Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has opened a public consultation on a new Active Ageing Strategy Action Plan, aimed at helping older people across Northern Ireland live active, healthy and independent lives.

The plan supports delivery of the Active Ageing Strategy to 2032 and sets out actions across government to promote independence, participation, wellbeing and inclusion. It includes measures to tackle fuel poverty, improve housing conditions, enable independent living, support employment and improve financial security.

Lyons said the plan aims to ensure Northern Ireland is a place where everyone can look forward to later life with confidence, dignity and opportunity. The consultation runs until 4 January 2027, with information sessions in Craigavon, Londonderry, Enniskillen, Ballymena and Belfast.

Separately, Lyons has unveiled a refreshed advertising campaign for the Department for Communities' Make the Call service, launched during Talk Money Week. The service connects people to financial and other supports, including blue badges, bus passes, community group connections, help with health and energy costs, and home safety checks.

The campaign targets older people, disabled people and families under strain. Lyons said advice services are a cornerstone of the department's work on Warm Healthy Homes, Housing Supply, Disability and Work, and the Anti-Poverty Strategy.

Make the Call currently assists more than 11,000 people a year. In the past year, 11,486 people benefited. Through the Wraparound Service, 1,794 people were helped to claim Pension Credit, generating £7.9 million in annualised benefit, and 3,155 pension-age people secured Attendance Allowance, adding a further £16 million annually.

The refreshed advertising will run across traditional and social media from November 2026 through February 2027. The service can be contacted on 0800 232 1271, by texting ADVICE to 079 8440 5248, or via nidirect.gov.uk/makethecall.