International Day of Older People

Mid and East Antrim is proud to be joining the UK network of Age-friendly Communities in celebrating the International Day of Older People (IDOP) on 1 October.

On this International Day of Older People, we celebrate the vital role that social connections can play in our lives; from a quick hello on the street to deep and supportive relationships that are built over time.

As we get older, staying connected remains just as important. Ageing doesn’t stop us from forming or keeping relationships, but certain aspects of later life, like retirement or changing health, can bring both new possibilities and new challenges.

This year, we’re invited to celebrate and strengthen the connections that help us feel at home and build a shared sense of belonging in the places we live for Ageing Better.

MEA Agewell Partnership: ‘Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives’

Throughout October, Agewell is proud to launch the ‘Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives’ campaign in partnership with Libraries NI.

Through a powerful two- part video series, we’ll be celebrating the remarkable stories of local older people from Mid and East Antrim who have led truly extraordinary lives.

Discover their inspiring journeys by visiting the MEA Agewell Partnership website.

Free Dementia Friendly Choir

The Music Yard, Larne 2pm - 3.30pm

Do you have a passion for music? Meet the Dementia Friendly Choir.

T: 028 2827 7212

Christmas Intergenerational Small Grants Scheme

Small annual seed funding opportunity available, aimed at creating connections across generations and organisations that wouldn’t normally work together at Christmas.

Activities can be a one-off event or a project delivered over a number of sessions promoting the value of intergenerational connections at a time of year that so many may feel lonely and disconnected.

The small grants are £125, open to a range of groups across Northern Ireland including: care homes, schools, community groups, youth groups etc.

Activities must take place during December and be mutually beneficial for all involved.

The scheme opens today to celebrate the launch of Positive Ageing Month.

Visit the Linking Generations NI website or E: joyce.savage@bjf.org.uk

Free Intergenerational Play Session

Legg Park, Carrickfergus 11am - 12.30pm

Kids! Do you have grandparents that you struggle to keep entertained during the day?

Come along to the park and we will keep them entertained while you play – all well behaved grandparents welcome!

Tea, coffee and pop-up play activities for young, old and young at heart! No need to book just come along and join us!

Resonance Art

Exhibition by Laura Butler and Audrey Kyle Friday

3 - 31 October Larne Museum

10am - 4pm Weekdays

Explore Laura and Audrey’s different artistic styles and discover a vision of the world beyond the present moment

The Story of The Seven Towers: Age Friendly Walking Tour

11am - 1pm From St Patricks

Church, Trostan Avenue, Ballymena

Join historian and tour guide Alastair Donaghy for an age-friendly, accessible walking tour and discover the fascinating story of the Seven Towers of Ballymena.

T: 028 2565 8604

Carrickfergus Artisan Market

11am - 3pm

Explore Carrickfergus’ Outdoor Artisan Market for handmade gifts and treats. Market Place, Carrickfergus (or Town Hall if weather is extreme).

Tapestry Weavers Ulster: The Short and Mysterious Life of a Textile Factory.

A talk by Dr Gina Pierce, London Metropolitan University. The Braid Arts Cemtre, Ballymena

10.30am - 11.40am

Dr Gina Pierce will be telling the true but intriguing story of a refugee from Nazi Germany setting up a factory near Kells to produce the most

beautiful and expensive fabrics to supply ocean liners, embassies and palaces.

Join us to hear remarkable pieces of local history and help Gina to trace the relatives of the workers who produced the luxury textiles.

Book or find more information by visiting the Shaped by Sea and Stone website or call T: 0300 124 5000 or E: BraidMuseum@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Silver Sunday

Silver Sunday is a day in the national calendar, the first Sunday in October, when we ask the nation to pause and think about older people and celebrate their contribution to society.

Agewell Community Wellbeing Day

The Parish Centre, Ballymena

10am - 2pm

Come along to the Parish Centre, Ballymena for a day dedicated to the health and wellbeing of older people.

Discover local services, connect with your community, and find out what support is available to help you live well and stay well.

Fourteenth Annual NICHI Conference, ‘Better Sleep’

Leighinmohr House Hotel, Ballymena

6pm - 8.30pm

T: 028 9447 8645

E: amanda@impactnetworkni.org

Free event, booking required.

Age Friendly NI: Regional Rapid Rundown

Free Online Session

11am - 12pm

Discover how organisations across Northern Ireland are supporting older people, and how they can support you.

Don’t miss this quick, informative online session filled with valuable insights and opportunities to connect with your community.

Book or find more information by visiting the MEA Agewell Partnership website or calling T: 028 2565 8604

RNID Hearing Aid User Support Services

Larne Library

10am - 12 noon

Drop in with no appointment needed to avail of Hearing Aid Support Services courtesy of RNID.

Free Dementia Friendly Choir

The Music Yard, Larne 2pm - 3.30pm

Do you have a passion for music? Meet the Dementia Friendly Choir.

T: 028 2827 7212

Interactive Online Dementia Training: Engage with Age for Dementia Friendly East Belfast

Free Online Session 7pm - 9pm

Dementia Friendly East Belfast presents its Online Interactive Dementia Training, via Zoom.

This excellent training is suitable for carers, family members and health workers.

It’s packed with tips and useful information.

‘Very worthwhile session. Excellent’, ‘Great videos and visuals’, ‘Very informative’, ‘I definitely feel like I know more.’

Book or find more information by visiting the Interactive Dementia Training October 2025 listing on the Eventbrite booking platform.

Connect North Drop In Session

Kell and Connor Library

10.30am -12.30pm

Would you benefit from personalised support for your health and wellbeing?

Come along and chat with your local Connect North Link

Worker who will help you access local services, advice, resources, or community connections.

Find more information by contacting E: connectnorth@ northerntrust.hscni.net

Free Intergenerational Play Session

Dixon Park, Larne

11am - 12.30pm

Kids! Do you have grandparents that you struggle to keep entertained during the day?

Come along to the park and we will keep them entertained while you play – all well behaved grandparents welcome!

Tea, coffee and pop-up play activities for young, old and young at heart!

No need to book just come along and join us!

Agewell Flower Friends Across Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Larne

Keep an eye out for surprise bouquets of flowers across

Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Larne!

If you find some, give them to the next older person you meet to help us celebrate Positive Ageing Month.

Explore the Hidden Village of Galboly:

A Walk Guided by Ramble with Robert

11am

Join Antrim Glens native and trained tour guide Robert Stewart to explore The Hidden Village of Galboly and beyond!

Expect fantastic historical insight, local stories, and great craic whilst you walk and enjoy the great outdoors.

• 2-2.5 hours walking - including steep inclines
• Suitable clothing and footwear required
• Good level of fitness needed

Final Information including meeting point will be sent out to those registered via email before the walk.

E: outdoor.recreation@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Watercolour Workshop with Audrey Kyle

Larne Museum & Arts Centre

1.30pm - 4.30pm

Relax and enjoy some creativity, colour and mindfulness, as Audrey shares her unique style and guides you in the art of watercolour painting.

This free workshop is suitable for beginners.

All materials provided.

E: marian.kelso@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Agewell Craft Fair

Houstons Mill, Broughshane

10am - 3pm

Explore a vibrant showcase of artisan crafters, all gathered in the stunning setting of Houston’s Mill.

A perfect Autumn day out filled with creativity, community, and handcrafted treasures.

Suggested entry donation is £3

Agewell Adventures

Ballymena to Magherafelt by Bus, All Day

Fancy a day out?

Maybe you are unsure about using public transport or perhaps you would like to meet new people?

Join us for a funfilled day out to Magherafelt by bus, using your Smart Travel Pass.

Book or find more information by contacting T: 028 2565 8604

Harbour Seniors in October

Sandy Bay Pavillion, Tower road, Larne

12 noon - 1.30pm

Monthly meeting of the Seniors Group: Learning with Fun! Meeting every second Tuesday of the month, sometimes with a trip.

Registration open to all seniors and carers, just turn up and you will be made very welcome!

Cost of £2 for refreshment.

For more information contact M: 07821 899 013 or E: hazelrbell68@gmail.com

RNID Hearing Aid User Support Services

Larne Library

10am - 12 noon

Drop in with no appointment needed to avail of Hearing Aid

Support Services courtesy of RNID.

Free Dementia Friendly Choir

The Music Yard, Larne

2pm - 3.30pm

Do you have a passion for music?

Meet the Dementia Friendly Choir.

T: 028 2827 7212

Carers’ Support Group

Maine Business Centre, Cullybackey

10am - 10.30am

Support group for family or friends of anyone caring for a person with dementia providing emotional support and information.

Free meetings throughout the year.

For more information contact M: 07918 661 823 or E: valerie.guthrie@alzheimers.org.uk

Free Intergenerational Play Session

Legg Park, Carrickfergus

11am - 12.30pm

Kids! Do you have grandparents that you struggle to keep entertained during the day?

Come along to the park and we will keep them entertained while you play – all well behaved grandparents welcome!

Tea, coffee and pop-up play activities for young, old and young at heart! No need to book just come along and join us!

Connect North: Drop in Session

Portglenone Library

10.30am - 12.30pm

Would you benefit from personalised support for your health and wellbeing?

Come along and chat with your local Connect North Link

Worker who will help you access local services, advice, resources, or community connections.

E: connectnorth@ northerntrust.hscni.net

UK Centre for Ageing Better

Employers Pledge Information Session

Free Online Session

11.30am

The Age-friendly Employer Pledge is a nationwide programme for UK employers who recognise the importance and value of older workers.

Employers commit to improving work for people in their 50s and 60s and taking the necessary action to help them flourish in a multigenerational workforce.

MS Teams Meeting ID: 370 885 891 813 1

Passcode: zs2Mm7v7

Drop in Session

Free International Play Session

People’s Park, Ballymena 11am - 12.30pm

Kids! Do you have grandparents that you struggle to keep entertained during the day?

Come along to the park and we will keep them entertained while you play – all well behaved grandparents welcome!

Tea, coffee and pop-up play activities for young, old and young at heart!

No need to book just come along and join us!

Carers’ Support Group

Maine Business Centre, Cullybackey

10am - 10.30am

Support group for family or friends of anyone caring for a person with dementia providing emotional support and information.

Free throughout the year.

For more information contact E: valerie.guthrie@alzheimers.org.uk or M: 07918 661 823

Stop - Check - Ask

Staying Scam Aware with TV Licensing

Free Online Session

11.30am - 12pm

Scams using false TV Licensing communications have become a regular occurrence throughout Northern Ireland since 2020.

TV Licensing asks that everyone follow the Stop - Check - Ask procedure for all TV Licensing materials before sharing personal details and financial information.

MS Teams Meeting ID: 318 945 941 246 4

Passcode: CE77Dj2L

RNID Hearing Aid User Support Services

Carrickfergus Library

10am - 12 noon

Drop in with no appointment needed to avail of Hearing Aid Support Services courtesy of RNID.

Free Later Life Hobby:

An Exhibition of Art by Margaret Cowie

Carrickfergus Museum

20 - 27 October 2025

9am - 5pm

Margaret began her painting hobby later in life, but it has blossomed into an exhibition of her work.

Come and see it and be inspired to start your Later Life Hobby!

Lunch and Music Club

Harryville Community Centre

12.30pm - 3pm

Meet monthly throughout the year to enjoy lunch with friends.

Cost £5 per person

Agewell Adventures:

Larne/Carrickfergus to Banbridge

Fancy a day out?

Maybe you are unsure about using public transport or perhaps you would like to meet new people?

Join us for a fun filled day out to Banbridge by train, using your Smart Travel Pass.

To book and for more information contact T: 028 2565 8604

Free Dementia Friendly Choir

The Music Yard, Larne

2pm - 3.30pm

Do you have a passion for music?

Meet the Dementia Friendly Choir.

T: 028 2827 7212

Mid and East Antrim: Rapid Rundown

Free Online Session

11am - 12 noon

Discover how local organisations in the Mid and East Antrim area are supporting older people, and how they can support you.

Don’t miss this quick, informative session packed with valuable insights and community connections.

Discover their inspiring journeys by visiting the MEA Agewell Partnership website or T: 028 2565 8604

Connect North Drop In Session

Carnlough Library

10am - 12 noon

Would you benefit from personalised support for your health and wellbeing?

Come along and chat with your local Connect North Link

Worker who will help you access local services, advice, resources, or community connections.

Find more information by contacting E: connectnorth@ northerntrust.hscni.net

Agewell Flower Friends

Across Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Larne

Keep an eye out for surprise bouquets of flowers across Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Larne!

If you find some, give them to the next older person you meet to help us celebrate Positive Ageing Month.

Carnfunnock by Foot: A Walk Guided by Ramble with Robert

11am

Join Antrim Glens native and trained tour guide Robert Stewart, on a relaxing walk from Carnfunnock to Ballygally.

Meeting at Drains Bay Car Park, walk through Carnfunnock past Cairndhu House, you’ll then head through Chaine Wood to Old Mill then onto Ballygally.

Expect fantastic historical insight, local stories and great craic whilst you walk and enjoy the great outdoors.

• 2-3 hours walking
• Suitable clothing and footwear
• Please pack a snack and drink

E: outdoor.recreation@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Bank of Ireland Financial Wellbeing

Free Online Session

11am

Nearly 1 in 5 people in the UK are over State Pension age (65+) and we can expect the average person to spend a quarter of their lifetime retired.

We know that when it comes to finances, the main focus for retired people is on managing existing resources rather than accumulating them.

They are doing this in an increasingly complex financial world, whilst being more likely to experience changes associated with health,  capacity, and bereavement.

To book and find more information contact T: 028 2826 2353 or E: age.friendly@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Residential Care Costs

Free Online Session

2pm

The online session is in relation to Planning Ahead for Future Care costs.

The session will look at

• Residential Care Costs, types and costs of Care.
• Financial Assessment re your contribution to Care Costs.
• First look at what is meant by Capital - What is included as Capital?
• Then look at what is meant by Income - What is included as Income.
• Current Legislation and Future Legislation.

To book and find more information contact T: 028 2826 2353 E: age.friendly@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Later Life Hobby: Paint by Numbers Workshop

Carrickfergus Museum

10.30am - 1.30pm

Even if you have never picked up a paint brush before, come along for a relaxing morning where you will make your own piece of art – a custom paint-by-numbers kit of Carrickfergus!

Inspired by the display of pieces produced by Margaret Cowie, a 90-year-old Carrickfergus Manor resident, Carrickfergus Museum is offering the chance to pick up a new hobby and meet new people.

Booking is essential as spaces are limited.

To book and find more information contact T:  028 2826 2353 or E: age.friendly@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Sponsored by Paint With Numbers UK

Agewell Flower Friends

Across Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Larne

Keep an eye out for surprise bouquets of flowers across Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Larne!

If you find some, give them to the next older person you meet to help us celebrate Positive Ageing Month.

Dementia Friendly Prom Friendship Group

Prom Café, Larne Leisure Centre

6pm - 7.30pm

A safe and supportive environment for people living with dementia to participate in leisure and social activities with volunteers.

Confidential peer support for carers, with talks and activities to promote good health and wellbeing.

To book and find more information contact T: 028 2827 4662

Free Dementia Friendly Choir

The Music Yard, Larne

2pm - 3.30pm

Do you have a passion for music?

Meet the Dementia Friendly Choir.

T: 028 2827 7212

CarrickFEARgus

Shaftsbury Park, Carrickfergus

Annual Halloween Event suitable for the whole family.

Spooky fun, delicious food and haunting characters collide to create a spooktacular night out!

Don’t forget your costume!

Visit the Shaped by Sea and Stone website for details.

Agewell AGM and Launch of Age and Opportunity Report:

Understanding 50+ Employment Needs in Mid and East Antrim

AEL, Pound Street, Larne

10am - 1.30pm

This year’s AGM will also feature the official launch of a new report highlighting the experiences, challenges, and opportunities for older adults in today’s workforce.

To book and find more information contact T: 028 2565 8604

Spook Online Chocolate Bingo:

Engage With Age

Free Online Session

7.30pm - 8.30pm

It’s online bingo, but not as you know it. Eyes down for an evening of music with Victor Mawhinney, games and bingo fun.

Fancy dress encouraged!

To book and find more information contact T: 028 9073 5696 or E: info@engagewithage.org.uk

MEA Outdoor Bat Walk

Diamond Jubilee Wood, Whitehead

5pm - 7pm

Go bat hunting this Halloween! Explore the woods after dark with torches and bat detectors and see what fascinating creatures you can see in the night sky.

Please bring your own torch if you have one.

Do you want to learn more about these fascinating mammals?

Enjoy a dander with local expert Aidan Crean, looking and listening for bats.

Come dressed up for Halloween!

To book and find more information contact E: marlene.gattineau@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Hallowena

People’s Park, Ballymena

Annual Halloween Event suitable for the whole family.

Spooky fun, delicious food and haunting characters collide to create a spooktacular night out!

Don’t forget your costume!

Visit the Shaped by Sea and Stone website for details.

Connect North Drop In Session

Whitehead Library

10am -12 noon

Would you benefit from personalised support for your health and wellbeing?

Come along and chat with your local Connect North Link Worker who will help you access local services, advice, resources, or community connections.

Find more information by contacting E: connectnorth@northerntrust.hscni.net

Halloween Hooley

Town Park, Larne

Annual Halloween Event suitable for the whole family.

Spooky fun, delicious food and haunting characters collide to create a spooktacular night out!

Don’t forget your costume!

Visit the Shaped by Sea and Stone website for details.