MEA Loneliness Network marks Positive Ageing Month with Volunteer Now event

(L-R) Sabrina Lynn, Northern Health and Social Care Trust, Wenda Gray, Volunteer Now, John Mitchell, Volunteer Now, Marjorie Hawkins, Chair of the MEA Loneliness Network, and Alison Kane, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council

The Mid and East Antrim (MEA) Loneliness Network marked Positive Ageing Month with a special community event in partnership with Volunteer Now, celebrating the contributions of older people and promoting social inclusion across the Borough.

The Network hosted its October meeting on Tuesday 7 October at Larne Bowling Club, aligning it with Volunteer Now’s Link, Lunch & Learn – Volunteer Organisations Linking Together (VOLT) session.

The gathering brought together local volunteer organisations from across Mid and East Antrim to share ideas, strengthen partnerships, and explore how volunteering can help tackle loneliness and enhance wellbeing among older residents.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, praised the initiative, saying:

“Positive Ageing Month is an important celebration of the wisdom, experience and contribution of our older residents. Events like this showcase the power of volunteering in creating stronger, more connected communities.

“I commend the Mid and East Antrim Loneliness Network and Volunteer Now for their dedication to supporting older people and tackling loneliness across our Borough.”

During the event, members of the MEA Loneliness Network discussed how to attract new older volunteers, support existing ones, and promote the benefits of volunteering in reducing isolation and improving quality of life.

(L-R) Sabrina Lynn, Northern Health and Social Care Trust, Helen McClean, Ageing Well Co-Ordinator, Johnston Birrell, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, Majorie Hawkins, Chair of the MEA Loneliness Network, Alison Kane, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Wenda Gray, Volunteer Now

Sabrina Lynn from the Northern Health and Social Care Trust highlighted the impact of community engagement:

“As a Loneliness Network, we wanted to recognise how volunteers play a crucial role in strengthening communities by enhancing social connections, building a sense of belonging, and improving overall wellbeing.

“Volunteering helps local people gain valuable skills, experience, and confidence, while making a positive impact on their community. This event gave us the chance to highlight how volunteering can reduce feelings of loneliness and increase confidence and general wellbeing.”

Marjorie Hawkins, Chair of the Mid and East Antrim Loneliness Network, said:

“In recent years, more local people have experienced loneliness and isolation. Volunteering is a great way to reduce these feelings – it can reduce loneliness, boost mental health, and foster a sense of purpose and accomplishment. It’s truly rewarding for both volunteers and those they support.”

Adding to this, Wenda Gray from Volunteer Now said:

“Volunteer Now are delighted to be part of Positive Ageing Month, which celebrates the positive aspects of growing older and recognises the valuable contributions of community and voluntary organisations in improving the health and wellbeing of older people.

“If you are over the age of 50 and living in the Mid and East Antrim area, we’d love to help you get involved. Please get in contact with me at wenda.gray@volunteernow.co.uk to find out more about local opportunities.”

The Mid and East Antrim Loneliness Network, established in late 2019, is a collaboration of community, voluntary and statutory organisations working to tackle loneliness and address vulnerabilities among people of all ages throughout the Borough.