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.  

In order to encourage informed responses to the consultation the ‘We Agree’ campaign aims to build widespread awareness and support groups and individuals to get involved. The ‘We Agree’ campaign has produced an informative magazine and DVD to help people respond to the consultation in a meaningful way.

To get more information about how to respond to the consultation or to get involved with the ‘We Agree’ campaign visit the campaign website: www.weagree.org.uk or contact Michele Smyth, Campaign Project Leader, on 028 90 230666 or e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

If you would like to attend one of the consultation events being held by OFMDFM, during November 2009 click HERE to find out more.