Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough’s reputation as an area where older people can live full, active, valued and healthy lives, has been further enhanced with the appointment of new Age Friendly Champions.
Lord Mayor, Cllr Sarah Duffy and Deputy Lord Mayor, Cllr Kyle Savage have been joined by Chair of the Environment Committee, Alderman Margaret Tinsley and Deputy Chair of the Environment Committee, Cllr Kate Evans as Age Friendly Champions for the ABC Borough.
Last year, the Borough became an official member of the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities and the addition of two more Age Friendly Champions is a further reflection of the commitment from ABC Council in listening to the needs of the ageing population and providing effective advice, support and practical help.
The four Age Friendly Champions have come together to highlight support to those pensioners who may be impacted by the forthcoming changes to the Winter Fuel Payments.
At its monthly meeting in September, ABC Borough Council agreed to write to the Prime Minister urging the Government to reverse the changes to Winter Fuel Payments. The Council motion is also seeking assurance that, at the very least, the Pension Credit minimum income guarantee will be increased, ensuring that more low-income pensioner households become eligible for pension credit.
Together, the Age Friendly Champions are calling on pensioners and also their family and carers, to check for Pension Credit status, which may allow them to receive the payment. Pension Credit checks can be made through the Age NI charity which has an online benefits calculator. Alternatively there is the Department for Communities’ ‘Make the Call’ service, which also lets people know what benefits they are entitled to.
You can visit the Age NI website here – https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/benefits-entitlements/benefits-calculator/ or contact the Department for Communities’ Make the Call service on tel: 0800 232 1271
A number of information events focusing on benefits and support are being held as part of Positive Ageing Month in the ABC Borough – for more information visit www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/PAM
