Ballymena leads celebrations marking 70 years of Abbeyfield’s ‘family-style’ living

Residents from Abbeyfield & Wesley’s Ballymena house kicks off festivities as the housing association, built on companionship and community, marks 70 years of ‘family-style’ living with celebrations across Northern Ireland.

A pioneering approach to housing which has helped generations of older people remain independent while enjoying companionship and a sense of family is marking its 70th anniversary — with the celebrations beginning in Ballymena.

More than 50 residents, relatives, staff and community representatives gathered at Abbeyfield & Wesley’s Ballymena house on Ballymoney Road for a special anniversary lunch, launching a programme of events taking place across Northern Ireland.

At the heart of the celebration was Ethel McDonald, the Ballymena house’s longest-standing resident, who has called Abbeyfield home since 2013.

Ethel joined the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council to cut a special 70th anniversary cake, marking seven decades of a movement founded on a simple idea: that growing older should not mean losing independence, companionship or connection with the community.

(L-R) Amanda Dougherty, Support Manager, Abbeyfield & Wesley; Patrick Thompson, CEO, Abbeyfield & Wesley;  Helen Robinson, Senior Support Manager; Ethel McDonald, resident, Abbeyfield House Ballymena; Mid and East Antrim Borough Council Mayor Alderman Thomas Gordon; Margaret McCullough, Support Worker, Abbeyfield & Wesley.

From one ordinary house to an international movement

The Abbeyfield Movement began in London in 1956 when social reformer Richard Carr-Gomm sought a different way of supporting older people who might otherwise experience loneliness or isolation.

Rather than creating institutions removed from everyday community life, his idea centred on ordinary houses in ordinary neighbourhoods, where people could retain their independence while sharing companionship and receiving support.

Carr-Gomm described his vision as:

“A scheme to bring lonely people together, in an ordinary house, in an ordinary street, getting support and creating an atmosphere of companionship from neighbours and family; returning to the community rather than moving away from it.”

Helen Robinson, Senior Support Manager, Abbeyfield & Wesley and Miss Ethel McDonald Abbeyfield Ballymena's longest-standing resident, having moved there in 2013.

From a single house in south-east London, the Abbeyfield ethos developed into an international movement focused on improving housing and quality of life for older people.

Abbeyfield & Wesley has carried that approach forward in Northern Ireland for more than 65 years.

The organisation took its current name following the merger of Abbeyfield UK (NI) and Wesley Housing Association in 2013. Today, it provides specialist accommodation for older people, combining independent living with companionship, home-cooked meals and links to the surrounding community.

Why companionship matters more than ever

The anniversary comes at a time when Northern Ireland is facing a significant demographic change — placing an increasing focus on how people can live well and remain connected as they grow older.

Population projections from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency suggest the number of people aged 65 and over will increase by almost 45% over the next 25 years.

The number aged 85 and over is expected to more than double.

For Abbeyfield & Wesley, that makes the principles behind the movement — independence, dignity, companionship and community — increasingly relevant seven decades after they were first put into practice.

Helen Robinson, Senior Support Manager, Abbeyfield & Wesley; Emily Hunter, resident, Abbeyfield Ballymena and Emily’s niece Harriet Kane.

Patrick Thompson, Chief Executive of Abbeyfield & Wesley Housing Association, said:

“Seventy years on from the founding of the Abbeyfield Movement, the values remain as relevant as ever. Companionship, community and creating a place where older people feel valued, supported and connected have been central to Abbeyfield & Wesley from the beginning, and they continue to shape everything we do today.

“As Northern Ireland’s population ages, creating opportunities for meaningful connection will become increasingly important. This anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate not only 70 years of the Abbeyfield ethos, but the residents, staff, volunteers, families and communities who continue to bring it to life every day.”

Ballymena begins a summer of celebrations

The Ballymena gathering is the first of 11 anniversary events planned across Abbeyfield & Wesley houses and sheltered housing schemes in Northern Ireland.

Residents, families, friends and local communities will come together for coffee mornings, lunches, barbecues, musical events and open-door celebrations.

The Association’s three Bangor houses are also joining forces for a special party at its Ward Avenue house in Bangor this week.

Seven decades after Carr-Gomm opened that first house, the anniversary is ultimately about more than buildings. It celebrates an idea that has endured since 1956: that a good home in later life can offer both independence and the reassurance of knowing there are people around you.

For further information about Abbeyfield & Wesley Housing Association, visit:

https://abbeyfieldandwesley.org.uk/