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Over 50’s unemployment figures are ‘shocking’ |
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Wednesday 11 August 2010
 Age Sector Platform responds to today's revelation that the number of over 50's out of work has risen by 52% in the last year to a 10-year high.
Bill Carson, Chair of Age Sector Platform, commented:
"The unemployment figures released today are shocking and will create a great deal of uncertainty for generations of workers. Although the on-going consultation on the abolition of the default retirement age is very welcome; it will not be of benefit to anyone if there are not enough jobs for people to work past the age of 65. Opportunities must be available for people in their later years so that they can work to an age which suits them.”
“These statistics, illustrating the number of older workers who are unable to find employment, are very disheartening; particularly when we consider the wealth of experience which older people can contribute and which employers must not under-value in the current labour market.”
“In addition, these figures must be considered in light of recent proposals to extend the state retirement age. Age Sector Platform believes that people should be able to work to an age of their choosing, whilst others who can not continue to work must be assured that retirement will not leave them in dire financial difficulties. The current inadequacy of the state pension is another issue which will only become more prominent as generations of workers are unable to save for a decent private pension due to early redundancy.”
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Platform responds to government retirement proposals |
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Tuesday 29 June 2010
 Last week the UK coalition government announced plans to increase the state retirement age to 66 for men by as early as 2016; with further proposals that it should be raised to age 70 for both men and women during the next few decades. The government also announced plans to consult on axing the default retirement age of 65, the age at which employers can force staff to retire. According to the Work and Pensions Secretary Ian Duncan Smith, these measures have been suggested due to the fact that people are living longer and healthier lives, but what implications would they have for future generations?
Bill Carson, Chair of Age Sector Platform, says that each individual is different; and therefore this issue is all about choice. He commented: “People should be able to work past the age of 65 if they want to, whilst others who can not continue to work must be assured that retirement will not leave them in dire financial difficulties.”
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Budget will have minimal impact for older people |
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Tuesday 22 June 2010
Bill Carson, Chair of Age Sector Platform, responded to the budget announcement made by Chancellor George Osborne today:
“Today’s budget will have minimal impact for older people living here. Although we welcome the long over-due promise to link the state pension with earnings by April next year, this measure simply does not go far enough in tackling the widespread issue of pensioner poverty. In fact, pensioners in the UK have the fourth highest level of poverty in Europe; which demonstrates the need for more action to tackle this issue.”
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Read June edition of 'aspire' online |
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Monday 21 June 2010
 The fifth edition of 'aspire' - Age Sector Platform's newsletter is now available to view online.
The recent Pensioners' Manifesto election campaign features heavily in this edition, with details of the campaign launch, photographs from our province wide road show and information on the support the campaign received.
In addition, this issue is jam-packed with news and information on everything from the new Age NI to volunteering opportunities for older people; from an update on the ‘We Agree’ campaign to unusual World Cup Trivia!
To view a digital copy of the newsletter click HERE. Hard copies have been mailed to members, and other interested bodies/individuals in the last week.
If you are currently not receiving a hard copy of 'aspire' and would like to request that you are added to the mailing list please email
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or phone 028 9031 2089.
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A stronger voice for older people in NI is on the horizon |
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Monday 24 May 2010
The ‘We Agree’ campaign has signed up its 1000th member just as the results of the recent consultation process are published by OFMDFM.
‘We Agree’, a partnership between Age Sector Platform and Age NI, has been campaigning for an Older People’s Commissioner in Northern Ireland with sufficient powers and duties to act independently in order to guarantee that the rights of older people are protected, their interests are promoted and the issues affecting them are given prominence.
The Older People’s Commissioner Draft Bill has now been amended to reflect the findings of the consultation process. These amendments include many of the recommendations put forward by older people, the ‘We Agree’ campaign and its supporters during the consultation.
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Concerns over Closure of Services at Whiteabbey & Mid Ulster Hospitals |
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Tuesday 18 May 2010
Members of Age Sector Platform raised concerns regarding the handling of the closure of services at Whiteabbey and Mid Ulster hospitals at a meeting held in Belfast yesterday; and expressed concerns regarding the capacity of Antrim Hospital in meeting the extra demand.
A spokesperson commented: “The quality of care older people receive in later life is a key concern for Age Sector Platform. If services are to be reduced at Whiteabbey and Mid Ulster Hospitals following this process, it is essential that the Trust assures the public that services in Antrim Hospital are in place and are adequate to meet the increased demand. While we recognise that health and social care provision is changing, it is vital that the standard of service and care does not decline during the transition period.”
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'Our today is your tomorrow' say older campaigners |
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Wednesday 5 May 2010
“Our today is your tomorrow” was the main message being highlighted outside Queens Students Union this afternoon, as students and older people from across Belfast came together to support a unique election campaign. The campaign called ‘A Pensioners’ Manifesto’ has been supported by Age NI, Age Sector Platform, Irish Congress of Trade Unions (NI) and National Pensioners’ Convention (NI); and has aimed to harness the power of the ‘grey vote’ in the lead up to the general election.
Ivan Baxter, a member of the Pensioners’ Manifesto group, explains: “We have been travelling across the province for the last two weeks and are delighted that we have been able to visit South Belfast as the final part of our election campaign road show. It may seem that this campaign should be of very little interest to our younger generations; however, our today will be their tomorrow if we do not join together in fighting for a decent retirement for all.”
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Pensioners’ Election Campaign takes Northern Ireland by Storm |
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Monday 3 May 2010
 During the last two weeks a formidable election campaign has been touring the province causing a stir amongst election candidates, politicians and members of the public alike. The campaign, called A Pensioners’ Manifesto has taken Northern Ireland by storm; and with over a thousand official supporters so far, it proudly embarks on its final week of campaigning activity.
The campaign, which is supported by Age NI, Age Sector Platform, ICTU and the National Pensioners Convention (NI), was officially launched on Friday 16 April. Since then, it has visited every county in Northern Ireland, and will finish on a high this week with local events in Belfast.
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Pensioners’ campaign demonstrates the power of the ‘grey vote’ |
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Friday 16 April 2010
 Crowds of determined older people gathered in front of Belfast City Hall this morning for the launch of a unique pensioners’ election campaign, which aims to harness the power of the ‘grey vote’ in the lead up to the general election. The campaign, which has been named ‘A Pensioners’ Manifesto’, is supported by Age NI, Age Sector Platform, Irish Congress of Trade Unions (NI) and National Pensioners’ Convention (NI).
The Manifesto was developed for older people, by older people in Northern Ireland and sets out the issues which were deemed most important; and which older people would like to see addressed by their Westminster politicians.
Following the launch today, a pensioners’ campaign bus embarked on its journey to the first of many road show events over the coming weeks; visiting Ballymena this afternoon. This road show will allow older people throughout the region to participate in the campaign, and will also provide them with the opportunity to meet with and speak to some of their local political representatives.
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Pensioners' Manifesto Campaign |
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Friday 2 April 2010
The Pensioners' Manifesto is a non-party political, issues driven manifesto which has been developed by older people in Northern Ireland in the lead up to the general election. If you are interested in supporting the Pensioners' Manifesto campaign, there are a number of ways you can get involved.
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Order copies of the Pensioners' Manifesto to distribute amongst your organisation, group, family or friends. For copies of the manifesto telephone 028 9031 2089 or email
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and provide your name and postal address.
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Sign the online petition in support of the manifesto at www.pensionersmanifesto.org. To keep track of what MLAs, MPs and election candidates have signed their name in support, click HERE.
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Attend the launch of the Pensioners' Manifesto campaign outside Belfast City Hall on Friday 16 April between 10.30am and 11.30am.
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Attend any of the regional road show events taking place across the province. Manifesto reception events will take place in Ballymena, Omagh, Newry, Enniskillen, Armagh and Derry/Londonderry. See below table for details:
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Event
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Location
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Time
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Friday 16 April
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Launch of Pensioners’ Manifesto Road Show
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Outside Belfast City Hall
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10.30am – 11.30am
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Friday 16 April
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Manifesto Reception in Ballymena
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The Braid Centre
1-29 Bridge Street
Ballymena
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1.00pm
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Monday 19 April
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Manifesto Reception in Omagh
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Market Street
(Outside Supervalu)
Omagh
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12noon
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Thursday 22 April
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Manifesto Reception in Newry
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Newry & Mourne Museum
Bagenal’s Castle
Castle Street, Newry
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1.30pm
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Friday 23 April
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Manifesto Reception in Enniskillen
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Town Hall
Enniskillen
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12noon
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Monday 26 April
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Manifesto Reception in Armagh
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Palace Demesne
Armagh
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12noon
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Wednesday 28 April
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Manifesto Reception in Derry/Londonderry
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Outside City Hotel
Queens Quay
Derry/Londonderry
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1.30pm
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Our political support-ometer |
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Interested in finding out if your local MLA, MP or election candidate has signed their name in support of the Pensioners' Manifesto? Check out our political support-ometer which will monitor the political support we receive during the campaign.
You can find the petition and the full list of signatures at www.pensionersmanifesto.org.
Political Support-ometer
Supporters (as of 16/06/2010)
Kieran McCarthy MLA Nigel Dodds MP MLA
Paul Butler MLA Cllr Bill Webb
Cllr Brian Heading Cllr Bernard Fitzpatrick
Jeffrey Donaldson MP MLA Naomi Long MLA
Dawn Purvis MLA Trevor Lunn MLA
Ken Robinson MLA Daithi McKay MLA
Deborah Girvan Jayne Dunlop
Claire Hanna Peter Robinson MP MLA
William McCrea MLA Alex Maskey MLA
David McNarry MLA William Irwin MLA
Gerry Kelly MLA Michelle Gildernew MP MLA
Fred Cobain MLA Leslie Cree MLA
Daphne Trimble Martina Anderson MLA
Anna Lo MLA Pat Ramsey MLA
Willie Clarke MLA Máire Hendron
Thomas Buchanan MLA David Hilditch MLA
Fearghal McKinney Bill Manwaring
Lord Morrow MLA Jim Shannon MLA
Gregory Campbell MP MLA John Dallat MLA
Patsy McGlone MLA Adrian McQuillan MLA
Gerry Adams MP MLA Mitchel McLaughlin MLA
Conall McDevitt MLA David McClarty MLA
Mervyn Storey MLA Dominic Bradley MLA
Martin McGuinness MP MLA Jim Wells MLA
Robin Newton MLA Paul Maskey MLA
Sammy Wilson MP MLA Martin McAuley
Declan O'Loan MLA Gerry Lynch
Arlene Foster MLA Samuel Gardiner MLA
George Robinson MLA
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Support our Pensioners' Manifesto! |
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Tuesday 23 February 2010 
The next general election is expected to take place in May 2010. In preparation for this, Age Sector Platform has been involved in developing a pensioners’ manifesto in partnership with Age Concern Help the Aged NI, Irish Congress of Trade Unions (NI) and the National Pensioners Convention (NI).
Ivan Baxter, a member of the Pensioners’ Manifesto Group, explains how the manifesto will allow older people to start holding their political representatives to account. He commented: “Our pensioners’ manifesto lays out, in no uncertain terms, the needs and demands of the older population in Northern Ireland. It is then the duty of our local candidates to consider these demands when standing for election as MPs to Westminster this year. With the backing of such respected organisations, we will ensure that our politicians know what we need from them.”
“It is now up to older people in Northern Ireland to do their bit to support the manifesto and to inform their local candidates seeking election of the needs of older people. Consequently, we hope that politicians will see the merit in what we are asking for and adopt some of our points into their own election manifestos.”
“This campaign will only be successful if we have the full support and assistance of the older population in Northern Ireland. We must stand together to ensure our political representatives are aware of our needs and are pushed to work effectively on our behalf.”
To view the manifesto and sign your name in support, please visit www.pensionersmanifesto.org. |
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Read January edition of 'aspire' online |
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Friday 15 January 2010
 The first 2010 edition of aspire – Age Sector Platform’s newsletter, is now available to view online!
This edition of aspire provides details of the pensioners' manifesto campaign - supported by Age Sector Platform, National Pensioners Convention (NI), Irish Congress of Trade Unions (NI) and Age Concern Help the Aged NI. We also have a report from the ‘Have Your Say’ members’ event in November 2009, details on the launch of ‘Safer Ageing’ - the new community safety strategy for older people, and news on some current consultations.
Inside this issue we also have an update on the Commissioner consultation events held in November 2009, information about the All Ireland Inspirational Life Award and details of a transport service for rural areas.
To view a digital copy of the newsletter click HERE. Hard copies will be mailed to members, and other interested bodies/individuals in the coming few weeks.
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Santa Claus Joins ‘We Agree’ Campaign for a Powerful Older People’s Commissioner |
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Wednesday 16 December 2009
 The latest older person to join the on-going campaign for a powerful Older People’s Commissioner in Northern Ireland, was none other than Santa Claus! Father Christmas took time out of his busy schedule this week to support the age sector’s ‘We Agree’ campaign and emphasised the need for older people to have their say on what powers and duties the Commissioner will have when established.
Before leaving for his home in the North Pole, Mr Claus commented: “Without giving away my age, this campaign is of particular significance to me! If you’re fortunate, you will someday reach my age, and to have a body there to protect and act on your behalf during those later years is vitally important. I would therefore encourage people of all ages in Northern Ireland to have their say on what they feel they need from an Older People’s Commissioner.”
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Older People at the heart of new Community Safety Plans |
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Monday 23 November 2009
Age Sector Platform has welcomed the launch of a new, dedicated community safety strategy for older people. The strategy was launched by the NIO Minister Paul Goggins MP to a packed room of older people in Grosvenor House in Belfast this morning.
Michael Monaghan, spokesperson for Age Sector Platform said: “Older people have been calling for a dedicated strategy to reduce the level of crime and fear of crime among our older citizens for some time and we are pleased that our voice has now been heard and acted upon. Older people will be at the heart of this strategy and will have a stronger say on what they require to be safe and feel safe in their home and wider community.”
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Wednesday 4 November 2009
Something big is happening and we want you to get involved! From now until January next year, the legislation that will define the powers and duties of the forthcoming Older People’s Commissioner for Northern Ireland is open for public consultation.
This is a crucial stage in the development of an Older People’s Commissioner for Northern Ireland and a valuable opportunity to influence the decision making process that will determine what the Commissioner should be responsible for and what powers they should have to take action.
The ‘We Agree’ campaign is a partnership between Age Sector Platform and Age Concern Help the Aged NI. The main aim of the campaign is to influence the decision making process to ensure that ultimately the role and responsibilities of the Older People’s Commissioner for Northern Ireland will be robust, effective and serve the needs and best interests of older people.
We are now calling on all individuals and groups to join us and help present a united voice. Older people and the wider general public need to send out a very clear message to our politicians at this time - we need an independent Commissioner for Northern Ireland with sufficient powers to protect the interests of older people, uphold their rights and act with urgency in cases of need.
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Read October edition of 'aspire' online |
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Monday 19 October 2009
 The October edition of aspire – Age Sector Platform’s newsletter is now available to view online!
This edition of aspire has been very timely since the consultation regarding the establishment of an older people’s commissioner was launched this month (1 Oct), and will run until January 2010. See pages 8-9 of the newsletter for details of the age sector’s campaign - ‘We Agree’. We urge every older person to become involved in this campaign. It’s up to us to ensure that the commissioner will have the powers to be effective.
Inside this issue of aspire we also have details and photographs from Age Awareness Week 2009, details of an international CAP conference, information on our campaign for the introduction of social tariffs and much more!
To view a digital copy of the newsletter click HERE. Hard copies will be mailed to members, and other interested bodies/individuals in the coming few weeks.
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Age Sector urges participation as Government announces its consultation on Older People’s Commissioner |
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Thursday 1 October 2009
Responding to the OFMdFM launch of its public consultation on an Older People’s Commissioner, Age Sector Platform and Age Concern Help the Aged NI are urging people of all ages and all walks of life to get involved.
Francis Hughes of Age Sector Platform commented: “A powerful Older People’s Commissioner, will be able to act with urgency and prioritise older people’s issues. Time is an important factor as older people do not have years to wait for their issues to be discussed, debated and reviewed. Now is the time for older people to speak up and have their voice heard, so that we get the Commissioner we deserve.”
Anne O’Reilly, Chief Executive of Age Concern Help the Aged NI said: “The appointment of a Commissioner for Older People is an important step and one that will impact on us all – our parents and grandparents will benefit now, and we will all benefit in the future. It is therefore vital that everyone engages in this important consultation to shape the roles and responsibilities of the Commissioner.”
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Platform members say ‘Give us a Voice’ |
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Tuesday 30 September 2009
A new older people’s programme has been aired on Belfast’s local TV Channel NVTV recently, with two Age Sector Platform members having taken part in contributing to its content.
The ‘Give us a Voice’ programme, which was aired on Monday 14 September 2009, took the form of a wide ranging discussion, exploring many issues of importance to the older population.
Joan Cosgrove from Newtownabbey Senior Citizens’ Forum and Frank Robertson from The Friendship Federation shared their stories and views with NVTV volunteer and presenter Jean McIntyre.
If you are an older person and are interested in taking part in future recordings of the ‘Give us a Voice’ programme, please contact Alison McElhinney on 028 9031 2089, or email
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To view the programme, click HERE.
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