Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has celebrated the success of the first ever Seniors Summer Scheme, delivered as part of its Age Friendly Strategy 2024–2026. The pilot programme, which ran from late June through August 2025, gave older residents the chance to stay active, connected and engaged while many of their usual clubs paused for the summer.
Funded by the Public Health Agency, the Community Services Unit, and the Policing & Community Safety Partnership, the scheme offered a diverse range of activities, including exercise classes, craft workshops, exhibitions, tours, and even a circus skills workshop – all aimed at encouraging creativity, physical activity, and community connection.
Participants enjoyed outings and events such as a Silver Screening at the Island Arts Centre, a tour of the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum, Circus Skills training, Fun & Fitness sessions at Glenmore Activity Centre, a hanging basket workshop at Bells Lane Allotments, a visit to Ballance House, and a guided tour of Royal Hillsborough Palace. Transport was generously provided by Lagan Valley Rural Transport.
One local participant Maura (aged 80) talked about her personal experience stating she felt, “uplifted, energised, and more socially connected thanks to the scheme.”
Councillor Gretta Thompson, Age Friendly Champion, said: “As the Age Friendly Champion, I wanted to see a ‘Seniors Summer Scheme’ delivered during the summer months to support those who may become disconnected from their local groups. The scheme has been a great success, and it’s been fantastic to see such strong participation.”