Cloughmills community steps up to support older residents

Stephanie Scott, Age Friendly Coordinator, and newly appointed Walking for All Officer, Colleen Martin, with participants from Cloughmills Community Action Team during a session promoting Age Friendly and Walking for All initiatives.

A renewed push to help older people stay active, connected and heard is gathering pace in Cloughmills — with new efforts focused on turning the village into a truly age-friendly community.

In a joint initiative led by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, residents are being encouraged not just to take part, but to actively shape how their community supports positive ageing.

Community-led change begins in Cloughmills

Over the past month, the Council’s Age Friendly Coordinator, Stephanie Scott, and Walking for All Officer, Colleen Martin, have been working closely together to strengthen opportunities for older residents across the borough.

Their latest stop brought them directly into the heart of Cloughmills, where they met with the Cloughmills Community Action Team to spark conversations about what an age-friendly future could look like locally.

The session went beyond information-sharing. Residents were invited to play a hands-on role in influencing future initiatives — from consultation and partnerships to community-led projects designed to improve everyday life.

Central to the discussion was the Council’s Age Friendly Strategy, alongside the eight World Health Organisation age-friendly domains, which focus on creating environments that support health, participation and security as people grow older.

Walking programme aims to tackle isolation

Alongside the strategy, a more immediate and practical opportunity is already taking shape in Cloughmills.

Colleen Martin introduced the Walking for All programme, highlighting how regular, inclusive walks can boost physical health, improve mental wellbeing, and — crucially — strengthen social connections.

Residents are now being encouraged to step forward as volunteer Walk Leaders, with plans to establish a weekly walking group in the village.

The goal is simple but powerful: reduce social isolation while helping people stay active in a supportive, local environment.

Building a stronger, more connected community

Both initiatives are built around a shared vision — empowering communities like Cloughmills to create spaces where people can age well, remain active, and feel connected to those around them.

By placing local residents at the centre of decision-making, the approach shifts from top-down services to community-driven change.

And for Cloughmills, that could mark the beginning of a more inclusive, connected future for older generations.

Get involved

Community groups and organisations interested in learning more about Age Friendly initiatives or the Walking for All programme can contact:

• Stephanie Scott, Age Friendly Coordinator – stephanie.scott@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk | 07542 614665

• Colleen Martin, Walking for All Officer – colleen.martin@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk | 07704 073437

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At a glance

• Cloughmills is at the centre of a new push to support older residents

• Council officers visited the Cloughmills Community Action Team

• Focus on Age Friendly Strategy and WHO age-friendly principles

• Residents encouraged to help shape future local initiatives

• Walking for All programme introduced to promote health and connection

• Plans underway for a weekly community walking group

• Volunteers sought to train as Walk Leaders

• Aimed at reducing isolation and improving wellbeing

• Community-led approach puts residents at the heart of change

• Further engagement open to local groups and organisations