Causeway Connected Age Strategic Team (COAST), Coleraine

When it comes to discussion and decision making on key issues impacting older people’s lives (eg, community transport, access to health and social care, waiting lists, community safety, isolation and loneliness, cost of living), recent research carried out by COAST identified that the voice of older people across Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council area is increasingly not being heard.  And in response to this lack of local advocacy for and by older people, COAST – via consultation with over 250 older members – identified the need for and recruited 14 Age Champions drawn from across the CC&GBC area.  To ensure they are appropriately individually and collectively empowered to effectively fulfil key responsibilities of the role, the organisation sought funding for a trainer and coach to equip the team to be successful advocates for the voices of older people in the CC&G region.  The Committee had no hesitation in agreeing an Irish Society grant of £1,500 as requested in the application.