The below report from @IndependentAge highlights how increasing take-up of financial support could lift around 280,000 older people out of poverty - while also reducing pressure on health and social care services.
Our new research shows that a take-up strategy could be transformative for millions of older people in financial hardship currently missing out.
And could also lead to a reduction in England's health and social care costs alongside boosted incomes.
independentage.org/policy-an…
ALT An older woman with short grey hair looks thoughtfully into the camera. She wears a cable knit green turtle neck jumper and holds a mug in her hands. Text reads: The only way is up. Increasing take-up of three key pensioner entitlements – Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction – could lift 280,000 older people out of poverty. Too many older people are missing out on billions of pounds of support. Independent Age is calling on the UK Government to commit to an all-entitlements take-up strategy to help tackle pensioner poverty.
It's hot out there, so please take extra care to stay cool - stay in the shade, keep properly hydrated and make sure that rooms are well ventilated.
Look out for each other during the hot weather, follow the below tips – and enjoy the sunshine while it lasts!
The Commissioner joined @bbcradioulster's Good Morning Ulster today to discuss the experience of 89 year old Alison. She is often going to bed in the afternoon because of issues with her care package due to staffing issues, meaning sometimes she is in bed for up to 19 hours.
An 89-year-old woman said care staff shortages mean she can spend up to 19 hours a day in bed. bbc.in/4gghQwA
The COPNI Summer 2026 Newsletter is now live.
If you’re not an email subscriber, then you can read updates on the Commissioner’s recent work and her engagements here:
mailchi.mp/c733e7f6e2ef/summ…
Did you know that the Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland is available to visit community groups?
If your group is interested in a visit from the Commissioner, please get in touch by emailing [email protected] to find out more.
Following the recent unrest, @nidirect has created a dedicated page that includes information on housing, how to report a crime, schools, benefits and financial support.
Visit the link below and please share with anyone who may find the information useful.
nidirect.gov.uk/news/help-an…
The Department of Health (@healthdpt) is inviting people from across Northern Ireland to share their views on health and social care through the 'This is our health' programme.
Find out more and get involved below:
health-ni.gov.uk/news/our-he…
This video shines a light on the incredible work of @agenorthdownandards' Good Morning Call service. It features Marie Coney, one of the amazing volunteers who helps people feel connected, supported and cared for every day.
Today we launched a new report which warns of a growing “hidden housing crisis” facing older private renters.
You can read more, including our full report, here:
copni.org/news/articles/new-…
The office for the Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland will be closed for Easter from 2pm on Friday 3 April.
We will reopen as normal on Wednesday 8 April.
Yesterday the Commissioner joined the Northern Ireland Leadership & Governance Conference. Siobhan also had the opportunity to host one of the ‘Café Conversation’ sessions to discuss our ageing population and the need to plan ahead and future proof our services. #NIGovConf26
Great new ad from @Ageing_Better's Age Without Limits campaign illustrates the absurd nature of ageism by showing it from a child’s perspective. It might be light-hearted - but it has an important message on the harmful impact of ageism. Have you experienced ageism? Tell us below
COPNI retweeted
Siobhan Casey, @COPNI was given a warm welcome by the chair based exercise group recently and enjoyed speaking with and excising alongside 68 participants.
Facilitated by Limavady MDT and is offered to those aged 65+ in Bethany Hall on Wednesday morning from 11am to 12pm.
COPNI retweeted
The Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland, Siobhan Casey has added her backing to the Department for Infrastructure’s ‘Share the Road to Zero’ road safety campaign.
Watch below as the Commissioner signs up to the campaign, which aims to reduce road deaths by encouraging us all to take more responsibility and care on the roads.
Read more here: infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/new…
@COPNI @LizKimminsSF @roadtozero @NIAS999
@PoliceServiceNI @roadsafeni @NIRoadPolicing
Earlier today, the Commissioner attended a meeting of @unisontheunion NI Regional Retired Members Forum.
The Commissioner's Christmas photography competition is back for 2025!
The theme is ‘Connection’.
The winner will receive a £100 voucher of their choice - & the winning image will be featured on COPNI’s virtual Christmas card!
Full details here:
copni.org/news/articles/clic…
The Commissioner was delighted to speak today at the Silver Economy Forum on the need to support older workers harness the economic and social aspects of ageing.
#SEF2025 #AgeFriendlyCities #GlobalCoalitiononAging #LongevityLivesHere #SilverEconomy
