A 'YOUTH club for older people' has opened in west Belfast as part of a new initiative aimed at improving health and the quality of life in the local community.
The new £1.6 million 'intergenerational centre of excellence' was unveiled today following the refurbishment of a derelict building on the Falls Road.
The facility, which is said to represent "the future of older people's services in the city", stands on the site of the former Lawther Buildings at Cupar Street.
The project, which has been delivered by Springfield Charitable Association (SCA), will provide a youth club for older people as well as access to advice services and support for those living with dementia.
The space is also intended to help "revitalise life in the area claiming back an abandoned building and creating better connections for older people within the wider community".
The project has been supported by the National Lottery Community Fund, Department for Communities, Wolfson Foundation and the Alpha Fund.
Terry McNeill from SCA said the aim of the project was to "improve the health and quality of life of older people by encouraging a more active lifestyle and healthy diet through a drop-in centre that also provides a safe place to socialise".
"This is a move away from reactive care to a more preventative approach to care provision," he said.
"Also within the building we will house an advice centre service that will provide the perfect location to match our advisor's excellent skills."
Mr McNeill added: "We believe this centre represents the future of older people's services in the city".
