Northern Ireland

Forum working to bring about positive change

Eithne Gilligan, head of policy and engagement, Age NI.
Eithne Gilligan, head of policy and engagement, Age NI. Eithne Gilligan, head of policy and engagement, Age NI.

THE Age NI Consultative Forum was formed in 2010 and consists of 40 older people from across Northern Ireland who act as a 'voice' for their peers.

The purpose of the forum is to identify the needs and concerns of older people in relation to poverty, health, equality and other issues and communicate these to the charity.

Its members engage with, advise and challenge Age NI on policy issues and on its strategic direction.

Eithne Gilligan, head of policy and engagement with Age NI, said the charity works with a range of organisations to highlight what really matters to older people, with the aim of bringing about positive change.

She said: "We do this by capturing the experiences, opinions and ideas of older people, through our engagement activities. We share the results of these activities with decision makers to inform policy, service development and delivery."

The group also campaigns and lobbies on issues that are important to older people and acts as secretariat for the All Party Group on Ageing and Older People at the NI Assembly.

Local people can shape and inform Age NI's work by taking part in its ‘In Your Experience’ survey. This will help the charity raise awareness of what matters to older people and what needs to change to make later life better. Go to www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/inmyexperience

They can also become involved by joining their local age sector network. Age NI works in partnership with these groups across Northern Ireland, ensuring that older people are included, engaged and valued. To find out more email elaine.curry@ageni.org or call 028 9024 5729.