The very first County Tyrone Pensioners Parliament, as part of the Northern Ireland Pensioners Parliament, took place in Strule Arts Centre in Omagh on Friday with over 60 older people from across the county in attendance.The event, which was opened by Chairman of Omagh District Council, Councillor Declan McAleer, was the fourth of seven ‘local parliaments’ organised across Northern Ireland.
Issues such as funding for regional hospitals, the rising cost of heating fuel and petrol and the lack of good rural transport options were raised by the vocal group of older people during the day's proceedings.
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 Tyrone 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 Janice Vance from the Western Health and Social Care Trust, Zoe Anderson from Access to Benefits,Paddy McEldowney from EasiLift Community Transport, Sandra Armstrong from Omagh Community Safety Partnership and Inspector Dave Sherry from the PSNI .
Age Sector Platform and Age NI join forces to empower older people in the run up to the election on 5 May 2010.
Older People will send a very clear message to all Assembly Candidates over the next 6 weeks saying listen up or pack up your election kit bags.
With 1 in 5 eligible voters in Northern Ireland over the age of 65, election candidates are being advised to support 5 high-priority issues for older people in Northern Ireland in order to win over the crucial older vote. The High 5 election campaign outlines the key issues that older people want to see addressed by the next Assembly and Executive:
Tackle fuel poverty Maximise pensioner income Fundamentally review social care End age discrimination Tackle fear of crime
Bill Carson, Chair of Age Sector Platform said, ‘We have been speaking to older people across Northern Ireland over the last few weeks and it is clear that they have much to say on the issues that need to be addressed by incoming MLAs. Our High 5 campaign is based on the key issues that older people have identified and should be seen as essential reading by all Political Parties and candidates. We have outlined 5 actions older people can take to ensure that these issues are heard by politicians across Northern Ireland. We hope to see the power of the grey vote put into action in the next few weeks.’
The very first County Armagh Pensioners Parliament, as part of the Northern Ireland Pensioners Parliament, took place in Armagh City Hotel yesterday with over 60 older people from the county in attendance.The event, which was opened by Mayor of Armagh, Councillor Jim Speers, is the fourth of seven ‘local parliaments’ organised across Northern Ireland during March and April.
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 Armagh 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 Mary Curran from Citizens Advice in Armagh, John Doyle from Armagh City andDistrict Council, Wendy Walker from the PSNI, and Roisin Toner, Gerard Rocks and Nuala Gorman from the Southern Health and Social Care Trust.
Nixon Armstrong from CountyArmagh who is a member of Age Sector Platform commented: “Today has marked the beginning of a unique process.Instead of telling pensioners what they should be worried about, we are actively encouraging them to tell us about the problems they face.This truly is a ‘bottom up’ approach.Today’s audience interaction, through debate and voting, has been a real triumph and we hope the rest of the local parliaments will be as successful as the CountyArmagh parliament."
County Antrim welcomes Northern Ireland Pensioners Parliament
Wednesday 16 March 2011
The very first County Antrim Pensioners Parliament, as part of the Northern Ireland Pensioners Parliament, took place in Ballymena yesterday with around 80 older people from the county in attendance.The event, which was opened by Mayor of Ballymena, Councillor Maurice Mills, is the third of seven ‘local parliaments’ due to take place in Northern Ireland in the coming weeks.
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 Antrim 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 Zoë Anderson from Access to Benefits (A2B), Joleen Cunningham from the Consumer Council, Patrick Graham from the Northern Health and Social Care Trust and Inspector John Allen from the PSNI.
Opening the event, Councillor Mills said: “I was delighted to be invited to open proceedings today and I commend Age Sector Platform for organising this event.I truly believe today will help ensure the voice of older people in CountyAntrim is heard.I am encouraged to hear that this is not the end of this process.In June this year, delegates from this event will join older people from across Northern Ireland in attending the overall 2-day Pensioners Parliament, where the priorities for older people across the province will be decided.”
Northern Ireland Pensioners Parliament goes to Fermanagh
Monday 14 March 2011
The very first County Fermanagh Pensioners Parliament, as part of the Northern Ireland Pensioners Parliament, took place in Enniskillen on Friday with over 70 older people from the county in attendance.The event, which was opened by Chairman of Fermanagh District Council, Councillor Stephen Huggett, is the second of seven ‘local parliaments’ due to take place in Northern Ireland in the coming weeks.
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 Fermanagh 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.Health was the main area of discussion, with issues such as community safety and transport also discussed; alongside worries about keeping warm in winter and having enough money for a decent quality of life.
Northern Ireland Pensioners Parliament begins in Belfast
Friday 4 March 2011
The very first local event as part of the Northern Ireland Pensioners Parliament took place in BelfastCity Hall today, with well over 100 older people from the city in attendance.The event, which was opened by Lord Mayor, Councillor Pat Convery, is the first of seven ‘local parliaments’ which are due to take place in Northern Ireland in the coming weeks.
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 Belfast parliament, older people from the city 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.
Opening the event, the Lord Mayor, Councillor Convery, said: “I was delighted to be invited to open proceedings today and I commend Age Sector Platform for organising this event.I truly believe today will help ensure the voice of older people in Belfast is heard.I am encouraged to hear that today is not the end of this process.In June this year, delegates from this event will join older people from across Northern Ireland in attending the overall 2-day Pensioners Parliament, where the priorities for older people across the province will be decided.”
Michael Monaghan from Age Sector Platform commented: “Today has marked the beginning of a unique series of events.Instead of telling pensioners what they should be worried about, we are actively encouraging them to tell us about the problems they face.This truly is a ‘bottom up’ approach.Today’s audience interaction, through debate and voting, has been a real triumph and we hope the rest of the local parliaments will be as successful as the Belfast parliament.”
To view photographs from the Belfast Parliament click HERE.
Launch of Northern Ireland Pensioners Parliament
Wednesday 23 February 2011
Today marks the official unveiling of the Northern Ireland Pensioners Parliament, which was launched by the First Minister and deputy First Minister outside Stormont Buildings.The Pensioners Parliament, which is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland, will allow older people from across the province to have their say on the issues that matter to them.
Organised by Age Sector Platform, the Parliament will see hundreds of older people from across the province becoming involved in making their voice heard over the coming weeks and months.
Seven ‘local parliaments’ will take place during March and April 2011, to ensure that older people’s views from every county in Northern Ireland are represented.These local parliaments will take place in Belfast, Enniskillen, Ballymena, Armagh, Omagh, Derry/Londonderry and Newry between Friday 4 March and Wednesday 13 April 2011.
During each local parliament, older people from the area will discuss and debate the issues that are of most importance to them, with an expert panel on hand to provide advice and information on any complex points raised.
Issue 7 of 'aspire' - Age Sector Platform's newsletter - is now available to view online.
Inside this edition we have news on the upcoming Northern Ireland Pensioners Parliament, an update on the Older People’s Commissioner legislation, details of an upcoming transport event and information on the ‘Equal Pay for NICS Pensioners’ campaign.
In addition, this issue is jam-packed with news and information on everything from our Twitter page success to information from Land & Property Services and the Payments Council.Not to mention, a new feature in our ‘Fun Stuff’ section!
To view a digital copy of the newsletter click HERE.Hard copies will be mailed to members, 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.
NI Assembly gives older people an early Christmas present!
Wednesday 8 December 2010
Older people from across Northern Ireland made their way to Stormont yesterday, to celebrate the passage of a landmark piece of legislation creating a much-needed Commissioner dedicated to safeguarding the rights of people in later life. The celebrations at Stormont marked the most important stage in a three-year long campaign to secure a powerful Older People’s Commissioner for Northern Ireland’s ageing population.
Francis Hughes of Age Sector Platform said: ‘The passage of the Older People’s Commissioner Bill marked a momentous day for Northern Ireland, and saw Ministers delivering on a promise they made in 2007. This has been a lengthy process, during which the need for a Commissioner has come under close scrutiny. In the end, evidence demonstrated that due to gaps in existing provision, older people’s issues haven’t been given the priority necessary to make a difference. This landmark legislation means older people will have a dedicated focal point with the capacity to prioritise their issues and bring positive change where it’s needed most.’
He added: ‘In economic terms, we believe the Commissioner will provide good value for money by ensuring that the best possible use is made of available resources and that the services Government provide, are relevant to addressing real need. The estimated yearly cost of a Commissioner is £1.5million. To put this in context, there are currently 290,000 older people in Northern Ireland, £1.5million equates to £5.17 per older person per year, less than 10p per week, less than 2p a day. The money spent on an Older People’s Commissioner is a small price to pay in light of the positive impact a Commissioner could make to the lives of older people today and for the future.’
Older people urge MLAs to support a powerful Commissioner
Tuesday 16 November 2010
Older people from across Northern Ireland were at Stormont today to show their support for the Older People’s Commissioner’s Bill which was debated in the Assembly.
Campaigners from a wide range of constituencies met with their local MLAs urging them to endorse legislation for a powerful Older People’s Commissioner, as they believe a Commissioner without adequate powers would be the equivalent of a ‘toothless tiger’.
Today’s visit to Stormont marks one of the final stages in a three-year long campaign to secure a much-needed Older People’s Commissioner for Northern Ireland’s ageing society. The process which began in December 2007 has attracted support from all walks of life, and resulted in unprecedented numbers of older people taking part in OFMDFM’s consultation process.
Francis Hughes from Age Sector Platform said: ‘The Consideration Stage of the Older People’s Commissioner’s Bill is a crucial phase in our journey to secure this landmark piece of legislation. We have been campaigning hard since 2007 for a powerful Commissioner that will be able to act with urgency and prioritise older people’s issues. The crowds of older people at Stormont today highlighted how important the campaign is to all of us.’
He added: "Although there are other Commissions in Northern Ireland, evidence provided during the Committee scrutiny of the Bill revealed several gaps in existing provision. An Older People’s Commissioner with strong enough powers would act as a dedicated focal point protecting the rights of older people, and providing a user friendly approach dedicated to their needs."
Statistics released this week detailing the level of fuel poverty amongst older people in Northern Ireland have been described as ‘shocking, but not surprising’ by a prominent campaigning organisation representing older people in Northern Ireland.
Age Sector Platform, which represents around 200,000 older people here, says that older people’s incomes must be increased in order to tackle the issue.
Bill Carson, Chair of Age Sector Platform, commented: “Considering that over 700 older people died of cold related illnesses during the last winter in Northern Ireland, it is clear that fuel poverty really has life or death consequences for many older people.Income is a major factor in the level of fuel poverty, which is why a delegation of older people from Age Sector Platform travelled to Westminster this week to discuss the level of the state pension and emphasise the importance of the winter fuel payment with Northern Ireland MPs.”
Following today’s Spending Review announcement, Ivan Baxter from Age Sector Platform, commented:
“We welcome the fact that the winter fuel allowance, along with other universal benefits for pensioners, have been protected.Particularly in light of research released today by CARDI which revealed that the number of single pensioners in Northern Ireland at risk of poverty has risen by 57 per cent in the last six years.”
“The protection of these benefits is even more significant for pensioners here, when we consider that pensioners in Northern Ireland are more than twice as likely to be solely dependent on the state pension and other benefits as pensioners living in Great Britain.”
“Today again, the coalition government has praised its own move to link the state pension to the higher of earnings, inflation or 2.5 per cent.They must realise that this alone is not enough.Without substantially raising the basic state pension, this triple guarantee will have a very limited impact on the income of pensioners.The Chancellor confirmed the government’s commitment to the elimination of child poverty; but had no proposals for the elimination of pensioner poverty.”
“The absence of a strategy to tackle pensioner poverty does not seem to fit in with one of the Chancellor’s chief principles which he emphasised today – that of fairness.”
‘The Great Pensions Debate’ was held in the Long Gallery in Parliament Buildings, Stormont on Monday 11 October 2010. The event was organised by Age Sector Platform in partnership with Age NI, ICTU (NIC) and National Pensioners’ Convention (NI). The four organisations, which came together earlier in 2010 as part of ‘A Pensioners’ Manifesto’, described the event as a means of exploring the most important Westminster based issue for older people – the pension.
‘The Great Pensions Debate’, which was held in the Long Gallery in Parliament Buildings, was organised by Age Sector Platform in partnership with Age NI, ICTU (NIC) and National Pensioners’ Convention (NI).The four organisations, which came together earlier this year as part of ‘A Pensioners’ Manifesto’, described the event as a means of exploring the most important Westminster based issue for older people – the pension.
The event also examined the impact of revelations made over the last few months, such as the coalition government’s ‘triple lock guarantee’ on pension increases; in addition to worrying predictions that changes could be made to the winter fuel allowance during the Westminster spending review.
Ivan Baxter, spokesperson for the Pensioners’ Manifesto Group, commented: “Older people are particularly worried at the moment.With changes being made to the pension system, a trend developing towards the removal of universal benefits and an increase in the level of VAT from 2011, many will be concerned about their financial security over the next few years.This event gave older people the opportunity to question their political representatives on these issues, and demand assurances that older people’s entitlements will be protected.Considering that nearly one in three pensioner households are already living in poverty, we must ensure that the situation does not get any worse.”
Age Awareness Week will come to an end on Saturday 2 October. The below video provides an overview of this year's theme of 'Recognition'.
Platform members attend OFMdFM Committee
Wednesday 8 September 2010
Members from Age Sector Platform today attended the OFMdFM committee meeting, to show their support for the progress being made on the creation of an Older People's Commissioner.
Prior to the meeting, Patricia Donald from Enniskillen, Anne Gallagher from Bessbrook, Anne Watson from Newtownabbey, Gerry Potts from Belfast and Dorothy Stevenson from Belfast met with committee members.
Over 50’s unemployment figures are ‘shocking’
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.”
Platform responds to government retirement proposals
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.”
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.”
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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The very first County Armagh Pensioners Parliament, as part of the Northern Ireland Pensioners Parliament, took place in Armagh City Hotel yesterday with over 60 older people from the county in attendance.
The very first County Fermanagh Pensioners Parliament, as part of the Northern Ireland Pensioners Parliament, took place in Enniskillen on Friday with over 70 older people from the county in attendance.
The very first local event as part of the Northern Ireland Pensioners Parliament took place in 
Older people from across 
Older people from across 
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.
Last week the 
The fifth edition of 'aspire' - Age Sector Platform's newsletter is now available to view online.