Menu
02/10/2009
NI's Older People To Gain Representation
The public are to be asked what they think about a proposal to create an Older People's Commissioner for NI.
Stormont Junior Ministers Robin Newton and Gerry Kelly this week launched a public consultation on the issue.
The news came as the Ministers hosted an event for older people to celebrate United Nations International Day of Older People.
Speaking in the Everglades Hotel, Londonderry, Minister Newton said: "The Executive's Programme for government includes a commitment to deliver a strong independent voice for older people.
"Today's consultation announcement is an important step towards delivering on this commitment.
"I would urge everyone to become involved so that we can ensure the consultation engages as broad a range of people as possible," he said.
Gerry Kelly added: "The launch of the consultation today is very appropriate as it is Older People's Day and this is Age Awareness Week with the theme this year being 'Representation'."
The Minister said that the proposed Older People's Commissioner's role would be promoting and safeguarding interests, advancing equality, challenging discrimination and empowering and enabling the voice of older people.
"We want the views of older people heard through this consultation so we can ensure the Commissioner, once in place, meets the needs of the people that he or she will represent and champion." he said.
Meanwhile, the NI Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie used Older People's Day to encourage older residents to check they are not missing out on social security benefits.
She said that research has shown that without social security benefits, 71% of older people in Northern Ireland would be living in poverty, but when social security payments are taken into account this reduces to 21%.
"I am committed to ensuring that older people have easy access to the support they need to enable them to live life to the full and make a meaningful contribution to society in their own individual way.
"Financial support will allow people to do this and this is why older people in Northern Ireland should make sure they are getting all they are entitled to," she said.
(BMcC/KMcA)
Stormont Junior Ministers Robin Newton and Gerry Kelly this week launched a public consultation on the issue.
The news came as the Ministers hosted an event for older people to celebrate United Nations International Day of Older People.
Speaking in the Everglades Hotel, Londonderry, Minister Newton said: "The Executive's Programme for government includes a commitment to deliver a strong independent voice for older people.
"Today's consultation announcement is an important step towards delivering on this commitment.
"I would urge everyone to become involved so that we can ensure the consultation engages as broad a range of people as possible," he said.
Gerry Kelly added: "The launch of the consultation today is very appropriate as it is Older People's Day and this is Age Awareness Week with the theme this year being 'Representation'."
The Minister said that the proposed Older People's Commissioner's role would be promoting and safeguarding interests, advancing equality, challenging discrimination and empowering and enabling the voice of older people.
"We want the views of older people heard through this consultation so we can ensure the Commissioner, once in place, meets the needs of the people that he or she will represent and champion." he said.
Meanwhile, the NI Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie used Older People's Day to encourage older residents to check they are not missing out on social security benefits.
She said that research has shown that without social security benefits, 71% of older people in Northern Ireland would be living in poverty, but when social security payments are taken into account this reduces to 21%.
"I am committed to ensuring that older people have easy access to the support they need to enable them to live life to the full and make a meaningful contribution to society in their own individual way.
"Financial support will allow people to do this and this is why older people in Northern Ireland should make sure they are getting all they are entitled to," she said.
(BMcC/KMcA)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
04 October 2011
Older Citizens Gain NI Commissioner
It has taken more than two years to be initiated, but from this week, senior citizens in NI are to have a professional voice lobbying on their behalf. The First Minister Peter D. Robinson and the acting Deputy First Minister John O'Dowd, yesterday announced the appointment of Claire Keatinge as the first Commissioner for Older People.
Older Citizens Gain NI Commissioner
It has taken more than two years to be initiated, but from this week, senior citizens in NI are to have a professional voice lobbying on their behalf. The First Minister Peter D. Robinson and the acting Deputy First Minister John O'Dowd, yesterday announced the appointment of Claire Keatinge as the first Commissioner for Older People.
16 June 2023
1 In 10 Abuse Reports Made By People Aged Over 55
One in ten people who report domestic or sexual abuse in NI are over the age of 55, the PSNI has revealed as they urge people to stand up against elder abuse and help raise awareness of how to spot the signs.
1 In 10 Abuse Reports Made By People Aged Over 55
One in ten people who report domestic or sexual abuse in NI are over the age of 55, the PSNI has revealed as they urge people to stand up against elder abuse and help raise awareness of how to spot the signs.
15 September 2023
New Older Person Support Service Launches
The Department of Health (DoH) has announced the launch of a new support service for older people in Northern Ireland. Shared Lives NI day scheme offers people aged 65 a safe, welcoming, family environment supported by carefully-chosen host carers.
New Older Person Support Service Launches
The Department of Health (DoH) has announced the launch of a new support service for older people in Northern Ireland. Shared Lives NI day scheme offers people aged 65 a safe, welcoming, family environment supported by carefully-chosen host carers.
01 September 2011
Lottery 'Win' For Village's Elderly
A project to transform the lives of isolated and vulnerable older people in south Belfast's Village area has been awarded a grant from the Big Lottery Fund.
Lottery 'Win' For Village's Elderly
A project to transform the lives of isolated and vulnerable older people in south Belfast's Village area has been awarded a grant from the Big Lottery Fund.
21 January 2005
Online calculator to encourage Pension Credit uptake
A new service introduced by the Social Security Agency will allow older people to work out how much better off they could be with Pension Credit. The service will enable older people to calculate their Pension Credit online through the Agency’s website, www.ssani.gov.uk, by clicking on the Pension Credit icon and from there going to the calculator.
Online calculator to encourage Pension Credit uptake
A new service introduced by the Social Security Agency will allow older people to work out how much better off they could be with Pension Credit. The service will enable older people to calculate their Pension Credit online through the Agency’s website, www.ssani.gov.uk, by clicking on the Pension Credit icon and from there going to the calculator.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
