On 21st February Castlereagh Lifestyle Forum held a hugely successful Tea Dance in Orangefield Presbyterian Church Hall on the Castlereagh Road in Belfast.  

Members of the Forum welcomed friends from across Belfast to an afternoon of dancing and fun.  The afternoon got off to a great start with the help of Patience Bradley who successfully encouraged everyone to get up and join in the dancing.  The entertainment continued with songs and music provided by Gerry Clooney.  The refreshments provided by the church volunteers were lovely and we all went home happy.  

Words Alive Writing Club were proud to present a selection of their work at a reading in the Group Space in the Ulster Hall in Belfast in February.  

The reading, one of the Literary Lunchtime events, allowed the members of the club to present their work to a wider audience and through it they met with other like-minded people who are also developing their writing skills.  

Words Alive have been meeting now for a few years under the wise guidance of Ruth Carr.  They have published a book of poetry (available from Engage With Age) and have a programme of monthly readings and visits to older people’s groups and facilities.  

Friends of the Asian 50+ Club from Castlereagh Lifestyle Forum and South Belfast Lifestyle Forum were pleased to be invited to join them for a party in February in the Olympia Community Centre in South Belfast.  William Dickson from the local community association was glad of the opportunity to share with the members of the Club his work in the local community and Lesley Clarke from the South Belfast Lifestyle Forum and Finaghy Friendship Group was one of the lucky prize winners.  

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Engage With Age is promoting the Active Ageing Programme for 50+ – East Belfast

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Active Ageing Programme – East Belfast

This June join the millions of people coming together for The Big Lunch, the UK’s sixth annual get together for neighbours.  A simple idea from the Eden Project, made possible by The Big Lottery, aiming to get as many people as possible across the UK to sit down with their neighbours and local community once a year in a simple act of community, friendship and fun.  To find out more about how to have a Big Lunch in your local area and have your neighbourhood counted in simply register online now for your FREE Big Lunch pack, stuffed full of useful resources, Free seeds and a sprinkling of inspiration to help you organise a day to remember.

The Big Lunch: http://www.thebiglunch.com/ or contact your local rep Grainne.mccloskey@thebiglunch.com 07703189048

Big Lunch Extras

All those who have a Big Lunch this year and want to take further steps in their community can apply for an all expenses paid Community Bootcamp at the Eden Project, Cornwall.  This camp is funded by Halifax and Big Lottery. First off, you’ll come to Eden, in Cornwall, for a weekend to meet folk like you from across the UK get inspiration, skills and the confidence to make real, positive changes within your community. You’ll then get the opportunity to attend regional events near you and access a network of people just like you to share ideas and resolve problems together.

Like our new Facebook page at the link below to stay up to date with latest news, information and events.

Welcome to our new website!  We hope that it gives you more information on what we do and how you can become involved.  Look out for regular updates.

We are very pleased to have moved into our new premises at East Belfast Network Centre, 55 Templemore Avenue Belfast and look forward to seeing you there soon!

We have issued over 250 invitations to our Engage With Age / Big Lottery Funded HOPE Project Seminar.  The seminar, which will be held in Belfast City Hall on 27^th March 2014, will examine issues around isolation and loneliness among older people.  We will update you on the event soon.