Abbeyfield & Wesley, the not-for-profit housing association providing sheltered and family-style living for older people across Northern Ireland, is celebrating Positive Ageing Month by hosting intergenerational activities and events throughout October.
Across its network of houses in Northern Ireland, the organisation is opening its doors to young people to celebrate intergenerational connections. Girl Guides from Belfast, Irish dancers from Knockagh School of Dancing, Sea Cadets from Ballymena, along with grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and children of staff and residents, will be joining in to take part in a range of activities — from crafting, planting spring bulbs, and preparing bird feeders for autumn, to hosting a musical evening and even helping to wash residents’ cars.
This year’s celebration follows a landmark achievement for Abbeyfield & Wesley. The not-for-profit housing association recently became the first in Northern Ireland to be awarded the Independent Living Accreditation from EROSH – the UK-wide consortium for sheltered and retirement housing. The accreditation recognises excellence in sheltered and supported living and reflects residents’ own positive experiences of life in Abbeyfield & Wesley homes.
Patrick Thompson, Chief Executive of Abbeyfield & Wesley, said:
“Positive Ageing Month is about celebrating the vibrancy, creativity and participation of older people in the community. At Abbeyfield & Wesley, we see every day how our residents enrich not just life in our houses but the wider communities around them. This year, having also been recognised with the EROSH Independent Living Accreditation, we are particularly proud to showcase the warm, supportive and inspiring environments that our staff and residents create together.
Patrick continued:
“Positive Ageing Month is a time to remind ourselves that later life is a time to thrive. This year we’ve also partnered with the Insight Programme of Queens University Belfast to conduct research on engaging older people in volunteering, something that is very close to Abbeyfield & Wesley’s heart.’
Final-year student Vaishnavi Kachare is leading the project, which explores volunteering among people aged 50 and over. Keen to pursue a career in occupational psychology, Vaishnavi chose Abbeyfield & Wesley as her first choice for placement, recognising the organisation’s unique ability to offer valuable insights into positive ageing from both residents and volunteers.
It is anticipated that the report produced from the project will allow Abbeyfield & Wesley to further enhance volunteer recruitment amongst older people.”
To launch Positive Ageing Month’s celebrations, Wesley Court tenants Gillian Campbell and Colin Clarke, who both grow their own herbs, vegetables, and flowers, welcomed student Vaishnavi Kachare, Abbeyfield & Wesley Board Member Colin Sullivan, and Chief Executive Patrick Thompson to the association’s communal greenhouse for a tour.
Abbeyfield & Wesley Carrickfergus tenant Gillian Campbell said: “Living here has given me a new lease of life. I’ve made friends and there’s always someone to share a laugh or a chat with. It’s also been a great experience gardening in the greenhouse here at Wesley Court. Positive Ageing Month reminds us that getting older doesn’t mean slowing down – it means enjoying life in new ways.”
Gillian’s neighbour Colin Clarke said: “Moving into Abbeyfield & Wesley was the best decision I made. I have my own independence, but I’m never alone unless I want to be. The staff are so supportive, and the friends I’ve made feel like family. Positive Ageing Month is a chance to show that later life can be rich with connecting and meaning.”
Abbeyfield & Wesley has been providing sheltered and family-style housing and support for older people across Northern Ireland since the 1960s. It operates a network of houses where residents live independently in private ensuite rooms, while also enjoying daily home-cooked meals, shared spaces, companionship and the reassurance of staff support when needed. The association also provides almost 100 sheltered bungalows and flats for those with greater independence.
Abbeyfield & Wesley’s family-style houses are located in Ballymena, Ballymoney, Bangor, Donaghadee, Downpatrick, Greenisland, Holywood, Lurgan, Newtownabbey and Portstewart, with sheltered flats and bungalows in Carrickfergus, Newtownabbey and Belfast.
The association is currently welcoming new residents. For information on availability in your area, contact Helen Collins, Regional Housing and Support Manager, on 07587 657244. Virtual tours and full details are available at www.abbeyfieldandwesley.org.uk or by emailing [email protected]
