Latest news with #AgeNI
Belfast Telegraph
26-05-2025
- Health
- Belfast Telegraph
‘Planning for our ageing society is paramount. The demographic shift is a huge challenge'
'When you take on a challenge it's wise to get help from wherever you can,' she adds. There is no wetsuit today though, but a tidal surge is well underway — there are more older people in society than ever and the number is rising year on year. This, for Siobhan, is the day job. The voice for challenge and change. And much like the tests she sets herself during the down times, she's taking on a to-do list certain to test her. The 62-year-old — originally a Derry girl — is six weeks into her tenure as Northern Ireland's new Commissioner for Older People. While she leaves behind an impressive 15-year career with Age NI, it was the chance of having a greater influence and a louder voice that prompted Siobhan to take up the responsibility of holding Stormont to account on behalf of our rapidly growing older generation. And her CV is impressive. European vice-president of the International Federation on Ageing, a senior Atlantic fellow for equity in brain health and a member of Age UK's Services for Older People's Consortium. She was also part of the UKRI Healthy Ageing Advisory Committee (2022-24). A graduate of Ulster University, she holds multiple post-graduate qualifications in business, marketing, and brain health. But there has also been life experience. 'My background is in business and marketing but away from that I was born to older parents,' she said. 'My father was in his 50s when I came along, the youngest of 11. 'He developed dementia in his late 70s so I was always around it from an early stage of my life. My mother, well she was forever young. She kept active and seemed to get younger with age. I carried all that with me and when the marketing job with Age NI came up my husband Niall was the one who told me it was a perfect opportunity. 'I was very lucky to get it. Age NI was a great opportunity doing something I loved, using my marketing career to promote services for the elderly. 'But I have had my eye on the Commissioner's job for a while,' she admitted. A mum of two, son Rory is not long home from the US and daughter Cara is living in England, with both in their mid-20s. They still keep Siobhan on her toes, as do her two collie dogs. 'They need walked every morning before work — the dogs, not the children!' she smiles. 'It's been quite a comfortable introduction for me,' she admitted of her new role, taking to it like a seasoned sea swimmer to the deep blue ocean. 'Given my background with Age NI, I have been all too aware of the issues facing older people, so none of the issue surprise me. But that doesn't mean they don't have to be addressed. I'm learning a lot more about the governance of being a statutory arms length body, working more closely with government departments. 'The role is first and foremost to promote and safeguard the rights of older people. That's holding government to account for policies and practices, really making sure the needs of older people are central to the thinking and that there is an understanding of what aging these days is like. 'A big part of the role in these early stages is identifying where we can actually make changes for the better. 'We know we're in a society of austerity and cuts. Identifying where we can actually move the needle is going to be key, but there is a great opportunity to tackle ageism in our society and change the narrative. 'We do still have stereotypical views of what an older person is,' she said. 'Just because someone is over 60 doesn't mean they should be left to one side. They are part of today and today still needs them to be active in the workplace, contributing to society. We are not dealing with a homogeneous group.' No older person is, as she says, the same. But with age comes an increased reliance on a health service. That pressure is only going to increase in future. 'We have some very strong health inequalities. Life expectancy in areas of high deprivation is much lower' 'Planning for an ageing society is paramount,' said Siobhan. 'The demographic shift is one of the biggest challenges society is facing. We now have more people over 65 than under 19. That's going to increase. At the minute one in six people here is over 65. By 2040 that's likely to be one in four. That has consequences on the demands for services and that's something we need to be planning for now and not pushing down the road. 'We know there will be limits on budgets, but that doesn't mean there has to be a limit on thinking. We can, and the Health Minister has made it a priority, try to stabilise the health service, but we can plan for the future at the same time. All that costs is some thought. We need to make sure we are in a position to provide what's needed when that need arrives... and it will. 'Long term planning is central to this. There is an acceptance at Stormont we need to plan to an ageing society. Keeping them to that is something I will be working on, though it was disappointing to see very little mention of older people in Stormont's programme for government. That's something I will be working hard on to change.' It's not the only thing Siobhan wants to see changed. 'We do, unfortunately, have some very strong health inequalities. Life expectancy in areas of high deprivation is much lower than it would be somewhere else,' she said. 'And one of the biggest concerns for older people is access to services. That means waiting lists for hospital treatment, the ability to be able to get an appointment to see a GP and even down to the simple filling in of forms, much of which has now moved online and left too many people behind — with a concentration on a medium some of that generation struggle to understand or simply can't. 'We need to start speaking to people in language they understand,' she continued. 'Changes in technology are wonderful for those who can adapt. There are too many who are being left adrift. 'Northern Ireland is the only place in the UK where there is no legislation on goods, facilities and services. We need to make sure there is no room for discriminating because of age.' A meeting with MLA Claire Sugden is next on Siobhan's agenda for the day to discuss her private members' bill on that very issue. Seeking that help where she can and giving help where it's needed. 'But we also have to focus on the positive side of things by celebrating that positive contribution older people make to all our lives.' she added. '45% are volunteering, 37% are caring for others in some form and 16% still working in some way. 'People need to be supported to live healthier lives. One of the things I'm proud of from my time with Age NI was working with Lady Mary Peters on her Move With Mary programme. 'Yes, we are living longer, but we're not necessarily living better. We have to try to stay motivated to be as healthy, active and connected as we can be, but for some people that is very difficult. That's where we need to be providing more support. 'We need a transformation. We need to think differently. 'I love the challenge,' she added. 'It's about seeing what we can achieve and getting the right commitment to achieve it.' The most immediate task for Siobhan, though, is away from the office. Helping her son drive to Kerry. 'I'm not letting him go on his own,' she said. 'It's all about collaboration. It makes things so much easier when you work together to get to where you want to be.'
BBC News
09-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
TUV's Timothy Gaston's questioning of witness ruled not a breach of code
Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) assembly member Timothy Gaston did not breach the code of conduct while questioning a witness during a meeting of the Executive Office committee, Stormont's standards watchdog has found.A complaint had been lodged by Age NI after some of its staff appeared before the committee last NI argued Gaston's line of questioning towards Kellie Turtle was inappropriate and later complained to Stormont's standards investigation has concluded the MLA did not breach the code but described his questions to the witness as "excessive". In its report, published on Friday, Stormont's committee for standards and privileges said the commissioner had investigated two alleged breaches of the code of complainant had alleged Gaston had improperly interfered with the performance of the assembly by "distracting and diverting the committee away from the matter" that the witnesses had been invited to speak about and therefore interfered with the work of the had asked whether Age NI would regard it as transphobic if an elderly person in a care home requested to be assisted by someone of the same biological sex, and later made reference to previous comments on Ms Turtle's social media commissioner, Melissa McCullough, did not uphold the complaint, explaining that whether the MLA's questions were relevant or not, Gaston's role on the committee was to ask questions of witnesses who appear before also determined that Gaston had not breached another rule, which says MLAs should not subject anyone to "unreasonable and excessive personal attacks". 'Scrutiny is essential' Ms McCullough's report stated: "It is my view that it was excessive but not unreasonable or an attack on Dr Turtle to have asked the questions."However she did find that he had "failed to observe the Respect Principle" of conduct, which says MLAs should "show respect and consideration for others at all time".Following the publication of the report, Gaston said he welcomed the findings."This ruling is a welcome affirmation of the essential role that MLAs play in scrutinising public policy—particularly on sensitive and contested matters," he said."Scrutiny is not only permitted in the assembly —it is essential. Attempting to silence MLAs for raising legitimate concerns undermines the integrity of our democracy. "All who value freedom of speech and proper scrutiny should welcome this report."The chairwoman of Stormont's standards committee, Cathy Mason, said the committee took any allegation of a breach of the code of conduct "very seriously"."It is important that members should at all times conduct themselves in a manner which will maintain and strengthen the public's trust and confidence in the integrity of the assembly and that members should show respect and consideration for others at all times."
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Where can I get help during the power cuts?
Thousands of people in Northern Ireland are spending their fifth day in a row without electricity or heating as a result of Storm Éowyn. Concern is rising for vulnerable householders who are sitting in cold homes in the depths of winter, with little or no access to hot food or drinks. All of Northern Ireland's 11 councils have opened community assistance centres in which affected customers can take shelter from the cold for a few hours. Many of these support hubs are based in council leisure centres, meaning people can also get a hot shower and charge their mobile phones during their visit. Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) has published a full list of the available centres in each council area: Northern Ireland community assistance centres by location Ards and North Down Council said 110 people made use of its support services on Saturday and Sunday in various locations throughout the borough. But not everyone in rural areas has access to transport to take them to their nearest leisure centre or community hall. It is also the case that these facilities are only open during daytime hours, so affected customers still face going back home to try to sleep in cold conditions. The charity Age NI has been fielding calls from elderly people and their relatives, worried about how they will get through the next few days without heat or power. Its chief executive Linda Robinson told BBC News NI their call handlers are able to provide advice and signpost them to practical support thanks to the help of a network of volunteers. This support can include delivering extra blankets, clothing or hot meals to people who are have difficulty leaving their home. "If they are in areas where we have local age networks, we're certainly giving them contact numbers, or we can contact those [volunteers] for them," she said. She explained that many of the volunteers are drawn from community groups or church organisations, and Age NI has received several calls offering assistance. "I think that's our community spirit coming out again that we knew so well during Covid, where people are listening to news reports and are wanting to help." Ms Robinson also acknowledged support can be "patchy" in very rural areas and that not everyone who needs help will be on the radar of Age NI or social services. She suggests the provision of hotel accommodation, funded from the public purse, is one emergency measure that should be considered for the most vulnerable. "When you get extreme circumstances like what we've all experienced since Friday, I think you have to look outside the box", she said. "If we are aware of people who are most in need in terms of keeping themselves safe and well and warm and healthy - what are their options?" She suggested government officials should be contacting hotel firms with spare capacity and offering to pay for rooms so the most in need "can have a warm room, meals, breakfasts, dinners shower facilities - the things we all take for granted". "We believe that heat and power will be back on by the end of the week, and if that's the case it's not a terribly long time for people to step in and say this is something that we can do and make it happen," Ms Robinson added. The Age NI chief also suggested the government should reinstate the Winter Fuel Allowance for pensioners as it will take a lot of energy and a lot of expense to warm homes that have been without power for several days. Thousands of homes lost their water supply as a result of the storm and as of 16:05 GMT on Monday there were still about 1,000 customers with no water. Northern Ireland Water said the problems were either due to a loss of electrical power or damage to equipment and its working around the clock on repairs. The company is also working in partnership with councils to distribute of bottled water from the following locations: Omagh Leisure Centre – Old Mountfield Road, Omagh Enniskillen Lakeland Forum - Broadmeadow, Enniskillen Dungiven Sports Centre – 32 Curragh Road, Dungiven Derg Valley Leisure Centre – 6 Strabane Road, Castlederg Belleek Community Centre – Marina Road, Belleek Milestone Centre, Termon Road, Carrickmore Edfield Way car park, Fivemiletown If you cannot travel to these sites, NI Water says householders can call its Waterline number for direct assistance on 03457 44 00 88. 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐇𝐮𝐛𝐬-𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 We're offering small businesses affected by connectivity issues due to the severe weather... Posted by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council on Monday, January 27, 2025 It has been a stressful few days for small business owners who usually run their operations from their own homes. Some local councils are offering office space to members of the public where they can use council wifi services. The slots are available from 09:00 to 17:00 and have to be booked in advance. Newry, Mourne and Down Council has set up "work from home hubs" at its council offices in Downpatrick, County Down, and in Newry Leisure Centre. Lisburn and Castlerreagh Council is also operating a booking system for its work from home hubs which are located at: Arts Centre, Lagan Valley Island Bridge Community Centre Moneyreagh Community Centre Way to go yet in Storm Éowyn clean-up - NI secretary Effort to restore power is 'extremely challenging'
BBC News
27-01-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
Storm Éowyn: Where can I get help during the power cuts?
Thousands of people in Northern Ireland are spending their fifth day in a row without electricity or heating as a result of Storm É is rising for vulnerable householders who are sitting in cold homes in the depths of winter, with little or no access to hot food or of Northern Ireland's 11 councils have opened community assistance centres in which affected customers can take shelter from the cold for a few hours. Many of these support hubs are based in council leisure centres, meaning people can also get a hot shower and charge their mobile phones during their visit. Where is my nearest community assistance centre? Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) has published a full list of the available centres in each council area:Northern Ireland community assistance centres by locationArds and North Down Council said 110 people made use of its support services on Saturday and Sunday in various locations throughout the not everyone in rural areas has access to transport to take them to their nearest leisure centre or community is also the case that these facilities are only open during daytime hours, so affected customers still face going back home to try to sleep in cold conditions. The charity Age NI has been fielding calls from elderly people and their relatives, worried about how they will get through the next few days without heat or power. Its chief executive Linda Robinson told BBC News NI their call handlers are able to provide advice and signpost them to practical support thanks to the help of a network of volunteers. This support can include delivering extra blankets, clothing or hot meals to people who are have difficulty leaving their home. "If they are in areas where we have local age networks, we're certainly giving them contact numbers, or we can contact those [volunteers] for them," she said. She explained that many of the volunteers are drawn from community groups or church organisations, and Age NI has received several calls offering assistance. "I think that's our community spirit coming out again that we knew so well during Covid, where people are listening to news reports and are wanting to help." Should people be offered free hotel accommodation? Ms Robinson also acknowledged support can be "patchy" in very rural areas and that not everyone who needs help will be on the radar of Age NI or social services. She suggests the provision of hotel accommodation, funded from the public purse, is one emergency measure that should be considered for the most vulnerable. "When you get extreme circumstances like what we've all experienced since Friday, I think you have to look outside the box", she said. "If we are aware of people who are most in need in terms of keeping themselves safe and well and warm and healthy - what are their options?"She suggested government officials should be contacting hotel firms with spare capacity and offering to pay for rooms so the most in need "can have a warm room, meals, breakfasts, dinners shower facilities - the things we all take for granted". "We believe that heat and power will be back on by the end of the week, and if that's the case it's not a terribly long time for people to step in and say this is something that we can do and make it happen," Ms Robinson added. The Age NI chief also suggested the government should reinstate the Winter Fuel Allowance for pensioners as it will take a lot of energy and a lot of expense to warm homes that have been without power for several days. Where can I get clean drinking water? Thousands of homes lost their water supply as a result of the storm and as of 16:05 GMT on Monday there were still about 1,000 customers with no water. Northern Ireland Water said the problems were either due to a loss of electrical power or damage to equipment and its working around the clock on company is also working in partnership with councils to distribute of bottled water from the following locations:Omagh Leisure Centre – Old Mountfield Road, Omagh Enniskillen Lakeland Forum - Broadmeadow, Enniskillen Dungiven Sports Centre – 32 Curragh Road, Dungiven Derg Valley Leisure Centre – 6 Strabane Road, Castlederg Belleek Community Centre – Marina Road, Belleek Milestone Centre, Termon Road, CarrickmoreEdfield Way car park, FivemiletownIf you cannot travel to these sites, NI Water says householders can call its Waterline number for direct assistance on 03457 44 00 88. How can I work from home with no power? It has been a stressful few days for small business owners who usually run their operations from their own homes. Some local councils are offering office space to members of the public where they can use council wifi slots are available from 09:00 to 17:00 and have to be booked in advance. Newry, Mourne and Down Council has set up "work from home hubs" at its council offices in Downpatrick, County Down, and in Newry Leisure Centre. Lisburn and Castlerreagh Council is also operating a booking system for its work from home hubs which are located at:Arts Centre, Lagan Valley IslandBridge Community CentreMoneyreagh Community Centre
