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Lisburn and Castlereagh pensioners make their voice heard

June 19, 2018

The Lisburn and Castlereagh Pensioners Parliament took place last week (13th June) with around 60 older people from the council area taking part.  The parliament, organised by Age Sector Platform and supported by Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, was held at Lagan Valley Island and was opened by Councillor Uel Mackin, Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council.

The parliament was the last of eleven local parliaments which have taken place across the province since March; one being held in each council area in Northern Ireland.  The parliament featured interactive voting, discussion and Q&A with panels of local Councillors, MLAs and policy experts.

Councillors answering questions on the day included Councillor Hazel Legge (UUP), Councillor Tim Morrow (Alliance) and Councillor Scott Carson (DUP).  During the afternoon, questions from the floor were directed at an ‘expert panel’ made up of MLAs Robbie Butler, Pat Catney and Paul Givan, alongside Linda Johnston from the South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust and Inspector Nigel Roland from the PSNI.

Mary Marr from Age Sector Platform commented:  “This has been a great opportunity for local older people to make their voice heard; and they have been very vocal.  Among the top issues concerning older people in this area are access to health and social care, fear of crime and transport.  With the Northern Ireland Assembly having primary responsible for these issues, it’s no surprise that more than two out of three older people in attendance believed their quality of life had suffered as a result of the Assembly’s collapse.”

Key findings from interactive votes during Lisburn & Castlereagh Pensioners Parliament:

  • More than two thirds (70%) believe the collapse of the NI Assembly has had a negative impact on their quality of life
  • More than two out of five (43%) are more fearful of becoming a victim of crime compared to two years ago
  • Around two thirds (65%) have seen no improvement in their care as a result of ‘transformation’ within the health service
  • Around one in five (19%) have had to cut back on other essentials (e.g. food) during the last two years to afford the cost of heating their home
  • More than half (58%) feel they have been discriminated against because of their age in areas like healthcare, financial services, transport or retail.

The Mayor, Councillor Uel Mackin was delighted to host the event and said: “In the Lisburn and Castlereagh area we have an ageing population and through all council plans and initiatives we have considered this trend.  This is essential to make sure our society is all-inclusive and everyone, including the older members of our community, feel valued and respected.”

For more information on the Northern Ireland Pensioners Parliament, visit www.pensionersparliament.org

 

   

      

    

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