The Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland

15/06/2026

Did you know that domestic abuse in Northern Ireland is on the rise? Statistics from the Police Service of Northern Ireland show a significant increase in reported domestic abuse crimes against individuals aged 60 and over, from 450 cases in 2012/13 to 1,567 cases in 2022/23. Our report on domestic abuse also found that older people are more likely to live with it for longer.

Why?
Generational attitudes can play a big role. Some older victims may:

• See abuse as a private or family matter
• Worry about breaking up their family
• Fear their loved one getting a criminal record
• Be anxious about loneliness or isolation if they speak up
• These fears can prevent older people from seeking help.

Our Growing Concern report explores these issues and calls for better support for older victims.



You can read the report here:
https://copni.org/assets/general/resources/Growing-Concern-Older-Victims-of-Domestic-Abuse-in-Northern-Ireland.pdf

12/06/2026

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.
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news/help-and-advice-anyone-affected-recent-disorder

12/06/2026

Domestic abuse doesn’t stop with age. But older people are more likely to live with it for longer.

Why?
Generational attitudes can play a big role. Some older victims may:

• See abuse as a private or family matter
• Worry about breaking up their family
• Fear their loved one getting a criminal record
• Be anxious about loneliness or isolation if they speak up
• These fears can prevent older people from seeking help.

Our Growing Concern report explores these issues and calls for better support for older victims.

Read the report here:
https://copni.org/assets/general/resources/Growing-Concern-Older-Victims-of-Domestic-Abuse-in-Northern-Ireland.pdf

10/06/2026

In light of recent events and further planned road closures and protest activity across the city, we have taken the decision to postpone today’s event in the Shankill Library.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. We will contact those who had booked tickets shortly with details of a rescheduled date and look forward to welcoming you then.

Thank you for your understanding.

Libraries NI Libraries in Belfast The Open University in Northern Ireland The Open University

10/06/2026

Happy day!

There are many positive aspects about growing older - but today is also an opportunity to challenge ageism in our society.
Did you know 1 in 2 older people in Northern Ireland have experienced some form of ageism?

Our ‘Are You Ageist?’ report was published in March 2024 and it found that 65% of those surveyed agreed that older people were viewed as a burden to society and 60% agreed that older people were viewed as frail, vulnerable or dependent.

We also compiled recommendations for everyone across society to follow to ensure we keep ageism at bay!

Read our report here:
https://copni.org/assets/general/resources/are-you-ageist-copni-report-on-ageism-in-northern-ireland.pdf

09/06/2026

There are just a few tickets remaining for tomorrow's FREE event with Libraries NI (Shankill Library) and The Open University: 'Mind Matters' will explore brain health, positive ageing and The Open University's Future Life Toolkit.

The Commissioner will be joined by Dr Sinéad Eccles from The Open University to discuss and promote brain health and the resources that could support the communities, service users and stakeholders you work with. Although the event is free, booking is essential below:

📅 Wednesday 10 June, Shankill Library
⏰2:00pm – 4:00pm
Booking essential 👉 https://orlo.uk/rznwl

🚨 FINAL CALL for tomorrow's event 🚨

Everyone is invited to join us for a free event: 'Mind Matters', exploring brain health, positive ageing and The Open University's Future Life Toolkit.
Designed to support conversations around later-life planning, wellbeing and social connection, the Future Life Toolkit offers practical resources that can help individuals make informed choices about their future and live well as they age.

Hear from expert speakers including Dr Sinéad Eccles from The Open University and the Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland, and discover resources that could support the communities, service users and stakeholders you work with.

📅 Wednesday 10 June
⏰2:00pm – 4:00pm
📍 Shankill Road Library
Booking essential 👉 https://orlo.uk/rznwl

Whether you work in the community, voluntary, health, social care or public sector, this event offers an opportunity to learn more about supporting healthy ageing and fostering age-friendly communities.

08/06/2026

The Northern Ireland Assembly has announced that the 2026 Older People’s Parliament will take place in Parliament Buildings on Thursday 15 October.

This is an opportunity for you to share your opinions and experiences on what impacts the lives of older people directly with decision makers.

Help decide the issues that will be raised and discussed during the Parliament by sharing your views on the below survey:
https://consult.nia-yourassembly.org.uk/engagement/older-peoples-parliament/

Telephone surveys are available on 028 9052 1761 or 028 9052 1440. Phone lines will be open 10am to 2pm - Monday to Friday.

The survey closes on 24 July 2026.

04/06/2026

Join the Commissioner at this FREE event with Libraries NI and The Open University 's Dr Sinead Eccles to discuss brain health and ageing well. There is still some space available if you'd like to come along to hear practical tips, expert advice and simple ways to support wellbeing and brain health at every stage of life.

When: Wednesday 10 June, 2pm - 4pm

Although the event is FREE booking is essential here: https://libni.short.gy/fbMindMattersShankillRdLib100626 you can also call 028 9050 9232 or email [email protected]

Mind Matters – Brain Health and Ageing Well Free Event - 10 June 2026

Ageing well doesn’t start later, it starts now!

Join trusted speakers Dr Sinéad Eccles from The Open University in Northern Ireland and Siobhan Casey, The Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland, for a free Mind Matters event in Shankill Road Library as part of Belfast Learning Festival.

Discover practical tips, expert advice and simple ways to support wellbeing and brain health at every stage of life in a welcoming session for adults of all ages.

📅 Wednesday 10 June
⏰2:00pm – 4:00pm
Booking essential: https://libni.short.gy/fbMindMattersShankillRdLib100626

Belfast Learning City The Open University Belfast City Council

02/06/2026

The Department of Health NI is inviting people from across Northern Ireland to share their views on health and social care through the "This is our health" programme.

Whether it's what helps you stay well - or what matters most to you about healthcare services, now is your chance to have your say.

Find out more and get involved below:

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt is calling on the public to have their say about their health and the future of health and social care in Northern Ireland.

29/05/2026

The Commissioner for Older People is Siobhan Casey - and her role is to be an independent champion for older people in Northern Ireland.

Her team work across several areas:

⚖️ Advocacy & legal support: If you're over 60 and living in Northern Ireland, our legal team may be able to step in and advocate on your behalf. Some of the issues we support older people with are health and social care matters or complaints with a public body that you’ve been unable to resolve, safeguarding and protection from harm among many others.

📑 Policy & research: We make sure that older people’s views shape government decisions. We produce reports, respond to consultations, and conduct research to support change.

👩‍🦳👨‍🦳 Events & engagement: We regularly meet with older people across Northern Ireland so their voices are part of the conversation.
If you or someone you know needs our legal or advocacy support with any of the areas outlined above, you can contact us on 02890890892 or email [email protected]

For more info on COPNI visit https://copni.org/advice-assistance/how-can-we-help