Age Sector Platform (ASP) commends the work being done by older people’s groups and forums across Northern Ireland. The benefits that these groups provide for older people are invaluable and for that reason the current level of funding for the sector is of great concern.

It is important to note that the Northern Ireland Executive has committed to promoting social inclusion for older people in its Programme for Government; however this status has not resulted in a corresponding commitment in terms of funding. The age sector, in comparison to the wider voluntary sector (non-age sector), has been more dependent on public donations to support its work and
received less from Government departments (see below) ^{Income Profile of the Age Sector in comparison to the wider voluntary sector in Northern Ireland during period
2003/04 (NICVA 2006)}.

This imbalance needs to be corrected if Government is to substantiate its commitment to the needs of older people of Northern Ireland.

Age Sector Platform will work to illustrate to Government the importance of the groups within the age sector and demonstrate their vital need for funding. 

These groups, not only have the ability to increase social inclusion and promote independence amongst older people, but can allow older people to remain active for longer, thereby reducing the cost of otherwise necessary physical and mental health services.  This supports the NI Executive’s Programme for Government’s focus on ‘action to prevent illness and improve physical and mental health’.

Many of these groups providing important services are close to going out of business – the health sector will have to pick up the tab for this if they do.