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Health and Social Wellbeing

Mid and East Antrim Agewell Partnership

Mid & East Antrim Agewell Partnership (MEAAP) is a local inter-agency based partnership aimed at improving the lives of Older People aged 50 years and over, living in the Ballymena, Larne & Carrickfergus areas. MEAAP is a registered charity and company limited by guarantee, established in 2011. MEAAP’s vision is for “Mid & East Antrim to be a place where everyone can actively ‘agewell’ together, being involved, heard and valued.” We support Older People aged 50 years and over, in line with the United Nations definition of older age.
Email: https://www.meaap.co.uk
Telephone: 028 2565 8604
Email: Admin@meaap.co.uk

Alcohol and Substance Abuse

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.
Antrim meeting- Greystone Community Centre 30 Ballycraigy Road, Antrim, Co. Antrim, BT41 1PW
Antrim- Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:30pm. Online meetings Wednesdays 8pm via Zoom
Email: U196@alcoholicsanonymous.ie
For more information go to www.alcoholics-anonymous.ie

Befriending

Age NI Check In and Chat Service
Age NI, with the support of the Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland, is offering a ‘Check In and Chat’ telephone service for everyone who is over 60 in Northern Ireland, who may feel isolated or lonely during this time.
Tel: Age NI Advice on 0808 808 757
Email: info@ageni.org

British Red Cross Home and Well Scheme
Components vary but includes: supported hospital discharge transport, befriending, access to wheelchairs, Hand Arm & Shoulder Massage, signposting to other local/specialist services. Aims to be a person-centred service, help people withstand and recover from a Health Social & Care crisis and reaching out to Older people/ Vulnerable. The service aims to support people to experience – Reduced anxiety, Enhanced well-being, Improved confidence, Reduced Isolation, Improved Nutrition, Increased Resilience. Referrals will be taken for individuals; Living distant to families and friends, Being anxious about leaving hospital / recently leaving hospital, At risk of admission to hospital or respite care if practical support is not provided, During / following period of ill health in individuals own home, For a carer with an increased risk of social isolation – in need of emotional or practical support, Support after a recent bereavement, Resident within Northern H&SCT.
Tel: 028 9073 5350
Email: ni@redcross.org.uk
For more information go to www.redcross.org.uk

Good Morning Ballymena
The Good morning call service seeks to establish, deliver & provide support & 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. Good Morning Ballymena also operate a dropin cafe from 9:00am – 12:00pm at their premises – 21 William Street, Ballymena. BT43 6AW
Tel: 028 2564 0720
Email: goodmorningballymena@hotmail.co.uk

Good Morning Carrickfergus
The Good morning call service seeks to establish, deliver & provide support & 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.
c/o Church of Nazarene, Oakfield Drive BT38 7SP Carrickfergus
Tel: 028 9332 9427
Email: info@goodmorningcarrickfergus.com

Good Morning Larne
The Good morning call service seeks to establish, deliver & provide support & 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.
1-5 Doric Way, Larne, BT40 2BH
Tel: 028 2827 3362
Email: gmlarne@larneccc.org.uk

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.
For more information go to www.praxisprovides.com
Tel: 028 9023 4555 (NI office)
Email: info@paraxiscare.org.uk

Silverline

Silver Line is a free confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice to older people, open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Telephone: 0800 4 70 80 90
Email: info@thesilverline.org.uk
For more information go to www.thesilverline.co.uk

Alzheimer’s Society Carers Support Group Ballymena
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.
Wilson House, Broughshane, 3rd Tuesday of each month, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Tel: 028 258 81708

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

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 Tel: 028 7963 1344
Coleraine Tel: 078 3368 2077
For more information go to www.barnardos.org.uk/what_we_do/barnardos_today/northernireland/northern_ireland_childrens_services.htm

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: 08001032833
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.
Location: 1a Woodside Road Industrial Estate, Woodside Road, Ballymena, BT42 4QJ
Tel: 028 2565 9111
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.
Tel: 028 9029 7870
Email: transport@disabilityaction.org
For more information go to www.disabilityaction.org/transport

North Coast 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 8:00am – 6:00pm
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 8:00am – 8:00pm, Saturday & Sunday 9:00am – 5:00pm
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.
Tel: 028 7032 1234
Email: info@northcoastcommunitytransport.com
For more information go to https://www.northcoastcommunitytransport.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.

For more information about Action on Hearing Loss services visit :www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/northernireland

Call 028 9023 9619 or email information.nireland@hearingloss.org.uk
To find details of your nearest Hearing Aid User Support Session visit www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/hearing-aid-support-service-

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
Coleraine/ Ballymoney/ Ballymena Tel: 077 1119 0440
Email: johnathan.adams@rnib.org.uk
For more information go to www.rnib.org.uk

Mental Health

Aware Defeat Depression
Aware Defeat Depression is a voluntary organisation dedicated to providing support and information for all those affected by depressive illnesses across Northern Ireland
Tel: Belfast 028 9035 7820 / Londonderry/Derry 02871260602
Email: info@awareni.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.
Tel: 080 8808 8000
For more information go to www.lifelinehelpline.info

Inspire
Provides day-to-day care and support where needed, to enable people to live full and active lives. Inspire work in partnership with individuals to cultivate their capacity for creativity, care, compassion, realism and resilience. They promote and supporting the recovery of hope and ambition for flourishing mental health. This takes place through emotional and practical support and group work.

Tel: 028 9032 8474
24/7 Counselling Helpline 0808 800 0002
www.inspirewellbeing.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 OR Freephone 116 123 from any phone
Email: jo@samaritans.org
For more information go to www.samaritans.org/

Turning Point
Turning Point NI is a mental health hub for those experiencing any form of mental crisis. It is an organisation based within the Northern Health and Social Care Trust aiming to reduce the intensity of suicide and self-harming behaviours within the area; promoting positive mental wellbeing; resilience and support to families who have been bereaved by suicide.
Tel: 028 2564 8229
For more information go to www.turningpointni.co.uk

Reablement

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.
Wilson House Day Centre
Tel: 028 2586 3820

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.
Wilson House Day Centre
Tel: 028 258 63820

Mobility

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: 0300 4561914
For more information or to request a mobility aid go to www.redcross.org.uk

Staying Sharp Programme
It is estimated that between 5 and 20% of people aged over 65 experience Mild Cognitive Impairment. Those with Mild Cognitive Impairment are encouraged to adopt a healthier lifestyle, by staying both physically and mentally active. The Staying Sharp Adviser and volunteers provide relevant information and support, to help service users meet their goals and aspirations. Service users will have the opportunity to avail of one to one and group support to help: Develop a personalised plan focusing on their needs and choices, Assist them to make lifestyle changes to improve their health and wellbeing, Connect to local community groups and additional support.
For more information please contact Sam Cunningham, Staying Sharp Adviser on tel 079 8985 0390
Email: sam.cunningham@ageni.org

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.
Wilson House Day Centre
Tel: 028 2586 3820

Staying Sharp Programme
It is estimated that between 5 and 20% of people aged over 65 experience Mild Cognitive Impairment. Those with Mild Cognitive Impairment are encouraged to adopt a healthier lifestyle, by staying both physically and mentally active. The Staying Sharp Adviser and volunteers provide relevant information and support, to help service users meet their goals and aspirations. Service users will have the opportunity to avail of one to one and group support to help: Develop a personalised plan focusing on their needs and choices, Assist them to make lifestyle changes to improve their health and wellbeing, Connect to local community groups and additional support.
For more information please contact Deborah Bates, Staying Sharp Adviser on tel 079 8985 0390
Email: deborah.bates@ageni.org

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
For more information go to www.relateni.org

Hourglass Northern Ireland
Hourglass is the only charity dedicated to calling time on the harm, abuse and exploitation of older people across the United Kingdom. With more that 25 years’ experience and expertise, our mission is to listen, advise and support vulnerable older people and all those affected by abuse and neglect throughout the UK.
Helpline: 0808 808 8141
For more information go to www.wearehourglass.org/ni