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Home Health and Wellbeing Later Years

Later Years

The most recent census in 2021, told us that people are now living longer than ever before. The number of older people in our society is growing, with approximately 319,949 people aged 65 years and older currently living in Northern Ireland. In the Western Trust area there are approximately 49,709 people aged 65 years and older (NISRA, July 2021). The Health Improvement Equality and Involvement Department offers support, guidance and resources to help older people stay healthy and independent for as long as possible.

  • Positive Ageing

    Positive Ageing Month October

    We are heavily involved in promoting Positive Ageing and support a number of initiatives to encourage Active Ageing. Positive Ageing month happens in October each year; we work closely with the local councils, the Public Health Agency and partners to develop a brochure of events and activities for over 50s, some of which are available all year round.

    Positive Ageing Month is an opportunity to encourage people to get out and engage in their communities, and to highlight the valuable contributions that older people make to our society. Keep your eyes peeled for updates on Positive Ageing Month 2023 later in the year, including the brochure and calendar of events during the month.

  • Positive Ageing Small Grants Programme

    The Western Trust administers a small grants programme, funded by the Public Health Agency, where older peoples groups (age 50+) across the Trust area can apply for grants of up to £500 to improve physical activity and reduce social isolation and loneliness within their communities. Last year’s grant programme was a huge success, with 67 community and voluntary groups being awarded funding a total of £29,758 for their activities. See below the evaluation of last year’s programme.

    Positive Ageing Small Grants Programme

    Supported by Public Health Agency

  • My Happy Place (Calendar 2023)

    The “Your Happy Place” calendar has been developed as an age friendly initiative. The calendar is funded by PHA and developed in partnership with the local councils and the South West Age Partnership.

    During Positive Ageing Month across the local council areas, a competition for entries was held and residents aged 65+ years were asked to submit a photograph or an art piece of their Happy Place. Members of the Age Friendly steering group judged the competition and the winner and runners up from the competition are featured in the calendar.

    Contact the Health Improvement team for a copy of the calendar or you can download the 2023 calendar here.

    Happy Place Calendar

    Supported by Public Health Agency

    Logos for Fermanagh Omagh District Council, Derry City and Strabane District Council, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and South West Age Partnership

  • Falls Prevention

    Older people are more likely to attend Emergency Departments with injuries as a direct result of falls in the home. The following video provides important tips to help prevent falls in the home.

     

    Falls Prevention

    We provide a number of resources to health professionals and service users and their carers to prevent falls including:

    For further information or to request a hard copy of any of the booklets contact Una.McGovern@westerntrust.hscni.net

    Additional Resources

    There are also some other great resources which have been developed, to help prevent falls. These include:

    Public Health Agency Stay Steady Video

    nidirect | Keeping mobile and preventing falls

    Falls Awareness Survey

    Postural Hypotension Leaflet

    Fear of Falling Leaflet

    Strength and Balance Exercises

    Footwear Leaflet

  • Stepping On Programme

    For those who have had a fall, the Stepping On Programme offers older people a way of reducing falls and at the same time increasing self confidence in situations where they are at risk of falling. Falls are a serious problem, but can be prevented at any age. For more information contact Davina on 028 677 23843 or Davina.Coulter@oakhlc.com

    Integrated Care Partnerships: Falls Prevention (West) from HSC Northern Ireland on Vimeo.

    Stepping On Programme 2026-27

    Stepping On Programme Booklet

    Stepping On Programme Referral Form

    Co-ordinators Location VenueDates of Programmes
    Peggy Carty
    ARC HLC
    Tel: 028 68628741
    Email: peggy.carty@archlc.com    		FermanaghArc Healthy Living Centre
    Sallyswood
    Irivnestown
    Fermanagh     		Prog 1
    08/09/2025

    Prog 2
    12/01/2027
    Sandra Doherty
    Bogside & Brandywell Health Forum
    Tel: 028 71365330
    Email: Sandra@bbhealthforum.org    		Derry/LondonderryIrish Street Youth & Community Centre 19a Bann Dr,
    Derry
    BT47 2HJ    		Prog 1
    16/04/2026

    Prog 2
    11/09/2026
    Karen Campbell karen@roevalleyresidentsassociation.org.uk

    Tel: 028 677 69996    		LimavadyRVRA Community Hub, 35 Newtown Square Limavady BT49 0FLProg 1
    11/05/2026
    SHIP
    Strabane Health Improvement Project strabanehealthimprovement@gmail.com    		StrabaneMelvin Leisure Centre, StrabaneProg 1
    28/01/2027
    Jonathan Peberdy
    Old Library Trust,
    Email: jonathan@olt.ie    		Derry/LondonderryOld Library Trust HLC
    Creggan
    Derry/Londonderry    		Prog 1
    24/03/2026

    Prog 2
    January 2027
    Tiernach Mahon
    Omagh Healthy Living Network
    tiernach@omaghforum.org
    Tel: 028 82251559    		OmaghSt Columba’s Hall
    21 Church street
    Omagh
    BT78 1DG    		Prog 1
    16/04/2026
    Davina coulter
    Regional Co-ordinator Falls Project
    Tel: 028 677 23843
    Email davina.coulter@oakhlc.com    		Fermanagh179 Cross Street
    Lisnaskea
    FRCN Enniskillen    		Prog 1
    01/04/2026

    Prog 2
    30/09/2026
  • Services for Older People

    The Western Trust has a number of useful services for older people, these can be found here: Older People’s Services | Western Health & Social Care Trust

    Services which you may find particularly beneficial in relation to falls are:

  • Active Ageing

    As we age it is important to ensure we are continuing to keep active and eating a nutritious diet. This is very important for overall health and wellbeing. There is a wealth of information about how we can continue to lead healthy lives as we age, see booklets below on how to look after yourself at home:

    Download the Looking After Yourself at Home Booklet

    Looking After Yourself At Home Booklet front cover

    Download the Keeping Well at Home Booklet

    Keeping Well At Home Booklet front cover

     

    Additionally, please see the following pages for more information on how we can continue to keep physically active and eat well later in life:

  • Advice and Support

    Age NI

    Make the Call Service | NI Direct

    Advice NI

    U3A
    • Foyle
    • Omagh – Ann Orr 077 1050 1914
    • Erne – Jennifer Scott 028 6632 4062
    COAST – Causeway Older Active Strategic Team
    Ally Foyle – Active Living in Later Years
    South West Age Partnership (SWAP)
    Beyond the Call Project
    Local Council Age Friendly Officers:
    Befriending Services:
    Community Transport:
    • Bridge Accessible Transport (Derry): 028 7126 7555
    • Fermanagh Community Transport: 028 6632 4260
    • Easilink Community Transport (Omagh): 028 8224 8140
    • Easilink Community Transport (Strabane/Derry): 028 7188 3282
  • Contact Us

    For more information on healthy living in later years, please contact the Health Improvement Equality and Involvement Department on;

    Email: health.improvement@westerntrust.hscni.net

    Phone: 028 7186 5127