Who is Age NI and what is its mission?
Age NI is the leading charity and the voice of older people in Northern Ireland, having officially changed its name from Age Concern NI. The charity's mission is to help people enjoy later life and create a society that truly values and supports older individuals. This is achieved by focusing on key areas like service provision, advocacy, and policy engagement.
Key services provided by Age NI
Age NI offers a wide range of life-enhancing services and vital support to older people across Northern Ireland. These services are designed to address the diverse challenges that older people face, including social isolation, financial hardship, and health issues.
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Advice and Advocacy Service: The free, confidential Age NI Advice Line is a cornerstone of its support system, handling over 10,000 inquiries annually. Specialist advisors provide information on a variety of topics, including:
- Welfare benefits and entitlements
- Housing options and advice
- Residential and nursing care
- Health and social care issues
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Care and Wellbeing Services: These services focus on improving independence and quality of life through different channels.
- First Connect: A one-on-one service offering practical and emotional support during difficult life transitions like bereavement or illness.
- Check in and Chat: A telephone service for isolated or lonely individuals over 60, providing weekly friendship calls.
- Day Centres: Offering activities and social opportunities to reduce isolation and build community.
- Dementia Support: Programs like "My Life My Way" support those with dementia and their carers.
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Campaigning and Policy Engagement: Age NI works to influence public policy and legislation to improve the lives of older people and change the public perception of aging. They act as the voice of older people, ensuring their concerns are heard at the highest levels of government.
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Age Sector Development: The charity supports and works with a network of local older people's groups to help build their sustainability and amplify their collective voice.
Comparison of Age NI support types
Age NI's services can be categorised into proactive and reactive support, each addressing different needs of the older population. A comparison helps illustrate the depth of their work.
| Feature | Proactive Services (Wellbeing & Prevention) | Reactive Services (Advice & Advocacy) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Enhancing quality of life and preventing issues before they escalate. | Addressing immediate problems and providing critical support during a crisis. |
| Examples | Check in and Chat service for weekly calls. Exercise programs like "Move with Mary". * Wellbeing workshops and social activities at day centers. |
Free advice line for urgent queries. First Connect support during bereavement or illness. * Benefit checks to address financial hardship. |
| Targeted Issue | Social isolation, loneliness, physical and mental health maintenance. | Financial hardship, housing concerns, complex care needs, abuse risks. |
| Outcome | Improved mental and physical health, stronger community connections, and overall increased independence. | Resolution of specific problems, access to entitlements, and reduced stress during difficult periods. |
| Delivery Method | Primarily through phone calls, local groups, and tailored programmes. | Phone consultations, detailed information packets, and direct advocacy. |
Age NI's work on preventing poverty and social isolation
Older people are particularly vulnerable to both financial hardship and social isolation. Age NI's services are designed to tackle both these issues directly.
Combating financial hardship
Age NI helps older people maximise their income through a number of key initiatives:
- Benefit Checks: A crucial part of the advice service is conducting benefit checks to ensure older people are receiving all the benefits and pension entitlements they are due. This has helped identify millions of pounds in unclaimed benefits over the years.
- Information and Advice: The charity provides clear, accessible information on complex financial matters like benefits, tax, and pensions, helping older people make informed decisions.
Tackling loneliness and isolation
Loneliness is a significant issue affecting many older people. Age NI addresses this through social connection and practical support:
- Check in and Chat Service: This phone service offers regular, friendly calls to combat isolation, providing a lifeline for those who are alone.
- First Connect Service: By providing one-to-one emotional support, First Connect helps individuals navigate crises and reconnect with their communities.
- Day Centres and Community Groups: By fostering local social networks, Age NI's day centres and support for local groups help older people build friendships and stay active.
Conclusion
In summary, what Age Concern NI does to help people has expanded and evolved under its current name, Age NI, to encompass a wide array of vital support services. The charity offers free and confidential advice, provides care and wellbeing services like befriending and day centres, and campaigns tirelessly to protect and promote the rights of older individuals across Northern Ireland. By focusing on holistic support—from financial advice to emotional connection—Age NI empowers older people to live more independent, connected, and fulfilling lives, ensuring they are both valued and included in society. For further information and resources, visit the official Age NI website.
