Health and Social Wellbeing

Alcohol and Substance Abuse

Addiction Northern Ireland (NI)
Addiction NI provides specialist advice, training, support and treatment to people affected by alcohol or drug addiction.
Tel: 028 9066 4434/ 028 9072 1602
For more information go to olderfocus@addictionni.com or www.addictionni.com

Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.

• Greystone Community Centre, Ballycraigy Road, Tuesday, 8.30 pm, Thursday, 8.30pm
• St. Comgalls Youth Centre, Castle Street, Sunday, 8.30 pm
• Whiteabbey Methodist Church, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 8.30pm

Tel: 028 9043 4848
For more information go to www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Believe in Youth
Believe in youth aims to reduce the physical and mental harm caused by alcohol to young people by delaying the onset of drinking through education and alcohol intervention programmes alongside specialised alcohol intervention programmes delivered directly “where and when” young people congregate and socialise. This project will be delivered by Dunlewey Substance Advice Centre and the Northern Ireland Youth Forum.
Tel: 028 2565 2105.

Befriending

Alzheimer’s Society ‘Side by Side’ Befriending Service
The Alzheimer’s Society ‘Side by Side’ service provides clients with a 1 to 1 matched volunteer who is trained and will support them in doing an activity that they enjoy.
Contact Tel: 028 9336 2940
For more information see: www.alzheimers.org.uk/northernireland/.

Befriending ‘In Touch’ Project
The ‘In Touch’ Project provides a free befriending service which aims to reduce isolation and loneliness for older deaf and hard of hearing people across Northern Ireland.
Tel: 028 9023 9619
For more information see: www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/.

British Red Cross Connecting Communities
Aiming to help people to feel better connected and able to enjoy the benefits of being more involved in their local area, enabling them to realise the things they want to achieve. Develops a specially tailoured plan of activities focussed on helping you towards the brighter and better-connected future you want. Suuporting people to rediscover interests, rebuild independence, find new friends and enjoy staying involved.
Contact Tel: 0771 071 1170
Email: elizabethboyd@redcross.org.uk.

Good Morning Antrim
The Good morning call service seeks to establish, deliver and provide support and information to older or vulnerable people via telephone support through the following: Providing a befriending service through regular telephone contact. Assisting in maintaining the service user’s independence. Providing social interaction and reduced social isolation. Encouraging and developing social supports in order to reduce loneliness and isolation.
Family Caring Centre, 2-5 Somerset Park, Rathenraw, Antrim BT41 2TE
Tel: 028 9446 4619

Good Morning Crumlin
A telephone befriending service aimed at promoting people to live independently in their own communities and homes. Provides telephone support, enabling users to share worries and concerns, connecting them with local community activities and services to help reduce loneliness, isolation, ill health and fear of crime.  The service is available to older people, those with a disability, addictions or mental health issues and people experiencing domestic violence.
A Safe Space To Be Me, Head Office, 2  Bridge Street, Antrim, BT41 4DA
Tel : 028 9407 0356
Email: info@asafespacetobeme.co.uk.
For more information go to www.asafespacetobeme.co.uk.

Good Morning Newtownabbey        
The Good morning call service seeks to establish, deliver and provide support and information to older or vulnerable people via telephone support through the following: Providing a befriending service through regular telephone contact, Assisting in maintaining the service user’s independence, Providing social interaction and reduced social isolation, Encouraging and developing social supports in order to reduce loneliness.
c/o Monkstown Community Centre Cashel Drive Newtownabbey BT37 0EY
Tel: 028 9086 6385
Email: goodmorningnewtownabbey@yahoo.co.uk

Newtownabbey Senior Citizens Forum
The aim of the Newtownabbey Senior Citizens Forum is to improve the health and wellbeing of people over 50 years in the Newtownabbey area. It has been delivering a weekly programme with, e.g. bowls, walking, healthy living classes etc. From January 2013 the Forum is delivering a number of projects.
The Barron Hall, 230 Antrim Road, Newtownabbey BT36 7QX
Tel: 028 9083 8848

Praxis
Praxis Care operates a volunteer befriending scheme which offers friendship and support to someone who has become isolated because of mental ill-health as well as individuals with a learning disability or acquired brain injury.
Tel: 028 9023 4555
For more information go to www.praxisprovides.com.

ROC Rathcoole
A befriending scheme for those who face each day on their own.  ROC Care Rathcoole offer a volunteer befriender to visit or call once a week to socially isolated and lonely people.
Contact: Keeva Watson, Regional, Development Manager Northern Ireland, Redeeming Our Communities c/o The Vine Centre, 193 Crumlin Road, Belfast, BT14 7AA.
Email: keeva.watson@roc.uk.com
For more information go to www.northernireland.roc.uk.com

Radius Housing Floating Support Service
Available to private home owners as well as housing executive tenants, the scheme can assist those people aged 55 and over to remain in their own home for longer by providing a low level housing support service. The service can be provided for a period up to six months and is easily accessible by applying directly to Fold. An exit plan will be developed with the service user regarding longer support needs when they are exiting the scheme. Support can include: Befriending. Advising on food preparation. Reminding and non-specialist counselling where this does not conflict with similar services provided as personal care. Assistance with the maintenance of the safety of the dwelling. Assistance with arranging minor repairs to and servicing of domestic equipment and appliances. Assistance in how to engage with individuals, professionals and other bodies with an interest in the welfare of the service user. Assistance in dealing with claims to social security benefits and other official correspondence relevant to sustaining occupancy of the dwelling. Encouraging socialising, day trips, weekly luncheon clubs, coffee mornings and a range of other group activities.
Tel: 0330 123 0888
Mobile: 078 7284 1260
For more information go to www.radiushousing.org.
Facebook: @RadiusHousing
Twitter: @RadiusHousing

Oasis Adult Befriending
Offers 6/8 weeks individual support to help combat isolation within the community, weekly visits with support, guidance and goal setting; help to improve well being and independence, coffee and a chat with a friendly face, help with shopping and appointments.  The service can help any women aged 18+ who live in the Antrim area community who just need a chat or someone to talk to and supports older women at risk of social isolation.
Oasis Caring in Action, 10D High Street, Antrim, BT41 4AN
Tel : Caroline, 028 9446 9020 / 075 4242 9954
Email : caroline.brownlee@oasis-ni.org.

Bereavement

Cruse Bereavement
Cruse Bereavement Care exists to promote the wellbeing of bereaved people and to enable anyone bereaved by death to understand their grief and cope with their loss.
Causeway Office Robinson Hospital Ballymoney
Tel: 028 2766 6686
Helpline Tel: 0844 4779 400
Email: northern2@cruse.org.uk.
For more information go to www.cruse.org.uk.

Carers

Alzheimer’s Society Carers Support Group Antrim
The Alzheimer’s Carers Support Group gives family carers the opportunity to meet others in similar situations and a chance to share their experiences, concerns and problems in an understanding and confidential setting.
Clotworthy House, Castle Gardens, Antrim, 2nd Monday of each month 2pm -3.30 pm
Tel: 028 9446 1717

Alzheimer’s Society Larne Carer Support and Activity Group
The Support Group gives family carers the opportunity to meet others in similar situations and a chance to share their experiences, concerns and problems in an understanding and confidential setting. Whilst also providing an activity group for people with Dementia.
The Prom Cafe, Larne Leisure Centre Larne, last Tuesday of the month from 6.00pm to 7.30pm
Tel: 028 9336 2940
For more information go to www.alzheimers.org.uk/northernireland/.

Alzheimer’s Society Carer’s Support Group Ballyclare
The Support Group gives family carers the opportunity to meet others in similar situations and a chance to share their experiences, concerns and problems in an understanding and confidential setting.
SACT Dennison Industrial Estate, Mill Road, Ballyclare, 3rd Monday of each month, 11am – 12.30pm.
Tel: 028 9336 2940
For more information go to www.alzheimers.org.uk/northernireland/.

Barnardos Young Carers
Barnardo’s runs 20 services across the UK which work to support young carers and their families in a variety of ways: Helping the family to find the support they need, and are entitled to, from local services, so that a child’s caring responsibilities can be reduced. Supporting young carers to use local services such as sports clubs, support groups, and health centres. Providing advice and emotional support through counselling and drop-in sessions. Liaising with schools so that teachers can better support their students. Providing opportunities for young carers to take a break from their caring responsibilities, spend time with other young carers and share experiences
Providing opportunities for young carers to learn more about their parent’s illness or disability.
Magherafelt office tel: 028 796 31344
Coleraine office tel: 078 3368 2077
For more information go to www.barnardos.org.uk/what_we_do/barnardos_today/northernireland/northern_ireland_childrens_services

Carers Northern Ireland (NI)
Carers NI is part of Carers UK. It is a membership organisation run by carers, for carers across Northern Ireland providing information to all care matters.
Tel: 028 9043 9843
For more information go to www.carersuk.org/northernireland.

CAUSE
CAUSE is a peer-led charity in Northern Ireland directed and staffed by past and present carers. It provides practical and emotional support to relatives and carers of people with serious mental illness.
Tel: 028 9065 0650
Helpline Tel: 084 5603 0291
For more information go to www.cause.org.uk

Disability

Cedar Foundation
Cedar delivers a range of services that enable people with disabilities to get the most out of life and to be fully included in their communities. Our services are centred around the individual needs of each person and are delivered throughout Northern Ireland. Supported Living, Housing Support, Floating Support, Residential Care, Activities, Employability and Inclusion.
1a Woodside Road Industrial Estate, Woodside Road, Ballymena, BT42 4QJ
Tel: 028 256 59111
For more information go to www.cedar-foundation.org/

Cedar Foundation Floating Support
Referrals can be made by anyone interested in accessing the service for themselves or by a professional, family member or other organisation. The Floating Support Service is for adults (over 18) living in their own home, or about to move out soon, who want to be able to carry out their housing responsibilities as independently as possible. In the Northern Trust Floating Support is provided for people affected by Brain Injury, Physical Disability and Sensory Disability.
Tel: 028 9046 1834
Email: fs@cedar-foundation.org
For more information go to www.cedar-foundation.org/

Disability Action Transport
DATS is a local urban transport service for people with disabilities or for those who find it difficult using mainstream public transport. Membership is free but a fare is charged for each trip taken. You will need to complete a membership application form and meet the criteria for membership. The service is available from 8.00am until 8.00pm daily Monday to Friday and from 9.00am until 5.00pm on Saturday and Sunday. On Bank Holidays there is no service. The booking office is open from Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 4.00pm (excluding Public Holidays). As a new member of the Transport service, you can book your first single or return trip within your operational area for free. After that, all single trips within your operational area are charged at £2.30 per trip.
Tel: 0845 608 5555
Email: transport@diabilityaction.org

South Antrim Community Transport

• Dial a Lift – for registered members. Door to Door Transport is available to registered rural dwellers who are unable or find it difficult to use public transport to local services such as: shopping, clinics, post office, chemist and access to training. Dial a lift CANNOT be used for hospital appointments, Health Trust led Day Centres or school to home transport. Bookings Must be made no later than 4 o’clock on the previous day.
  Available – Monday to Friday 8.00 a.m. – 6.00 p.m.
• SIF – Funding from Social Investment Fund offers an extension to our operational hours for Dial a Lift and can now provide new and current members with transport to: Shopping Trips, Church / Chapel Services, Further / Higher Education, Training & Employment, Recreation, Hospital appointments – outside operational areas
  Extended Hours: Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Feeder Service – Your local rural transport partnership can provide transport from your door to the bus stop to members who can travel on public transport and want to go outside their operational area.
• Group Hire is available to registered ‘Not for Profit’ groups within your Council area. Groups have a choice of having their own driver trained in-house to MiDAS (Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme) standard or they can book a paid driver. Groups include: Church, Youth, Sport, Community.

Unit 30 Dennison Industrial Estate, Mill road Ballyclare BT39 9EB
Tel: 028 9334 2455
Email: saruraltransport@btconnect.com
For more information go to www.southantrimcommunitytransport.com

Hearing Loss

Action On Hearing Loss (previously RNID)
Provides a range of services for people who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus. We provide information about hearing loss and equipment that can help and deliver basic hearing checks. We also run local Hearing Aid User Support Sessions in association with the Northern Trust at various locations where NHS hearing aid users can receive free one to one support with hearing aids.
Tel: 028 9023 9619
Email: information.nireland@hearingloss.org.uk
For more information about Action on Hearing Loss services go to www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/northernireland
To find details of your nearest Hearing Aid User Support Session go to http://www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/hearing-aid-support-service-ni

RNIB Community Access Worker & Support Group Antrim
Social Activities and Support for people living with sight loss.
Location: Antrim, Larne, Carrickfergus and Newtonabbey
Tel: Sharon McClure 028 9442 4322/ 079 5174 6093
Email: Sharon.mcclure@rnib.org.uk

RNIB Northern Ireland
RNIB (Royal National Institute of the Blind) in Northern Ireland provides people recently diagnosed with loss of sight with support to help them adapt to difficult circumstances, retain confidence and quickly regain their independence. They have a number of eye clinic liaison officers.
If you would like to speak to someone from the RNIB eye health information team or have any queries about your sight contact RNIB helpline.
Tel: 028 9032 9373
Helpline Tel: 030 3123 9999
For more information go to www.rnib.org.uk

SENSE Carrickfergus – Deafblind Forums
This scheme offers deafblind people the chance to meet up regularly in their local area. They are open to any deafblind person who would like to join, perhaps sitting in on a meeting first to decide if it is a group they would like to join. Attendees can gain information about SENSE and other services, practical tips about technology and equipment, the chance to make friends and to exchange useful information and ideas.
Tel: 028 9083 3430

Deafblind N.I.
Offers tailoured support, information and advice to people living with both a vision and hearing impairment, information and advice line providing emotional and practical support, volunteer befrienders, quarterly members magazine, awareness talks to staff, carers, family members around deafblindness, useful tips, training around communication and guiding.
Contact : James McVicar, Community Engagement Officer , Tel : 078 4079 0419

Health and Wellbeing

Health and Wellbeing Programme
A Health and Wellbeing of older people programme has been developed with the overall aim of supporting older people to maintain and improve their health and promote independence. All programmes last a maximum of 16 weeks and participants will work towards achieving agreed goals and objectives to enable them to live more independently within their own community.
Location: Antrim Day Centre
Contact Tel: 028 9441 6515
Inniscoole Day Centre, Innis Walk, Rathcoole, Newtownabbey
Tel: 028 9085 4333

Newtownabbey Senior Citizens Forum
The aim of the Newtownabbey Senior Citizens Forum is to improve the health and wellbeing of people over 50 years in the Newtownabbey area. It has been delivering a weekly programme with, e.g. bowls, walking, healthy living classes, tai chi etc.
Location: The Barron Hall, Antrim Road, Newtownabbey
Tel: 028 9083 8848

Positive Living Programme
Positive living programmes have been developed to provide participants the opportunity to explore and learn skills to enable them to identify and overcome stressors in their lives. The programme uses group methods which focus on the use of positive thought processes and techniques in the management of stress. The programme helps to improve social, interpersonal and communication skills, through education and group support and helps support people who have identified feelings of distress leading from concerns and worries. General Practitioners and any trust health and social care professional can make referrals.
Inniscoole Day Centre, Innis Walk, Rathcoole, Newtownabbey
Tel: 028 9085 4333

Mental Health and Wellbeing

Action on elder abuse
Working towards a society which values Older People, and a community where all adults can live a life free from abuse perpetrated by those in whom they have an expectation of trust by: Awareness Raising and Education, Direct Advice Guidance and Support (through a freephone helpline, practitioner’s forum and literature), Promoting Research and Projects Related to Elder Abuse and Informing Policy in this area.
Tel: 074 9666 3816
Email: veronicagray@elderabuse.org.uk.
For more information go to www.elderabuse.org.uk.

Alzheimer’s Society
Alzheimer’s Society is an organisation which works to improve the quality of life of people affected by dementia in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Tel: 028 9066 4100
Helpline Tel: 030 0222 1122
For more information go to www.alzheimers.org.uk/northernireland/.

Alzheimer’s Society East Antrim Branch Office Carrickfergus, Larne Newtownabbey
A range of services are provided through each Local Service Office to support people and their carers from the time of diagnosis including awareness raising, dementia support, support groups, activity clubs, information and signposting, carers information and support, outings and trips.
Unit 8c Kilroot Business Park, Larne Road, Carrickfergus
Tel: 028 9336 2940

Aware
Aware is a voluntary organisation dedicated to providing support and information for all those affected by depressive illnesses across Northern Ireland.
Tel: 028 9035 7820
Email: info@aware-ni.org.
For more information go to www.aware-ni.org.

Lifeline
Lifeline is the Northern Ireland crisis response helpline service for people who are experiencing distress or despair. No matter what your age or where you live in Northern Ireland, if you or someone you know is in distress or despair, Lifeline is here to help.
Contact Tel: 080 8808 8000
For more information go to www.lifelinehelpline.info.

Inspire (formerly NIAMH)
Local support incuding housing schemes, home support, advocacy services, information services and education.
Various locations
Tel: 028 9032 8474
For more information see go to www.inspirewellbeing.org.

Mindfulness
Positive living programmes have been developed to provide participants the opportunity to explore and learn skills to enable them to identify and overcome stressors in their lives. The programme uses group methods which focus on the use of positive thought processes and techniques in the management of stress. The programme helps to improve social, interpersonal and communication skills, through education and group support and helps support people who have identified feelings of distress leading from concerns and worries. General Practitioners and any trust health and social care professional can make referrals.
Antrim Day Centre
Tel: 028 9441 6515

Rehability – Antrim
Rehability is a support centre for people with mental health needs. It provides social and recreational opportunities through the following:
Healthy meals, shopping, four overseas trips per year, social nights weekly, games, Sunday lunch, hairdresser. There is a £10 membership fee.
7-8 Norfolk Court, Rathenraw, Antrim
Tel: 028 9442 8264

Relate NI
Relate NI provides a confidential relationship counselling service for those who have relationship or marital problems.
Tel: 028 9032 3454
Email: office@relateni.org
For more information go to www.relateni.org

Samaritans
Samaritans provides confidential non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide.
Tel: 028 9066 4422
Email: jo@samaritans.org
For more information go to www.samaritans.org/

Mobility Issues

British Red Cross Mobility Aids
British Red Cross Provides short term loans of mobility aids to people in need, including wheelchairs, commodes, walking sticks and Zimmer frames.
Tel: 077 3834 1753
For more information or to request a mobility aid go to www.redcross.org.uk.

Stepping Towards Enhanced Postural Stability (STEPS)
STEPS is a 16 week exercise and education programme. It is designed to help prevent falls and fractures, and promote independent living. The programme is available to adults over 55 years of age. General Practitioners and any trust health and social care professional can make referrals.
Antrim Day Centre, Station Road, Antrim
Tel: 028 9441 6515
Inniscoole Day Centre, Innis Walk, Rathcoole, Newtownabbey
Tel: 028 9085 4333

Reablement
Daycare Reablement Programmes
A variety of 16 week programmes for older people are held within the Day Centre to enable them to live more independently within their own community.
Antrim Day Centre
Tel: 028 9442 6002
Inniscoole Day Centre, Innis Walk, Rathcoole, Newtownabbey
Tel: 028 9085 4333

Home Care Reablement
The Home Care Reablement Service is a short term service for all new domiciliary care referrals which aims to assist people to regain skills and confidence to live as independently as possible within their own home and community.
Antrim Day Centre
Tel: 028 9442 6002
Inniscoole Day Centre, Innis Walk, Rathcoole, Newtownabbey
Tel: 028 9085 4333

Relationships

Relate NI
Relate NI provides a confidential relationship counselling service for those who have relationship or marital problems.
Tel: 028 9032 3454
Email: office@relateni.org
Email: keithirwin@relateni.org / alisonmurphy@relateni.org
For more information go to www.relateni.org.

Social

Newtownabbey Senior Citizens Forum
The aim of the Newtownabbey Senior Citizens Forum is to improve the health and wellbeing of people over 50 years in the Newtownabbey area. It has been delivering a weekly programme with, e.g. bowls, walking, healthy living classes etc.
The Barron Hall, Antrim Road, Newtownabbey
Tel: 028 9083 8848

Valley Leisure Centre Over 50s Group
Valley Leisure Centre Over 50s group provides a wide range of options from aerobics to aqua-fit for people aged 50 years and over. People can choose an activity. At the end of the session there is tea and coffee.
Valley Leisure Centre, Church Road, Newtownabbey, The class runs on Tuesdays from 10 am – 12 pm all year round
Tel: 028 9086 1211

Sixmile Leisure Centre Over 50s Group
Sixmile Leisure Centre Over 50s group provides a wide range of options from aerobics to aqua-fit for people aged 50 years and over. People can choose an activity. At the end of the session there is tea and coffee.
Sixmile Leisure Centre, Ballyclare, Mondays and Thursdays from 10.00am – 12.00pm all year round.
Tel: 028 9334 1818