Marianne Skelcher, Chair of the Board of Trustees for Engage with Age says:

“After nine successful years our Chief Executive is moving on, and we are now looking for the right person to pick up the leadership reins.

It is a great time to be joining us at Engage with Age. We are just coming to the end of year two of a three year strategic plan, we have great relationships with our core funders and are in a good position financially, despite the challenges facing all organisations in the charity sector, which are not to be underestimated.

We are looking for someone who is empathetic, energetic, passionate and positive, and who understands the needs, vulnerabilities and strengths of older people, recognising their value and contribution to society. The successful candidate will be an excellent leader and creative problem solver, possess strong financial acumen, and a well-developed ability to build and nurture sound relationships with funders and other stakeholders.

If you fit the bill, we would be delighted to hear from you.”

The deadline for applications is 4pm Friday 28th March 2025.

For an application pack and application form, log on to Community NI at https://www.communityni.org/job/chief-executive-officer-52

After nine years at the helm, our Director Eamon Quinn is moving on from Engage with Age to pursue a career in consulting and freelancing. It’s been a wonderful nine years and it has flown by in a blink. Eamon will be around for a while, departing in mid-June after handing over to a new Engage with Age CEO.

Watch this page for news of the job advert next week. But for now, well done Eamon and many thanks.

Engage with Age sends best wishes to everyone for a wonderful 2025.

What better way to start the year than by signing up to receive our PAL Gazette Newspaper.

The PAL Gazette is published every month. It is written by older people, for older people and it is packed full of articles, information on opportunities for older people, quizzes, recipes, crafting and more. The gazette is a printed paper that is currently posted free of charge to 1,500 older people in Belfast and circulated online far and wide.

It’s free to sign up. If you would like to join the PAL Gazette mailing list, email info@engagewithage.org.uk or telephone 028 9073 5696.

If you would like to look at previous editions of The PAL Gazette, click this link to be taken to the Gazette pages on this website: https://engagewithage.org.uk/media/pal-gazette/

The PAL Gazette is funded by the Community Fund of the National Lottery.

As we come to the end of the year we’d like to thank everyone who has supported Engage with Age this year. Everyone who has attended a session made an artwork, danced a dance with us, volunteered and telephoned as a befriender, our funders, supporters, the venues and community centres we use every week, our partner organisations, and our board and staff.  We would like to wish everyone good wishes over the festive season and wish you all a happy 2025.

We are delighted to welcome Colin McKinty who has joined Engage with Age as our new Development Officer for South Belfast.  Colin McKinty has worked with a range of community and voluntary organisations in Northern Ireland.  He has worked with Headway (the brain injury charity), Glebe House, and most recently NI Environment Link.  His work has included working with older people, delivering mental health programmes, and environmental and nature projects.

You can reach Colin by email and phone: colin.mckinty@engagewithage.org.uk telephone 028 9073 5696/ 07468 695593

Just when you thought it was safe to dance!!!

It’s back and it’s super spooky.

The Spooky Slipped Disco

7.30 pm Wednesday 30^th October 2024

At the Oh Yeah Centre, 15-21 Gordon Street, Belfast  BT1 2LG

To book your tickets call Engage with Age on 028 9073 5696

Or book online at:  https://TheSpookySlippedDisco2024.eventbrite.co.uk

Full bar, fancy dress encouraged!

Engage with Age’s Dementia Friendly Artist in Residence programme has its exhibition on tour, visiting 2 Royal Avenue.

The “Presence in the Past” exhibition has been to Saintfield Road Library, the Skainos Centre, Holywood Arches Library, and throughout October will visit 2 Royal Avenue in Belfast’s City Centre.

The exhibition is a collection of work made by people living with dementia, facilitated by Artist in Residence Anna O’Kane.  The artworks are in a range of media and all are inspired by the memories and interests of the participants.  Participants have come from five centres in Belfast – Sydenham Court Support Living Centre, Kirk House, Edgecumbe Day Centre, Mount Oriel  Day Centre, and City Way Day Centre.

“Presence in the Past” is at 2 Royal Avenue 1^st – 31^st October 2024, with the venue open 10am – 6pm daily.

October sees an incredible array of activities for older people through Belfast City Council’s Positive Ageing Month, which runs from 1^st-31^st October.

This year’s programme has a significant mix of activities which include dances, talks, crafts, and film screenings.  As ever there are also session on advice and benefits, support with IT, and health talks and workshops.

Most of the events are free of charge, with only minimal charges for a small number of events.

To look at the full programme, click here:  https://online.flippingbook.com/view/937679580/

For further information telephone 028 9032 0202

At the Oh Yeah Centre
7.30pm Monday 26th August 2024

What a summer we’re having!!! Get your shades and flip flops on and join us at the Summer Slipped Disco at the Oh Yeah Centre. Get that “life’s a beach” feeling with the best music from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. And with this being an indoor event, rain will definitely not stop play! With DJs Groover and Rhythm Bandit and a full bar.

To book telephone Engage with Age on 028 9073 5696.
Book online by clicking: https://summerslippeddisco.eventbrite.co.uk

Engage with Age has a wonderful array of activities lined up for September, presented at Finaghy Community Centre in partnership with Belfast City Council and Forward South.

A whole range of activities are available.  On Tuesdays there are sessions including yoga, boccia and arts and crafts, and on Wednesdays there are classes in using IT/ computers, and also cookery.  The whole programme culminates with a Health and Wellbeing Day between 12-3pm on Wednesday 2^nd October 2024.

Booking is essential as places are limited, but all activities are offered free of charge.  To book, telephone 028 9062 0474.