Belfast To Launch Age-Friendly Charter

Belfast is launching an Age-friendly Charter for local organisations asking them to sign up to a series of principles aimed at making it easier for older people to use services across the city.

The Charter, drawn up by Belfast Strategic Partnership (BSP), is one of a number of initiatives highlighted at the Age-friendly Convention in Belfast City Hall.

Councillor Bernie Kelly, Chairperson of the Belfast City Council's All-Party Reference Group on Older People hosted the convention which was also addressed by the Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Maíre Hendron, and the Minister for Social Development, Mervyn Storey.

Councillor Kelly said she was delighted at how much progress has already been achieved towards making Belfast Age-friendly as it works towards being recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as an Age-friendly City.

She said: "We are working in partnership with a wide range of organisations, all of whom are represented today but the most important people who can help us achieve our aim are older people themselves.

"In consultation with them, we aim to highlight the invaluable contribution older people make to society in terms of experience, volunteering, creativity and business.

"We can be proud of the work we have done so far, but we have more work to do and the proposals discussed today can and will make a difference particularly as our older population continues to grow."

(CD)