We are certainly getting into the swing of things! Engage with Age held a Christmas Tea Dance at the East Belfast Network Centre and entertained over 100 older people. Attendees were spoiled with tea, cakes and treats, with dancing to music by Victor Mawhinney.

We would like to wish all of our supporters and participants a very happy Christmas and send you the very best for 2020.

Get your spooky dancing shoes on! Join us at the Spooky Slipped Disco for an evening of the best music from the 1960s and 70s.

Join us on Monday 24th October 2019 between 7.30-10pm at the Black Box, Hill Street, Belfast.

To book, call Engage with Age on 0287 9073 5696 or email martin.towers@engagewithage.org.uk

Didn’t we have a lovely time! With great weather like that it would be a shame not to get the high factor sunscreen on, and eat some food outdoors. The PAL Project had a wonderful time with our summer 2019 barbeque. Participants were treated to burgers, hot dogs, veggie treats, music and even an appearance from an ice cream van.

The PAL Project is Engage with Age’s programme for older people who aren’t getting out and about as much as they used to. Our summer barbeque is only one of the many activities, most of which take place weekly.

For more information please contact Engage with Age on 028 9074 5696 or email martin.towers@enmgagewithage.org.uk

Did you hear us on the radio? Engage with Age had tremendous fun appearing on the John Toal Show on BBC Radio Ulster on Saturday 25th May 2019. Taking part in interviews was Director Eamon Quinn and PAL Project participants Kate Roddy and Stewart Hudson. A brilliant time was had in the studio with presenter John Toal, cook Paula McIntyre, and other guests including the wonderful musician Tura Arutura, pictured with Stewart, Kate and John.

To listen again, click this link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p07bbtwj

Engage with Age has been a research partner for the Ulster University/ Public Health Agency research programme TESA DRI. TESA DRI stands for Technology Enriched Supported Accommodation Dementia Research Initiative.

This programme has examined the impact of technology for people living with dementia. The programme has undertaken research all over Northern Ireland and is unique as the first programme to seek the views of people living with dementia rather than asking their carers or health staff. The programme has harnessed a team of peer researchers and also art and craft workshops as a methodology for gathering data and opinions.

The research programme seeks to inform better services for people living with dementia and improved commissioning.

To read the full report click this link: https://research.hscni.net/sites/default/files/TESA%20FinalReport%20%28March2019%29_0.pdf

Engage with Age is further developing its offerings for people affected by Dementia.

We have started a new fortnightly coffee morning group called the Tea Party. The Tea Party is held every first and third Tuesday of the month in 248 East Bistro, which is at 248 Newtownards Road Belfast. It’s a simple get together with coffee and tea, and perhaps a game or two.

For those attending who have a dementia diagnosis, this group us suitable for people with mild to moderate dementia, and everyone attending must be able to either attend on their own or have a carer/ friend to provide support (this activity doesn’t have staff to support participants).

If you would like further information please contact Martin Towers at Engage with Age on 028 9073 5696/ martin.towers@engagewithage.org.uk 

We are definitely getting into the seasonal swing of things. The Belfast East Seniors Forum and South Belfast Lifestyle Forum combined forces to hold a joint forums Xmas party. An incredible time was had by all, with a delicious Christmas Dinner, music and dancing. Here’s to the festive season.

Does using your iPad or tablet leave you feeling confused? Would you like to learn to be able to connect with family and friends online, pay bills, or just enjoy television programmes and books?

Engage with Age is offering iPad training for older people. Facilitated by staff from the A and I Goodbody Solicitors practice, we are able to offer a four-session programme to help you navigate your way around your device. Before you know it, you’ll be an IT and internet wiz!

To join in contact Cathy Chambers on 07468 695593 or email cathy.chambers@engagewithage.org.uk

Engage with Age facilitated a “secret shopping” trip to test the effectiveness of the new Glider bus service. Four older people caught the Glider in Belfast City Centre and travelled to Dundonald Park and Ride at the Glider’s furthest east stop, and then all the way West to McKinstry Road.

The feedback from the “secret shoppers” will inform a response to the Glider by the Greater Belfast Seniors Forum (G6) and will be passed on to Translink. This is part of the G6’s ongoing promotion of the needs of older people regarding transport in Belfast.

Engage with Age is exhibiting a range of artwork made as part of its TESA DRI research programme.

The TESA DRI programme has been collecting data from people living with dementia on how technology is impacting and assisting their lives. Engage with Age is a research partner of the programme which is lead by Ulster University. Part of the research process has involved facilitated art and crafting sessions lead by artist Anna O’Kane. As well as providing information, the sessions resulted in the creation of artworks.

The TESA DRI Exhibition is presented at Holywood Arches Library throughout May 2018.