Over 80 older men attended a seminar on transitioning into later life at Dromantine Conference Centre in Newry. The event, titled The Next Chapter: Life After the Alarm Clock, covered identity, social connections, community participation, health, wellbeing, financial planning and support networks.

Siobhan Casey, Commissioner for Older People, delivered the keynote address. She drew on her experience with Age NI and the Good Vibrations initiative to discuss rights and needs of older people.

Workshops included a session on resilience called Bend don’t Break. Banbridge Men’s Shed led a birdbox making activity. Health organisations offered information and advice on services.

The Southern Area Men’s Health Steering Group organised the event. Partners include Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Men’s Health Forum in Ireland, Southern Health and Social Care Trust, Youth Action, ABC Policing and Community Safety Partnership and Age Friendly.

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council’s Health Inequalities team leads men’s health efforts in the southern area. The Public Health Agency and Southern Health and Social Care Trust provided funding.