Seniors

An older woman chatting to a younger woman We want to make Belfast a better place for everyone and help create a city which: This is especially true for people aged 60 and above, who make up almost 20 per cent of Belfast's total population.

We cater for our older residents through a series of facilities and schemes, including:

Get winter-ready

Last winter caused problems for many of us. So this year, it's important that we are ready in case we face similar conditions.

Our winter section contains information and advice to help you prepare your home and your family for cold weather and freezing conditions.

Northern Ireland Pensioners Parliament

The Northern Ireland Pensioners Parliament allows older people from across Northern Ireland to have their say on the issues that matter to them.

Local parliaments will take place during February and March 2012 and will ensure that older people's views from every county in Northern Ireland are represented. The Belfast local parliament will take place on Wednesday 22 February from 10am until 3.30pm.

Delegates from each local Parliament will be selected to attend the Northern Ireland Pensioners Parliament in Belfast on Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 May 2012. This two-day regional Parliament will decide on the priority issues for older people across the province.

If you would like to attend your local Parliament, please contact Age Sector Platform on 028 9031 2089, email info@agesectorplatform.org or visit the Age Sector Platform website

Northern Ireland Pensioners Parliament survey

If you can't attend your local parliament Age Sector Platform you can still share your views through the Northern Ireland Pensioners Parliament survey. The results will form the basis of the discussion at each local parliament and will determine which issues are taken to the Northern Ireland Pensioners Parliament in May 2012.

To complete the survey, visit the Age Sector Platform website

Digital television switchover

On 24 October 2012 analogue television will close in Northern Ireland. This will be replaced by a stronger Freeview signal that will reach almost all Northern Ireland households.

Digital switchover is the conversion of television broadcasting from analogue to digital. After the switch, you'll need to convert or upgrade every TV set you continue to watch.

After switchover, as well as the current channels (BBC1, BBC2, UTV, Channel 4 and Five), you'll have an added choice of digital channels. These include BBC3, BBC4, ITV2, E4, More4, CBBC, Cbeebies and BBC News.

Help with the switchover

The Switchover Help Scheme is run by the BBC and provides older and people with disabilities with everything they need to switch one TV to digital. The Help Scheme can help everyone who: The standard offer includes: This service is available for £40 all-inclusive or free for eligible people on certain income-related benefits. The Help Scheme will write to all eligible people nearer the time. For more information, visit the Switchover Help Scheme website.

Seniors Info directory

The Seniors Info directory provides information for older people on a wide range of topics including health and wellbeing, housing, safety in the home, heating your home, income, benefits and money, and much more.

It has been developed by us, in partnership with Belfast Healthy Cities, other organisations and older people from across the city.

Benefits for seniors booklet

We have produced a handy guide about seniors’ benefits which contains information about the main benefits available to older people, as well as advice on pensions and contact details for benefits organisations.