Commissioner for Older People joins COAST in championing over 60s in Causeway area

The Causeway Older Active Strategic Team (COAST) hosted a stakeholder workshop in the Lodge Hotel Coleraine recently, with over 30 Causeway Coast and Glens statutory, community, and voluntary sector organisations.

COAST is a local charity committed to enhancing the health and wellbeing of people aged 60 in Causeway Coast and Glens Borough and are currently seeking future funding to secure their vital services.

The consultation workshop featured a keynote address from the Commissioner for Older People, Siobhan Casey, who praised COAST for its vital role in delivering valuable services that support older members of the community.

Tori Lowbridge, Manager of COAST emphasised the importance of the consultation event in analysing the needs of older people in the community; she said:

"There are 33,015 people aged 60+ living in the Causeway Coast and Glens area, this is expected to rise to 51,078 by 2039.

“As we are living in an aging population, this is now the time to make our communities Age Friendly.

“COAST ensures the voice of older people is heard and supports them to live happier, healthier, longer lives in their own homes. 

“The consultation and engagement were held to explore the current provision in the area and achieve a fresh, wider look at the older people’s issues facing the community and identity opportunities for improvement.

“As part of the consultation process, the workshop will enable the wider community to put forward their suggestions for improving our services and what our priorities should be going forward.

“During the workshop we explored themes of Changing needs/gaps, Key challenges, Strategic Guidance and Strategic Co-ordination. 

“COAST are funded by the National Lottery People and Communities to deliver our Connected Age project, which supports two vital services Good Morning Causeway and Good Morning Ballycastle.

“The aim of this project is to reconnect older people back into their community, alleviate loneliness, isolation and to ensure they are getting the relevant support they need.

“This funding finishes in August 2026 and we must now look ahead and explore every opportunity to secure funding that keeps our vital work going and secure the future of our services for older people." 

The Commissioner for Older People, Siobhan Casey, who attended the event, said:

"Organisations like COAST are vital in supporting older people in our communities often stepping in where public services can't.

“They provide a trusted connection for older people, helping them access services, stay safe, and feel less alone.

“I want to see this kind of local, community-led work recognised and properly supported.

“It is so important that we secure the future of networks like COAST, which are essential in planning for our ageing population.

“Investment in organisations like this is not just the right thing to do, it's a practical and cost-effective way of ensuring older people are supported locally.

“Groups like COAST are really leading the way in collaboration and community connection.

“With the right backing, they can continue to play a central role in helping to make Northern Ireland a great place to age."

COAST also receives funding from the Causeway Coast and Glens Policing and Community Safety Partnership to deliver a free Safe Home service for residents aged 60 and over.

Through this initiative, an Access NI-checked Handyperson visits the home to carry out a complimentary security assessment and install any necessary safety equipment.

In addition, COAST works closely with a wide range of partner agencies to ensure clients are referred to the appropriate services and receive the support they need to remain safe and well at home.