Ashleigh Erwin
Ashleigh Erwin
2 April, 2025
News

‘Be Safe, Be Well’ events promote safety and wellbeing

Antrim and Newtownabbey Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP), in collaboration with Age Friendly Antrim and Newtownabbey, held two successful 'Be Safe, Be Well' events in March 2025. These events hosted by BBC Weather Presenter Barra Best, brought together 370 senior residents from across the Borough at Dunadry Hotel and Mossley Mill.

(L-R) Kelly Doyle (ANBC Age Friendly Officer), Mikayla Cartwright (ANBC Community Wellbeing Officer), Councillor Neil Kelly (Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey), Yasmin Jonstone (Trading Standards), Barra Best (BBC Weather) and Kathy Wolff (Antrim and Newtownabbey PCSP Vice Chair)

The events aimed to foster a safer, healthier, and more resilient community by offering residents the opportunity to learn, share, and connect. Presentations included:

  • Trading Standards: Addressing the rise of sophisticated scams and promoting vigilance.
  • 'Take 5': Encouraging residents to practice five simple steps for maintaining mental well-being.
  • ONUS: Discussing the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy, emphasising community involvement in creating a safer society.

Attendees engaging with service providers
Attendees engaging with service providers Credit: ANBC

Attendees also had the opportunity to engage with various service providers, including Volunteer NOW, Consumer Council, Loneliness Network, RNIB, Libraries NI, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, Police Service of Northern Ireland, Women’s Aid, and Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council Leisure Team, who offered health checks.

Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with 97% of attendees finding the events useful, describing them as 'beneficial', 'informative', and helping them feel 'safer and more protected.'

Dunadry Hotel Be Safe, Be Well Event
Dunadry Hotel Be Safe, Be Well Event Credit: ANBC

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council remains dedicated to supporting older residents to age well, stay connected, and actively participate in their community.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Neil Kelly, praised the initiative, stating: "Ensuring our older residents feel safe, supported, and connected is a key priority for our Borough. The Be Safe, Be Well events provided invaluable advice, practical support, and the chance to engage with organisations dedicated to enhancing the wellbeing of our senior community."

Mossley Mill Be Safe, Be Well Event
Mossley Mill Be Safe, Be Well Event Credit: ANBC

The PCSP continues to engage with residents and the community regarding safety concerns. Stay informed by following social media updates at www.facebook.com/antrimandnewtownabbeypcsp

Left to Right Barra Best (BBC Weather), Kelly Doyle (ANBC Age Friendly Officer), Josephine Flynn (ONUS), Councillor Neil Kelly (Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey), Kathy Wolff (Antrim and Newtownabbey PCSP Vice Chair), Alison Gilchrist (Trading Standards), and Mikayla Cartwright (ANBC Community Wellbeing Officer)
Left to Right Barra Best (BBC Weather), Kelly Doyle (ANBC Age Friendly Officer), Josephine Flynn (ONUS), Councillor Neil Kelly (Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey), Kathy Wolff (Antrim and Newtownabbey PCSP Vice Chair), Alison Gilchrist (Trading Standards), and Mikayla Cartwright (ANBC Community Wellbeing Officer) Credit: ANBC

For regular updates, the Council’s Age Friendly Newsletter 'News For You' is distributed quarterly, keeping older residents informed about activities and support services. To subscribe, contact Environmental Health at T. 028 9034 0160 or E. envhealth@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk.