News Letters

Month Summary
July In the summer newsletter we have included articles from Advice NI and Aware NI to highlight what these organisations are doing.
The Older People’s Advocate were invited to the launch of the Fold Brain Bus which has been designed to help people with dementia and the Alpha Housing AGM.
Read July 2010 News Letter
May The May newsletter contains articles from the Finance Minister Mr Sammy Wilson MLA and the NEA affordable warmth campaign. With updates on the Intergenerational Day of Solidarity and the trip to the UN for the review of Beijing Platform for Action.
Read May 2010 News Letter
March In this Newsletter we have included a piece on what we know so far from the new rates deferment option. The PSNI were also kind enough to supply us with some information on their new ‘Operation Bullent’- a Northern Ireland wide drive to prevent and reduce the number of crimes committed against older person’s, in particular it aims to tackle distraction burglaries against older people and to monitor bogus callers and rogue traders. The RQIA have also included a piece on their role and what their main functions and services are.

Read March 2010 News Letter
February In this months newsletter we have focused on community transport in the middle section detailing different initiatives and organisations. There is some information on the work of O4O and their trip to Finland and also more information on pensions.
Read February 2010 News Letter
January Januarys Newsletter contains information on a new Older Person Advisor Course being run by Advice NI. There is also some information on the new pension reforms coming into play in April 2010- included is some important telephone numbers in case of any queries around pensions. We have also included the Sainsbury’s home delivery and telephone order number for your reference and a date for an upcoming free conference being held at Queens University looking at how we can make the future better for Older People by looking at Cognitive Health and Wellbeing.

If you would like to be on the Newsletter distribution list please contact Emma on 02890316394 or EPatterson@olderpeoplesadvocateni.org.

Read January 2010 News Letter
December This December Newsletter has an update on the consultation process for the Commissioner events held in November. It also details some of the important meetings Dame Joan has attended in the last month, one being meeting the Minister with responsibility for pensions and benefits- Angela Eagle. To support this DWP have kindly provided us with a benefit uptake poster for your information. We are also happy to include the critical issue of Cold Callers, these are something the Older Community are very aware of and Trading Standards have provided a detailed article on what to do if you have a Cold Caller.
Read December 2009 News Letter
November This months newsletter sees the success of the intergenerational event and other information on intergenerational funding. It also has details on the new Dial A Lift scheme for rural dwellers and some information on Positive Futures- positive news for older carers
Read November 2009 News Letter
October This newsletter has details of the consultation events being held across the province week beginning 16th November – 24th November. We have dedicated the centre of this newsletter to benefits, access to benefits and advice from the social security agency. The last page is details of a new initiative piloted in Dumfries and updates on BT’s products and services for Older People.
Read October 2009 News Letter
September This Newsletter has an article on Age by Irene Kingston, and also new updates on the Advisory Committee to the Human Rights Council of the United Nations. There is a little section on benefits but this newsletter was dedicated to the ‘One Good Reason’ campaign- encouraging older age groups to volunteer.
Read September 2009 News Letter
August Looks at the extent of poverty in NI especially within older households. And has a detailed piece on older people and nutrition with an article form the Food Standards Agency.
Includes Updates from working groups such as NIO community safety group and cross sector advisory forum. Also information from the Parkinson’s society and Good Morning NI. There is a brief look at the UK Governments ‘Building a society for all ages paper.
Read August 2009 News Letter
July Outlines the role of the commissioner and where we are to date with getting this established in Northern Ireland. NIO Community Safety Unit and their role in making older people feel safe in the community in which they live. The new Vetting and barring scheme- how it will affect Northern Ireland and Older people. Break down of the Attitudes to Ageing survey.
Read July 2009 News Letter
June Interesting research into mental health and older people. Information on the commissioner for Wales and Intergenerational Solidarity. Note on concessionary fares and listening to carers.
Read June 2009 News Letter
May Outlines the first six months of the Advocate, and includes details of the aims and objectives of the Older People’s Advocate.
Read May 2009 News Letter