New funding from the National Lottery Community Fund NI, which has been made possible
thanks to National Lottery players, has helped the Bogside & Brandywell Health Forum (BBHF) and the Old Library Trust (OLT) launch a new community initiative aimed at improving the health & well-being of people aged over 50.
Monies from the ‘People and Communities’ grant means that the Health Forum in partnership with the Old Library Trust, will be providing more services to older people in the heart of the community, in the hope of challenging loneliness and social isolation.
The launch of the new project took place in Bishop’s Gate Hotel on Monday October 9 with
over 100 older people attending as well as various stakeholders.
Speaking at the launch, Mary Breslin, Older Peoples Programme manager at the Health
Forum, said that the funding will help BBHF & OLT focus on older people for the next four
years, to engage more with their community across a range of different health & well-being
classes.
“Thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund NI, we have already begun rolling out
programmes specifically aimed towards older people that will help them improve their overall health and well-being and help integrate them more into the life of the community.” She said.
‘Loving Life, Living Longer’ programme classes have already been taking place in our new
community shed located beside Destined which launched in August. Classes such as Crafty
DIY; Lantern painting; Print making; and Woodwork are proving to be a big hit so far with our
older people who have been taking part in these fun and practical activities.
Mary added: “It’s a privilege to roll out such a vital service to an often-forgotten demographic. For our participants, Loving Life, Living Longer programmes have given them a sense of purpose and helps raise their overall sense of well-being.
“Our partners in OLT have also been rolling out a packed schedule of over 50s programming
under the ‘Loving Life, Living Longer’ banner, which has meant that we have able to reach
even more people across the community.”
Sabrina Lynch, Programme Manager at the Old Library Trust, a community partner in the
Loving Life, Living Longer project, said: “We are delighted to be a partner in this fantastic new project, providing much need support to over 50’s in the Triax area. We are looking forward to seeing the project develop, taking direction from all of our participants in designing exciting new programmes, meeting new friends and staying well together. “
Kate Beggs, Northern Ireland Director of The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “We are delighted to be supporting ‘Loving Life, Living Longer’ with a National Lottery grant
of £499,028. This project will be a great opportunity for people aged over 50 to get together
through a wide range of community-based activities and other events to improve their
emotional health and wellbeing.
“We are looking forward to hearing about the project’s achievements over the next four
years, and the positive difference it will make to the lives of everyone involved.”
To find out more about the ‘Loving Life, Living Longer’ Programme, contact Sarah at the
Health Forum on 028 7136 5330; email: sarah@bbhealthforum.org; or contact Jonathan at
Old Library Trust on 02871373870 or email: Jonathan@olt.ie