Building an Age-Friendly Neighbourhood: Linn Road & Ballykeel

LGNI has been involved in the Feel Safe and Sound Partnership, facilitated by Mid and East Antrim Age Well Partnership for several years. Through this partnership; identified the need to build stronger and more positive relationships between generations in the Mid and East Antrim Areas. The local PSNI officers attended the partnership identified particular areas where they believed an intergenerational approach may be useful. LGNI worked with local groups in that area to submit applications to NIHE Community cohesion unit in order to fund two projects.

The first project, brought together local older and younger people within the Linn Road area of Larne. LGNI worked with Mid & East Antrim Age Well Partnership and Linn Road Community Centre to build the project, supported by NIHE. The participants took part in a school yard spruce up with the young people also undertaking a Age-friendly awareness training session.

The second project, Building an Age-friendly Ballykeel the Ballykeel intergenerational project, in partnership with MEAAP was based in Ballykeel Community Centre, Ballymena. Involving The Bright Stars special needs group young people, their families and some older people from the local area. Starting with crafts, exploring dance and movement, it aimed to develop participants’ confidence and positive relationships between the generations in Ballykeel. Everyone aged 5 to 60 plus enjoyed joining in.