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The past year has been a tumultuous one for Age Concern Causeway, as it has for us all! Our client group, older people, has of course been most susceptible to Covid19, and justifiably most fearful of its threat.

Before March 2020, almost all our support services involved some personal contact, be it socialising, support groups or one-to-one assistance. The lockdown forced us to radically reimagine and revamp all our activities in light of new legislation and people’s very changed needs. In addition, our shop has had to close for extended periods, resulting in a calamatous fall in income.

Overnight, many of our services were suspended (particularly Active Age). However, we developed and found huge demand for many new initiatives, including the delivery of prescriptions and groceries for those having to self-isolate. We are also making best use of the internet to replace face-to-face gatherings where appropriate, using technologies such as Zoom. Our website Services section details our current range of services, namely Better Together, Making a Difference and Helping Us Helping You.

On the funding side, we are hugely grateful to our funders and sponsors, who have supported us to develop these new initiatives; we have also taken the opportunity to renovate our shop and begin online retailing for electical and higher-value items.

“Due to our staff and particularly extensive team of volunteers, we have continuously delivered our amended services to the community of Causeway Coast and Glens” commented manager, Fergal Quinn. “Our services have never stopped since March 2020. Meeting the needs of our older people is why Age Concern Causeway exists.”

Calligraphy is one of our most popular Active Age activities, with two sessions a week at the West Bann Centre, Coleraine.

Our calligraphers enjoy learning and practicing the art of decorative writing in a studio classroom environment.

A skilled teacher provides personal tuition and guidance, whatever the student’s level of expertise.

Other comments from students:

I enjoy the Calligraphy Class, it is good to learn new skills: good for well-being and meeting others.

A group of friendly, helpful people that meet every Friday for Calligraphy class, a chat and a cuppa. Great Learning & Friendship.

I really enjoy the Calligraphy class. It is great to meet other people and join in the fun. I have been attending these classes for many years.

A very efficient caring organisation.

Great teaching. Companionship is priceless. Plenty of fun and laughter!

Many thanks to all our funders and sponsors, generously enabling our vital work.

Age Concern Causeway will shortly be holding its Annual General Meeting, at the West Bann Development Centre, Coleraine on Tuesday 21 May 2019.

There will be a light lunch at 1pm, followed by the AGM at 2pm, which will include presentations of our activities over the past year and our Annual Report.

Anyone with an interest in ACC’s activities is welcome!

23 March 2019: We were recently delighted to welcome our first ever Patron,  Ralph McLean: TV/radio presenter, arts commentator, newspaper columnist and radio producer.

Ralph was welcomed by Manager, Fergal Quinn.  On this special occasion Ralph said “I’m very proud to support Age Concern Causeway.  I believe the services they provide are so important for our community.  My own father Andy suffered with dementia before he passed away a few years back so I’m very aware of how crucial support groups and respite care are for those suffering with it and all the families affected by it.  These are issues very close to my heart and ACC provide essential care for those who really need it.  I am honoured to be the Patron for this charity.”

Ralph met with some of the shop volunteers who help in the shop.  Fergal said “Volunteers are the life blood of ACC and without their enthusiasm and care we would not be able to operate the charity shop or offer services in the local area.  I issue a warm invitation to anybody who would like to give a little back to their community to please get involved.”

Fergal went on to say “On behalf of the volunteers, Trustees and staff of ACC, Welcome to our team Ralph.”

We are currently recruiting volunteers across all services; Dementia Support Group, Befriending Service, Advocacy & Information Group and shop.

Please do not hesitate to call in or otherwise contact us for a chat about volunteering.  Even an hour or two can make a difference.

Coleraine Chronicle, 7 March 2019:

AGE Concern Causeway recently received a visit from the Governor and Deputy Governor of the Honourable Irish Society.

Sir Andrew Parmley and Henry Pollard were accompanied by Edward Montgomery.

They presented a cheque for £5000 to the charity to help support its vital services across the Causeway Coast and Glens Council area.

The charity would like to thank the Honourable The Irish Society for their generous donation and words of encouragement as Well as their support when they visited the organisation’s charity shop and offices on Brook Street in Coleraine.

As a local, independent charity, Age Concern Causeway is grateful for all donations – large and small — that it receives.

Currently Age Concern Causeway is seeking donations of clothing for their charity shop at 3 Brook Street Coleraine.

Clothing for all age ranges is currently needed. Please feel free to call into the shop from Monday to Friday, when it is open from 10am to 5pm, with your donations or telephone O28 7035 7966 to arrange collection.

Love is in the air this month at Age Concern, Causeway! We love love love your preloved donations! Why not drop in and find a little something extra special this month or a bargain that your bank balance loves! Wide range of preloved items for men, women and children. 💕

Age Concern Causeway, your local charity for older people, are delighted to announce our partnership with Edwin May Nissan in Coleraine.  On the 1^st Saturday of each month, staff at the dealership at Riverside Park South will be washing cars in aid of Age Concern Causeway.

Car washing takes place from 9.30am until 12.00noon for a minimum donation of £4.

Currently we at ACC deliver three Dementia Support groups, a Befriending service, an Advocacy & Information Service, an Active Age programme, weekly Lunch Club and our charity shop at 3 Brook Street Coleraine.  If you would like more information on any of our services please do not hesitate to contact us.

We would like to welcome everyone to this monthly car washing fundraiser and wish to thank the staff at Edwin May Nissan for their generosity.

On 12 December, staff and volunteers met up to celebrate another successful year for Age Concern Causeway at Shenanagans, Portstewart.

A great night was had by all, with delicious food and drink, much stimulating reparté and a speech of thanks by our manager, Fergal. This was a fantastic opportunity for everyone to meet up, since we usually work in smaller groups.

In line with our financial policy, The event was entirely staff and volunteer funded.