Home
Learning and leisure
Here you can read useful information about learning opportunities and leisure activities available to older people in Belfast. Select a topic to find out more.
- Lifelong learning
- Libraries
- Leisure activities
- Older people's organisations and groups
- Voluntary work
- Shopping
- Holidays
- Day centres
- Learning and leisure fact sheet
Lifelong learning
No matter what stage you are at in life, you can continue to learn new things and enter into further or higher education. There are numerous opportunities available.University of the Third Age (U3A)
University of the Third Age (U3A) run a number of short courses over the internet specially designed for older people. They are designed purely for personal interest and enjoyment.The Belfast U3A group runs a number of activities including water colour painting classes, book clubs, bridge games, and Pilates. They meet in Belvoir Players Theatre, Belvoir Estate, Belfast, on the last Thursday of the month at 11am.
For more information on the Belfast U3A, phone 028 9266 4780 or visit www.belfastu3a.org.uk
Belfast Metropolitan College
Belfast Metropolitan College offers a full range of adult education courses for all ages including recreational courses such as gardening and bird watching.To obtain a copy of the full time or part time prospectus, contact course enquiries on 028 9026 5265 or visit www.belfastmet.ac.uk
South Eastern Regional College
South Eastern Regional College is the new name for North Down, East Down and Lisburn Institutes.For more information on courses available, contact the course enquiry line on 0845 6007555 or visit www.serc.ac.uk
Queen's University Belfast (QUB)
You can get a copy of the prospectus outlining courses offered by Queen's University Belfast by phoning 028 9024 5133 or visit www.qub.ac.ukUniversity of Ulster (UU)
The University of Ulster runs courses at four campuses (Belfast, Jordanstown, Magee and Coleraine). They also have a virtual campus called Campus One which offers a range of distance learning programmes.You can get a copy of the prospectus for each of their campuses by phoning 0870 040 0700 or visit the University of Ulster website
The Open University
The Open University offers a wide range of distance learning courses which allow you to study from home.To find out more, phone the Belfast Branch of the Open University on 028 9024 5025 or visit www.open.ac.uk
Workers Educational Association (WEA)
WEA provides adult education in community and workplace settings and offers a varied mix of courses from computing to literacy, numeracy and creative industries.For more information on courses available, phone WEA on 028 9032 9718 or visit www.wea-ni.com
Department for Employment and Learning (DEL)
DEL is the government department responsible for promoting learning and skills, as well as preparing people for work. Their website provides links to further and higher education courses and provides information to help individuals acquire jobs, including self employment.For more information contact DEL on 028 9025 7777 or visit www.delni.gov.uk
EGSA (Educational Guidance Service for Adults)
EGSA is a local, independent, not-for-profit service that aims to connect adults of all ages with learning opportunities. EGSA advisers provide information, advice and guidance on learning and career opportunities including advice on changing careers. This can be relevant at all stages of life especially if you are considering changing careers to a less stressful job later in life.For more information or advice, contact EGSA on their learners' Line on 0845 602 6632 or visit www.connect2learn.org.uk
Libraries
There are libraries across Belfast where you can access information, books, music, DVDs, free internet and library events. For people with hearing or visual problems they offer talking newspapers, audio books and sub-titled videos.For more information or to find your nearest library, visit www.librariesni.org.uk
Leisure activities
Community centres
Community centres run by Belfast City Council offer a range of activities including, keep-fit sessions, dancing events and bowls.Leisure centres
Leisure centre activities specifically aimed at older people include swimming lessons, art classes, bowls, ladies cycling, ladies aerobics, old time dancing, wellness classes, tennis sessions and seniorcise classes.- Find your nearest leisure centre
- Check leisure centre timetables
- Find out about Boost leisure membership scheme
Parks and open spaces
Belfast has hundreds of miles of paths and trails so there's lots to see and do. You can visit historical properties like Belfast Castle and Malone House or enjoy some of the many events that take place in our parks throughout the year.Walking groups
There are a number of walking groups in the Belfast area. Belfast Health and Social Care Trust's Health Improvement Department can provide you with more information on walking clubs in your area as well as other activities such as dance classes and first aid classes.For more information, telephone Belfast Health and Social Care Trust 028 9041 7457.
Dancing
In Belfast, many of the community centres hold regular dancing events for people aged 50 and over including sequence dancing and country and western dancing.Contact your local community centre for details of events being held in your area.
Older people's organisations and groups
Below are a number of organisations and groups in Belfast that provide support and information and organise activities specifically for older people.| Organisation | Phone number |
|---|---|
| Volunteer Now | 028 9020 0850 |
| Engage with Age | 028 9064 9649 |
| West Belfast 50+ Forum (supported by Volunteer Now) | 028 9020 0850 |
| Greater Shankill Senior Citizens Forum (supported by Volunteer Now) | 028 9020 0850 |
| North Belfast Senior Citizens Forum | 028 9074 9944 |
| South Belfast Lifestyle Forum (supported by Engage with Age) | 028 9064 9649 |
| Castlereagh Lifestyle Forum (supported by Engage with Age) | 028 9064 9649 |
| Belfast East Seniors Forum (supported by Engage with Age) | 028 9064 9649 |
Voluntary work
Volunteering can play a significant role in people's lives as they grow older and can help to maintain an active body and healthy mind.Volunteer Now helps individuals find voluntary opportunities and gives advice and information. They also manage various projects committed to supporting older people throughout Belfast.
For more information on Volunteer Now services across Belfast, contact Volunteer Now on 028 90 200850 or www.volunteernow.co.uk
Shopping
The Belfast City Council Consumer Advice Centre in Wellington Place offers free specialist advice to consumers and traders in Belfast on a range of issues such as consumer rights, faulty goods, shopping complaints, bad customer service and holiday complaints.For more information, contact the Consumer Advice Centre on 028 9032 8260.
For further information on your rights when buying goods, contact Consumerline on 0845 600 6262 or visit www.consumerline.org
Holidays
Belfast Central Mission (BCM)
BCM runs holidays for older people at their Childhaven Centre in Millisle. The holidays include day trips and evening entertainment such as old time dancing or musical groups.The aim of the holidays is to provide socially isolated older people with an opportunity to meet and mix with others. They also provide stimulation, fun and friendship at an affordable price.
For further information, contact the Community Services Manager at BCM on 028 9024 1917.
SAGA
SAGA specialises in holidays for the over 50's age group. For more information, visit www.saga.co.ukDay centres
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust have a number of specialist day centres in the community which cater for the needs of frail elderly, physically disabled and mentally ill people and those with dementia.The centres provide:
- Day support, meaningful activity and personal care for a wide range of people, according to individual need
- Support to help people remain in the community, for example, vulnerable elderly people with complex needs
- Opportunities to develop new skills and lifestyles and maximise potential
- Rehabilitation, health promotion and access to therapists
- Close links with community facilities which can provide different choices and opportunities.
Learning and leisure fact sheet
This fact sheet is about lifelong learning, leisure activities, holidays and shopping.
Download the learning and leisure fact sheet (Word - 142KB)
