Love Later Life: NRC students join Mid and East Antrim Borough Council to promote positive ageing

Northern Regional College Staff and Level 3 Creative Media Practice students at the showcase of their short film Love Later Life.

Northern Regional College’s Creative Media students have teamed up with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council to produce a moving short film that celebrates the power of positive ageing.

The film, titled Love Later Life, was officially launched on Tuesday 30 September, showcasing the talents of the College’s Level 3 Creative Media Practice students.

The project highlights the importance of embracing ageing and recognising the invaluable contributions older people make within local communities.

The production was a major part of the students’ coursework, giving them hands-on experience in professional filmmaking — from concept development and coordination through to filming and post-production editing.

Bringing the Age Friendly Strategy to Life

Northern Regional College Level 3 Creative Media Practice students presenting their short film Love Later Life.

Love Later Life draws inspiration from the voices and lived experiences of older residents across the Mid and East Antrim area. The project aligns closely with the Council’s Age Friendly Strategy, which aims to create inclusive communities where people of all ages can live long, healthy, and fulfilling lives.

The Council played a key role in coordinating the initiative, working alongside statutory and voluntary organisations to bring the strategy’s aims to life through storytelling and collaboration.

Robert Wilson, Curriculum Area Manager for Creative Media at Northern Regional College, said:

“This collaboration has given our students an incredible opportunity to apply their skills to a real-world project that carries such an important social message.

“The students have shown professionalism and creativity throughout and we are proud of how they have used their talents to promote positive ageing in our community. They have also gained huge insight about the valuable contribution older people make and how they can learn from those lived experiences!”

Intergenerational Collaboration at Its Best

Northern Regional College Staff member and Level 3 Creative Media Practice student at the showcase of their short film Love Later Life.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, praised the initiative for fostering connections between generations.

“This project is a wonderful example of intergenerational collaboration. By working with Northern Regional College students, we have been able to share the voices of older people in our community while also inspiring the next generation of creative professionals.

“Launching as part of Positive Ageing Month in October, the film reflects the core aim of our Age Friendly Strategy, ensuring older people feel valued, included and empowered to play a full role in society.”

The Love Later Life project forms part of Finest Films’ Positive Ageing initiative, developed in partnership with the College to bridge the gap between generations and challenge stereotypes around ageing.

The Council’s Age Friendly Strategy continues to expand, encouraging collaboration between statutory and voluntary sectors to support older residents and promote greater awareness of their vital role within society.

Positive Ageing Month Celebrations

October marks Positive Ageing Month, an annual celebration of older people featuring a diverse programme of events and workshops throughout Mid and East Antrim.

The activities are designed to foster social connection, promote wellbeing, and ensure that older residents remain active, valued, and supported within their communities.

The Love Later Life premiere was attended by Level 2 and Level 3 media students, Northern Regional College staff, and Council representatives, who came together to recognise the power of creative storytelling in shaping a more inclusive and age-friendly society.

The film Love Later Life is now available to view below, as well as on the Northern Regional College YouTube channel.