring does not stop your own needs from being important. In fact, supporting carers helps everyone, including the person being cared for. There may be help available with:
• Financial support or concessions
• Balancing work, caring and wellbeing
• Planning for emergencies or future changes
• Talking things through confidentially
How Community Advice Antrim and Newtownabbey can help
Community Advice Antrim and Newtownabbey offers free, confidential and impartial advice for carers at any stage of their journey.
They can help you:
• Understand your options and entitlements
• Provide information on local support services
• Plan ahead with confidence
• Make sense of letters, forms and decisions
Sometimes just talking to someone who understands can lift a weight from your shoulders. Caring is one of the most valuable roles in our community, yet it’s often unrecognised. You deserve support, respect and clear information.
If you are caring for someone, whether full-time or just a few hours a week, support is there for you too.
The
Society of St Vincent de Paul
Supporting Local People with Care and Compassion
The Society of St Vincent de Paul provides vital support to individuals and families experiencing poverty across the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council area.
Local groups, known as Conferences, are made up of dedicated volunteers who understand the needs of their communities. Their work is centred on person-to-person support, with home visits at its heart. When someone asks for help, two volunteers arrange to visit, offering practical assistance alongside a friendly, respectful conversation. This personal approach helps build trust and ensures support is suited to each individual’s situation.
Last year, St Vincent de Paul provided £5.5 million in assistance across the region. This support helped people
facing difficult choices, such as whether to heat their homes or buy food.
Getting help is simple. You can contact the Society by phone or online, making it easier for people to reach out in a way that feels comfortable. No one should feel alone when they are struggling.
Volunteers are at the heart of everything the Society does. During Volunteers' Week in June, more than 200 volunteers will be recognised for their kindness and commitment.
The Society also runs Vincent’s shops across Northern Ireland. These shops raise funds to support local people, and donations of good-quality items are always welcome. They also provide opportunities for volunteering, with many people giving their time to help others.
De-Stash For A Good Cause
With The Antrim and Newtownabbey Wool Drive
The time has come once more to dig deep into your craft cupboard and donate useable quantities of wool, crochet hooks and knitting needles to the Antrim and Newtownabbey Wool Drive.
Why a Wool Drive?
Your donations of wool and tools support groups to create spaces for socialising and skills-building. Let’s save these valuable materials from the landfill and bring our community closer together!
Who benefits?
The Health and Wellbeing team works with community groups that have members of all ages and all walks of life, from day centres to secondary schools and men’s sheds. Since 2024 we have supported more than 30 organisations across Antrim and Newtownabbey to start or continue knitting and crocheting clubs with the help of recycled materials. This means that no new materials have to be purchased, benefitting both voluntary groups and our climate.
These groups are important places for people to meet up and chat, to learn new skills and to give back to the community by working together to make warm items for our Winter Woollies campaign. Knitting and crocheting clubs support the Take 5 Steps to Wellbeing message, promoting positive mental health by making connections and staying active.
How can I get involved?
The Wool Drive opens on 15 July 2026. Your donations of wool, knitting needles and crochet hooks can be placed in the orange wheelie bins at Antrim Civic Centre or Mossley Mill until 2 September 2026. Help us make positive impacts on both our community and our environment.
Volunteer with South Antrim Community Transport
South Antrim Community Transport is a not-for-profit charitable organisation whose office is based in Ballyclare. At South Antrim Community Transport they provide a transport option for rural dwellers, 16 years and over, who can travel independently and do not have access to public transport due to where they live or their mobility.
They also provide group transport to notfor-profit organisations within the South Antrim area.
The transport enables people to get out and about to medical appointments, meet up with friends, shopping, hair / barber appointments etc. Their aim is to reduce isolation and promote independence, good health and wellbeing.
South Antrim Community Transport covers the rural South Antrim area
including Ballynure, Ballyclare, Templepatrick, Crumlin and Randalstown, using their fully accessible wheelchair minibuses. They also have some volunteer drivers who help provide transport in their own cars.
The organisation is currently looking for volunteer drivers to help them with their daily requests. All applications are welcome and we would particularly encourage volunteers from the Crumlin area. All outgoing expenses are covered and full training and support are provided. No special insurance is required!
During the year a range of day trips take place for service users to encourage new friendships to grow. During the summer months, trips are organised to Greyabbey, Bangor and Ballycastle.
Eat Well, Feel Well This Summer
As the days grow longer and the weather warms up, summer brings a wonderful opportunity to enjoy fresh, tasty foods that are also good for your health. Adding more fruit and vegetables to your daily meals is one of the simplest ways to feel better, stay energised and support your overall wellbeing. Fruit and vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals and fibre that help keep your heart healthy, support digestion and strengthen your immune system.
Simple ways to enjoy more fruit and vegetables
• Add a handful of berries or sliced banana to your breakfast
• Keep a bowl of easy to reach fruit on the table
• Include at least one vegetable with your main meal
• Try a light salad to introduce a rainbow of colour to your plate
• Snack on carrot sticks, cherry tomatoes or an apple instead of biscuits
• Fresh, frozen or tinned fruit and vegetables all count. Choose what you like and what’s easy to prepare.
Even adding one extra portion a day can make a positive difference.
Try this Sunshine Baked Oats recipe to brighten up your breakfast time
Ingredients Preparation
300g tin mandarins in juice
432g tin pineapple chunks in juice
70g/2½oz mixed dried fruit or sultanas
120g/4¼oz porridge oats
Pinch of ground cinnamon (optional)
To serve (optional)
Yoghurt or milk
1. Preheat the oven to 180ºC, 160ºC Fan or Gas Mark 4
2. Strain the liquid from both tins into a measuring jug.
3. Gently push the fruit down in a sieve to get the most out of it without squishing it to a pulp. If the liquid is short of 350ml/12fl oz, add cold water to make up the difference.
4. Put all the fruit and oats into a baking dish and stir gently to distribute the fruit evenly. Pour over the liquid and stir again. Sprinkle over the cinnamon, if using.
5. Bake for 40 minutes, or until plump and goldenbrown. Leave to cool for a few minutes before serving. The oats can be enjoyed as they are, or with a splash of milk or a dollop of yoghurt
Prep time: <30 mins | Cooking time: Approx. 40 mins | Serves: 4
For more recipes visit
www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/sunshine_baked_oats_18627
Enjoy The Summer Vibe
Tea Dances
5 August, 2 September // 2-4pm // Old Courthouse, Antrim
24 June, 26 August, 20 Sept // 2-4pm // Ballyclare Town Hall
£3 per session
Join Double Trouble for some great tunes from all eras. Enjoy a cup of tea and whether you dance or not, these afternoons are sure to be a delight
Summer Country with the Stars
Wednesday 17 June // 7.45pm // Theatre at the Mill // £29
This high-energy show brings together six top performers for one unforgettable evening, including the legendary Mick Flavin , crowd favourites Robert Mizzell, Kathy Durkin and Big Chief Raymond Kelly , rising star Owen Mac and the yodelling King Kenny Archer — all backed by the acclaimed Keltic Storm band.
Ultimate Barry Manilow Show
Saturday 27 June // 7.45pm // Theatre at the Mill // £28
Join us for this non-stop extravaganza of classic hits including, ‘Copacabana (at the Copa), ‘Could it Be Magic’, ‘Mandy’, ‘I Write the Songs’, ‘Bermuda Triangle’, Can’t Smile Without You’ and many, many more favourites!
Irish League Legends in support of Players Against Dementia
Saturday 25 July // 7.45pm // Theatre at the Mill // £25
Expect behind-the-scenes tales, bigmatch memories, quick-fire craic and
Led by renowned local singer-songwriter Amanda St John, our weekly dementia-friendly choir, The Forget-Me-Notes, sings a range of popular, easy-to-enjoy songs that capture the fun, friendship and sense of community at the heart of the group.
Organised by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council
in partnership with Live Music Now, The Forget-Me-Notes is a relaxed, welcoming singing group where the focus is on enjoyment rather than perfection. No previous singing experience is needed, and carers of those living with dementia are warmly invited to join in.
antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/forgetmenotes
Sat 29 Aug 2026 10am-5pm Mossley Mill, Newtownabbey
Just For Fun Summer Wordsearch
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Useful Phone Numbers
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council Offices 0300 123 4568
Antrim and Newtownabbey Seniors’ Forums 028 9083 8848
Antrim and Newtownabbey Age-Friendly Officer 028 9034 0160
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, contact Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Customer Accessibility and Inclusion Officer E. accessibility@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk