Issue 10 of aspire - Age Sector Platform's newsletter - is now available to view online.
Inside this edition we have an interview with Claire Keatinge, the new Commissioner for Older People, a report of Age Sector Platform’s trip to Westminster in October and details of a unique event held in Stormont in November.
In addition, this issue is jam-packed with news and information on everything from an article on food prices from the Consumer Council to a report from our Education sub-committee, and details of a consultation on what makes a good doctor by the General Medical Council.Not to mention, the usual 'fun stuff' pages containing the aspire crossword and jokes.
To view a digital copy of the newsletter click HERE.Hard copies will be mailed to members, libraries, politicians and other interested bodies/individuals during the next week.
Age Sector Platform has welcomed the announcement that £100 will be paid to thousands of pensioner households in Northern Ireland this winter by the NI Assembly; but warns that the Westminster Government must not be ‘let off the hook’ following its decision to cut the Winter Fuel Payment this year.
The charity’s ‘Fight the Winter Fuel Cut’ campaign has gained over 17,000 signatures in opposition to the Coalition Government’s decision to cut the Winter Fuel Payment by £50-£100 this year; an average of over 100 signatures every day since the campaign was launched in June 2011.
Patricia Donald, Chair of Age Sector Platform, commented: “We know from the Northern Ireland Pensioners Parliament held earlier this year that keeping warm in winter was the number one concern for older people from across the province, with three out of four (76%) older people saying it was a worry for them.Bearing this in mind, we are delighted that our Executive has listened to these concerns and responded with this payment of £100 for the most vulnerable pensioners here to help them with their heating bills.This payment is sure to make a real difference to thousands of older people this winter.”
“Unfortunately, many pensioners who do not receive pension credit will not benefit from this payment and will be forced to continue struggling with their spiralling home heating costs.We must ensure that our Westminster Government is not let off the hook.Our campaign against the cut to the Winter Fuel Payment will continue until the decision is reversed, and we would encourage people of all ages to sign our petition by visiting www.fightfuelcut.org or phoning 028 9031 2089.”
Video from Pensioners Parliament debate at Stormont
Friday 2 December 2011
Over 60 older people debated the issues of fuel poverty, fear of crime and health and social care at a Pensioners Parliament debate in the NI Assembly last week on Friday 25 November 2011.
The debate, chaired by the Speaker of the Assembly, William Hay MLA, was run in the same way as an Assembly debate with older people proposing three motions and Ministers responding to the issues.
Older people from across Northern Ireland became parliamentarians today as they tabled motions and passionately debated the issues of concern to them and their peers with Ministers from the NI Executive.The event, held in the Senate Chamber at Parliament Buildings, was chaired by The Speaker of the NI Assembly, William Hay MLA and saw over seventy older people experience the reality of an Assembly debate.
The older people present; no strangers to Parliamentary business having taken part in the Northern Ireland Pensioners Parliament earlier this year, presented three motions to Ministers present.The three motions; all passed at the Pensioners Parliament in June; covered fuel poverty, fear of crime and health and social care – areas which are the responsibility of the NI Executive.After each motion was tabled, Members of the Pensioners Parliament received an official response from local Ministers on the three issues.
Age Sector Platform, the charity responsible for the NI Pensioners Parliament, says the debate at the Assembly represents a positive commitment to address the issues raised by pensioners across the province.
Patricia Donald, Chair of Age Sector Platform, said: “We are delighted that the Speaker invited Members of the Pensioners Parliament here today so that the voices of older people from across the province could be heard loud and clear by Executive Ministers.The Northern Ireland Pensioners Parliament was a truly democratic process, with older people from every county in Northern Ireland voting on the issues of concern for them.This follow-on debate today was a fantastic example of how our Assembly can engage with members of the public, and we hope that the Ministers who were present take seriously the issues raised.”
“Some of the motions passed at the NI Pensioners Parliament are not within the remit of the NI Assembly, and these motions have already been, and will continue to be, raised with the UK Government and with the private sector where appropriate.Our intention has always been for the Northern Ireland Pensioners Parliament to deliver real change for older people, and this debate has enabled older people to call for this change right at the heart of government.We will continue to work with Ministers, Government Departments and Assembly members so that older people benefit from the quality of life they need and deserve.”
Speaking about the debate Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, William Hay MLA said: “I have made it a priority that Parliament Buildings should be opened up more to the people it represents, and as the seat of democracy in Northern Ireland, I am delighted to host this debate of the Pensioners Parliament here. Today’s agenda featured three of the most important issues to the Pensioners Parliament – health, crime and fuel poverty – which have also been a priority to Members on the floor of the Assembly Chamber so it is a great opportunity for Members and Ministers to hear from older people themselves.It has been run in the same way as an Assembly debate with an official report provided by Hansard so the Pensioners Parliament will see just exactly how our system works and how they can influence it.”
Photos from the debate can be viewed by clicking HERE.
Platform welcomes action on age discrimination and fear of crime
Thursday 17 November 2011
Age Sector Platform has praised the Northern Ireland Executive for its positive response to some of the key issues arising from the NI Pensioners Parliament this year, in its Programme for Government.The Pensioners Parliament, which took place earlier this year, identified the main concerns of the older population in Northern Ireland through a bottom-up democratic process; and the charity has welcomed the Executive’s commitment to address some of its major recommendations.
The Programme for Government which was announced today has committed to extend age discrimination legislation to the provision the opportunities, goods and services and has also pledged to tackle crime against older people and to reduce fear of crime amongst older people.
Patricia Donald, Chair of Age Sector Platform, said: “Age discrimination and crimes against older people were discussed prominently during the NI Pensioners Parliament held earlier this year.They are issues which older people have told us are important to them and require strong action.We are pleased that the NI Executive has taken onboard the voices of older people here.”
“In reality, age discrimination in the areas of goods, facilities and services allows for discrimination in the provision of services such as health care and social services to older people.It can also allow insurance providers to discriminate against older drivers and travellers.Legislation to outlaw this type of discrimination can only be a positive thing for the older people of Northern Ireland, who have long awaited this legislation.”
“Crime against older people is an issue which has taken centre stage recently with a number of widely condemned attacks against older people being reported.Age Sector Platform welcomes the NI Executive’s commitment to tackle these types of crimes.We know from our survey of over 1,200 older people earlier this year that two out of three older people are fearful of being a victim of crime.Taking this into account, we are pleased that the Programme for Government has also committed to addressing fear of crime amongst older people in the coming years.”
“The Programme for Government states an intention to use the Social Protection Fund to help individuals and families facing hardship due to the current economic downturn.Older people struggling to survive the winter must surely fall within this group, and it is paramount that Stormont acts now to help.”
“Our intention has always been for the Northern Ireland Pensioners Parliament to deliver real change for the older people of Northern Ireland, and these commitments within the Programme for Government mark the beginning of the work needed to bring about that change.It is now our job to ensure that these promises are kept.We will continue to work with the Assembly in the years to come to ensure the quality of life for older people here continues to improve.”
Click HERE to view the Programme for Government consultation document.
The concerns of older people in Northern Ireland take centre stage today as a groundbreaking new report is launched by a prominent older people’s charity.The report, based on the findings of the Northern Ireland Pensioners Parliament earlier this year, contains some shocking statistics and insightful recommendations in the areas of energy, food, community safety, health and pensions.Age Sector Platform, the charity responsible, says the Parliament process provided a truly bottom-up and democratic approach to identifying the main concerns of our older population, and describes it as the “true voice” of older people here.
Patricia Donald, Chair of Age Sector Platform, said: “It is clear from our dialogue with older people across the province that keeping warm in winter, inadequate incomes, fear of crime and food prices are the main worries at this time.These top concerns were highlighted in our survey of over 1,200 older people in Northern Ireland and remained consistent from county to county.Consequently, at the Pensioners Parliament in June around 180 older people passed twenty four motions in relation to these areas.”
Ms Donald continued: “Earlier this year, the First Minister and deputy First Minister helped us launch the Northern Ireland Pensioners Parliament.We now require a commitment from the NI Executive and Assembly, the Westminster government and from our service providers that the recommendations arising from the Parliament will be taken seriously.This report represents the true voice of older people in Northern Ireland, and it must be respected and acted upon.”
“Since the Parliament in June, Age Sector Platform has wasted no time in tackling one of the main issues highlighted as a key concern – keeping warm in winter.The charity’s ‘Fight the Winter Fuel Cut’ campaign in opposition to the cut to the winter fuel payment this year, has gained over 16,000 supporters since it was launched two weeks after the Parliament.Delegates from the Parliament have also travelled to Westminster during the last month to raise concerns in relation to pensions and benefits.”
“Our local Government can also take action to assist older people fearing the approaching cold winter months.The Social Protection Fund was set up specifically to assist those most in need.Older people struggling to survive the winter must surely fall within this group, and it is paramount that Stormont acts now to help.”
UK Pensions Minister receives Northern Ireland winter fuel cut petition
Friday 28 October 2011
A group of older people from Northern Ireland, supported by a petition representing almost 15,000 voices here, travelled to Westminster this week in order to declare their opposition to the cut to the winter fuel payment this year by between £50 and £100.
The group - all members of Age Sector Platform - the charity behind the widely supported petition, say they are determined to ensure that the UK Government is fully aware of the disgust and disappointment of people across Northern Ireland in response to their decision to reduce the payment.
The older people met with Pensions Minister Steve Webb MP at Westminster to hand over the petition before joining pensioners from across the UK at a major rally.Following this, the group met with several Northern Ireland MPs to discuss the ‘Fight the Winter Fuel Cut’ campaign, and other Westminster controlled matters such as pension reform.
Nixon Armstrong from Age Sector Platform commented: “During our meeting with the Pensions Minister, we emphasised the strength of feeling on this issue by the people of Northern Ireland.We also spoke of the unique challenges facing older people across the province in relation to heating their homes – such as the reliance on home heating oil, the lack of support from energy companies here and therefore the higher levels of fuel poverty.”
Mr Armstrong continued: “This campaign has been going strong since it was launched in June this year, with an average of 100 people signing the petition every day!People of all ages have shown their support, including younger people who have voiced their concern about parents or grandparents.Thousands of older people have expressed to us their great anxiety and trepidation about the incoming winter.”
Issue 9 of aspire - Age Sector Platform's newsletter - is now available to view online.
Inside this edition we have reports from the two day NI Pensioners Parliament in June 2011, the Platform’s fifth AGM, a report from the NPC’s Pensioners Parliament in Blackpool and an update on our ‘Fight the Winter Fuel Cut’ campaign.
In addition, this issue is jam-packed with news and information on everything from the protection of cheques to information from UnLtd on their Ignite Awards and details of a Consumer Council booklet on air travel.Not to mention, a ‘Desert Island Discs’ feature with our new Chair Patricia Donald!!
To view a digital copy of the newsletter click HERE.Hard copies will be mailed to members, libraries, politicians and other interested bodies/individuals during the next few weeks.
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.
Great progress but a tough job ahead
Monday 3 October 2011
Age Sector Platform and Age NI warmly welcome the appointment of Ms Claire Keatinge to the post of Older People’s Commissioner for Northern Ireland and call for Ms Keatinge to take proactive, immediate steps to improve the lives of older people here.
Francis Hughes from Age Sector Platform commented, ‘We wish Ms Keatinge well as she gets to grips with the duties of this role. One of Ms Keatinge’s first challenges will be how to engage with the diverse range of older people in Northern Ireland. The legislative process was a robust process, and a lot of information has been developed about the issues that a Commissioner may choose to prioritise. We Agree campaigners had one clear message – the Older People’s Commissioner needs to use their substantial powers to make a positive impact on the lives of older people. We believe that one of the ways that the new Commissioner can do this is to prioritise their power to commission Conciliation Services to resolve disputes between older people and service providers. This is an innovative approach to improving the lives of older people in a timely and meaningful way.’
Yesterday marked 100 days since the beginning of Age Sector Platform’s Fight the Winter Fuel Cut campaign. The campaign, which was launched on the Summer solstice in June 2011 has captured the attention of people across Northern Ireland from Lisnaskea to Ballycastle, Omagh to Downpatrick. Within the first 100 days of the campaign, the support has proven to be phenomenal with Age Sector Platform amassing 10,000 signatures for the petition. This equates to a staggering 100 people per day who have declared their opposition to the UK Governments widely criticised cuts.
This year, the UK Government decided to cut the Winter Fuel Payment by £50 for people aged between 60 and 80, and by £100 for those aged over 80; despite spiralling fuel prices and last December being the coldest in Northern Ireland for over 100 years.
The ‘Fight the Winter Fuel Cut’ campaign is a product of the hugely successful Northern Ireland Pensioners Parliament held earlier this year, through which it was discovered the most popular motion relating to energy prices was in fact about the winter fuel cut, with almost all (97%) of those in attendance being in support of the motion “to call on the UK Government to reverse its decision to cut the Winter Fuel Payment this year and to look at ways of linking future payments to energy prices”.
The campaign, since its launch in June 2011, has had sustained support, with 100 people per day either signing a campaign postcard or filling in the online petition at www.fightfuelcut.org. Many of the people showing their support have shared quite humbling details of their personal circumstance, with one supporter commenting ‘With this cut pensioners will have to choose between proper food or heat this winter’. Another said ‘My income no longer meets my needs, I am anxious about the cut in Winter fuel payment’.
Patricia Donald, Chair of Age Sector Platform, said “The support this campaign has received has been astounding, it is great to see members of the public come together and make their voice heard in resistance to this despicable cut by the UK government.”
Platform members give evidence at Finance Committee
Wednesday 28 September 2011
Members of Age Sector Platform appeared before the NI Assembly's Finance Committee this morning to present evidence regarding the issue of equal pay for civil service pensioners.
Ivan Baxter and Sam Caul representing the Civil Service Pensioners Alliance (NI) and Nixon Armstrong representing NIPSA Retired Members gave evidence to the new committee following May's election.
Ivan Baxter stated during his presentation: "We are here today to speak on behalf of our members who lost out as a result of the conditions attached to the recent equal pay settlement. We believe that this settlement has set a most dreadful precedent, which we hope, for the sake of retired workers is corrected and never repeated."
Following Mr Baxter's presentation, the Committee members asked several questions in relation to the issue. At the end of the meeting it was proposed and accepted that the new committee commit to investigate and address the equal pay issue for civil service pensioners.
Energy price hikes increase fear among older people
Monday 12 September 2011
Age Sector Platform has revealed that recent announcements made about gas and electricity price rises have prompted a dramatic increase in the number of calls from older people worried about how they will cope with paying their home heating bills during the coming winter. The charity's ‘Fight the Winter Fuel Cut’ campaign has seen thousands of people from across Northern Ireland sign their name in opposition to the planned cut to the winter fuel payment this year; with over 6,000 supporters now officially recorded.
This year, the UK Government decided to cut the Winter Fuel Payment by £50 for people aged between 60 and 80, and by £100 for those aged over 80; despite spiralling fuel prices and last December being the coldest in Northern Ireland for over 100 years.756 older people (aged 65+) died of cold related illnesses in Northern Ireland in 2009/2010, and Age Sector Platform fears this figure will rise if the winter fuel payment is cut as planned.
Bill Carson, Chair of Age Sector Platform, explains: “Although this campaign has been running from June of this year, we have witnessed an unprecedented level of interest since the announcements were made about the increases in energy prices.Older people, as a group with very limited incomes, are extremely worried about how they will cope with paying their home heating bills during the coming winter.With a planned cut to the winter fuel payment, this concern has become even greater.”
“The support for this campaign shows no sign of slowing with hundreds of petition postcards being requested every day from individuals, groups and communities across Northern Ireland.We must continue to take a stand against this shocking decision; a decision which many older people are still unaware of, but one that will hit them hard.”
Footage from the very first Northern Ireland Pensioners Parliament held in Belfast on Wednesday 8 and Thursday 9 June 2011, is now available to view here.
The Parliament took place in the Holiday Inn Hotel with over 200 people in attendance.
If you would like to view photographs from the parliament, please click HERE.
Protection of cheques will be great relief to older people
Wednesday 20 July 2011
A prominent organisation representing older people in Northern Ireland has welcomed the recent announcement made by the Payments Council in which it revealed plans to abandon the phasing out of cheques by 2018.Age Sector Platform, who worked with the Payments Council over the last few years to ensure the opinions of older people were taken into account, has described the process as ‘authentic and truly consultative’.
Bill Carson, Chair of Age Sector Platform, commented: “We are delighted that the Payments Council has taken on board the issues of concern raised by older people, and other groups, in relation to the phasing out of cheques.The protection of cheques will be of great relief to many older people, who use them on a regular basis to pay bills by post, pay tradesmen or send gifts to grandchildren.”
“Although cheques appear to be staying for the foreseeable future, some shops and businesses currently do not accept them as a method of payment.If this trend continues, the future of cheques and their viability could potentially be questioned again.This is something that we would not like to see happen as for many older people unable to leave their home; cheques remain an essential tool in helping them to pay their bills safely.”
Fight the Winter Fuel Cut
Tuesday 21 June 2011
Age Sector Platform has chosen today’s summer solstice as the unusual time to launch their winter themed campaign entitled ‘Fight the Winter Fuel Cut’. The organisation, who recently organised the Pensioners Parliament in Belfast, claims that as we enjoy the longest day of the year older people are already worried about the long winter days that await them.
The campaign, which is in opposition to the cut in the Winter Fuel Payment this year by the Coalition Government, will allow older people from across the province to show their support by signing a petition which will then be presented to Government.The petition can be signed online at www.fightfuelcut.org or by phoning 028 9031 2089 to request a postcard.
This year, the UK Government decided to cut the Winter Fuel Payment by £50 for people aged 60 to 80, and by £100 for those aged over 80; despite spiralling fuel prices and last December being the coldest in Northern Ireland for over 100 years.
Bill Carson, Chair of Age Sector Platform, commented: “This decision by the UK Government is scandalous, considering the number of older people who die every winter due to cold related illnesses.Government needs to do more to tackle the issue of fuel poverty, not less!We, as older people, must send a clear message that the decision to reduce the help to older people in heating their homes is wrong and dangerous.We need older people in Northern Ireland to make their voice heard on this critical matter and we ask them to support the campaign by signing our petition.”
Around 150 older people from across the province will gather in Belfast today to take part in the Northern Ireland Pensioners Parliament – the first of its kind here.The Parliament, which will take place over two days, has been organised by Age Sector Platform and will involve older people from every county in Northern Ireland deciding on the main issues of concern for them.
Junior Ministers Jonathan Bell MLA and Martina Anderson MLA will officially open the Parliament. Over the two days, the Holiday Inn Hotel in Belfast will become a hub for democratic decision making as Members of the Pensioners Parliament (MPPs) ask questions and vote on issues such as energy prices, food, fear of crime, health and social care and pensions.Twenty two motions are expected to be put forward with only those receiving more than two thirds support from MPPs being formally passed by the Parliament.
Michael Monaghan from Age Sector Platform commented: “Each stage of the Pensioners Parliament has been fully democratic with every interested older person given an equal voice.The response to the entire process has been fantastic, and we are very excited about how we will be able to use the recommendations from the Parliament to influence our decision makers in the coming year.”
He continued: “From our extensive survey with over 1,200 older people in Northern Ireland, we broadly identified the main areas of concern for pensioners here.These areas were developed more fully during the local parliaments held in each county; and we are now at the final stage where motions must be passed by our MPPs on specific issues.Following the Parliament, a report will be drafted and distributed to the Northern Ireland Assembly, statutory bodies, the private sector and other relevant organisations in the autumn.”
A number of prominent speakers will address the Parliament, including speakers from the Utility Regulator, the PSNI, the Health and Social Care Board and the Older People’s Advocate’s office.Expert panels on each main area of concern have also been appointed to answer questions from the floor.
On the second day of the Parliament, a number of MLAs will be present to give an initial response to the motions that were passed.Mr Monaghan explains: “Following this week’s Parliament, we as older people must ensure that our voice is heard by the new Assembly on these issues.As a large and growing section of the population, our voice is only going to become stronger and more important over the coming years; and older people have much to contribute.Our experience and knowledge can really help assist policy and decision makers in the years to come.The Northern Ireland Pensioners Parliament hopes to remain a significant means through which the older voice will be heard!”
For more information on the Northern Ireland Pensioners Parliament, visit www.pensionersparliament.org or phone 028 9031 2089.
Footage from Belfast Pensioners Parliament
Footage from the very first 'local parliament' held in Belfast on Friday 4 March 2011, is now available to view here.
The Belfast Parliament took place in Belfast City Hall with around 100 people in attendance.
If you would like to view photographs from all seven local parliaments, please click HERE.
Fear of crime is major concern for 2 out of 3 older people
Tuesday 19 April 2011
Fear of crime was selected by almost two thirds (64%) of older people across Northern Ireland as a major concern in the recent Northern Ireland Pensioners Parliament survey, conducted by Age Sector Platform.The survey preceded a series of seven Pensioners Parliaments held across Northern Ireland during the last six weeks, through which hundreds of older people made their voice heard.
The startling figure was quoted in the organisation’s response to the community safety strategy ‘Building Safer, Shared and Confident Communities’, in which Age Sector Platform calls for more detail on how the strategy will tackle fear of crime amongst the older population.The statistic has also served to inform one of Age Sector Platform and Age NI’s ‘High 5’ issues which they say must be undertaken by the new Assembly - to tackle fear of crime amongst older people.
Fear of crime was, on average, ranked as one of the top three issues by older people who took part in the survey, with ‘Keeping warm in winter’ and ‘Not enough money’ being the other issues indicating high levels of concern.
Bill Carson, Chair of Age Sector Platform, said: “Although we recognise that crimes against older people are rare, that does not excuse our new Assembly or the new Justice Minister from seriously addressing the issue of fear amongst older people.As we travelled from county to county during the recent Pensioners Parliaments, we were surprised at how big an issue this really was amongst older people.Schemes which can address fear of crime, such as Neighbourhood Watch and Intergenerational programmes, were discussed positively by many older people, and we must ensure these continue to be funded and promoted.”
“Communication was certainly an area which surfaced as one that needs some attention.Although there are many schemes, groups and partnerships in existence that have been set up to tackle crime and fear of crime in local communities, many older people were simply not aware of their existence.The PSNI and Policing and Community Safety Partnerships must work harder to promote their initiatives better and to fully engage with older people in their area.”
Final 'local parliament' takes place in County Down
Thursday 14 April 2011
The last 'local parliament' as part of the Northern Ireland Pensioners Parliament, took place in Ballybot House in Newry yesterday with around 50 older people from County Down in attendance.The event, which was opened by Mayor of Newry and Mourne Councillor Mick Murphy, was the last of seven parliament which have taken place across Northern Ireland.
Organised by Age Sector Platform, the Northern Ireland Pensioners Parliament is the first of its kind here, and aims to ensure that older people’s views from every county in Northern Ireland are represented.
At the County Down parliament, older people from the county discussed and debated the issues that were of importance to them, with an expert panel on hand to provide advice and information on any complex points raised.Issues such as health, community safety and transport were discussed; alongside worries about keeping warm in winter and having enough money for a decent quality of life.The expert panel included Brendan Whittle and Gerard Rocks from the Southern Health and Social Care Trust, Kellie Murray from Newry Citizens Advice Bureau, Brian Groves from Newry and Mourne Community Transport, and Sergeant Wendy Walker and Inspector David Hutchinsonfrom the PSNI.
The Maiden City welcomes the Pensioners Parliament
Monday 11 April 2011
The very first County Derry Pensioners Parliament, as part of the Northern Ireland Pensioners Parliament, took place in the Tower Hotel in Londonderry on Friday (8th April) with over 80 older people from the county in attendance.The event, which was opened by Mayor of Derry, Councillor Colum Eastwood, was the penultimate ‘local parliament’ of which five have already taken place across Northern Ireland.
Organised by Age Sector Platform, the Northern Ireland Pensioners Parliament is the first of its kind here, and aims to ensure that older people’s views from every county in Northern Ireland are represented.
At the Londonderry parliament, older people from the county discussed and debated the issues that were of importance to them, with an expert panel on hand to provide advice and information on any complex points raised.Issues such as health, community safety and transport were discussed; alongside worries about keeping warm in winter and having enough money for a decent quality of life.The expert panel included Alan Corry Finn from the Western Health and Social Care Trust, Maureen Collins from Neighbourhood Assist,Paula Martin from Bridge Accessible Transport, Helena Hasson from the Community Safety Partnership and Inspector Michelle Boyd from the PSNI.
news feed
Issue 10 of 
Age Sector Platform has welcomed the announcement that £100 will be paid to thousands of pensioner households in Northern Ireland this winter by the NI Assembly; but warns that the Westminster Government must not be ‘let off the hook’ following its decision to cut the Winter Fuel Payment this year.
The concerns of older people in 
A group of older people from 
Age Sector Platform and Age NI warmly welcome the appointment of Ms Claire Keatinge to the post of Older People’s Commissioner for Northern Ireland and call for Ms Keatinge to take proactive, immediate steps to improve the lives of older people here.
Yesterday marked 100 days since the beginning of Age Sector Platform’s Fight the Winter Fuel Cut campaign. The campaign, which was launched on the Summer solstice in June 2011 has captured the attention of people across 
Members of Age Sector Platform appeared before the NI Assembly's Finance Committee this morning to present evidence regarding the issue of equal pay for civil service pensioners. 
A prominent organisation representing older people in 
Age Sector Platform has chosen today’s summer solstice as the unusual time to launch their winter themed campaign entitled ‘Fight the Winter Fuel Cut’.
Around 150 older people from across the province will gather in 
