The Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland

15/09/2026

Today, the Commissioner and her team were delighted to welcome a delegation from Dementia NI and its Member Forum.
Watch the below video to hear what Siobhan and forum members Allison Batchelor and Graham McElhinney had to say about today’s meeting - which discussed consistency in support on diagnosis and a health and welfare lasting power of attorney.

15/09/2026

Applications for the £100 digital voucher for home heating oil are currently open. You may be eligible for the scheme if you use home heating oil as your main heating source and for at least one day of either qualifying period, you were:

a resident in Northern Ireland and getting a qualifying benefit or you were a single person or part of a couple, with a net annual income below £30,000. You must make an application as awards for the home heating oil support scheme will not be made automatically.

You will need to apply before the scheme closes on 31 March 2027. For more information on how to apply visit https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/apply-online-home-heating-oil-support?fbclid=IwY2xjawUV515wZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMGdBQklUWWVTVU11WWRPeXhzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeUrq0NAnfyxv8mPz2RRkHTVUOytkoeKJ5NRgrWcZMJCxdkWF1KOTUIVUpfcQ_aem_jtvOA46p5fc4eNTvN_-8pw

*Please note, this scheme is not operated by COPNI, we are sharing for information only. If you need help applying, please contact 0800 072 0266

04/09/2026

The Commissioner was pleased to join today's meeting of the Mid & East Antrim Agewell Partnership and to spend time with those who are committed to improving the lives of older people.

Siobhan was happy to have the opportunity to speak with those working within the sector about her role - and also hear about the great work that they do to enrich the lives of older people.

28/08/2026

The office for the Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland will be closed on Monday 31 August.

We will reopen as normal on Tuesday 1 September.

27/08/2026

The Commissioner was very pleased to spend time with the Memory Lane Group in Omagh Library yesterday.

A big thank you to everyone who shared their personal experiences. Listening directly to older people living with dementia is massively important in understanding the issues that matter most to them.

Thank you to the group for such an open and valuable conversation.

26/08/2026

The Commissioner would like to send her congratulations to Anne Bradley for being one of four finalists in the Great Neighbour Award at the 2026 BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Radio Foyle Make a Difference Awards.

The nomination is for her excellent community work in bringing people together and supporting older residents. Well done, Anne!

Learn more about Anne achievements below…

A QUARTER of a century of dedication to the Plumbridge, Cranagh and wider Glenelly community has earned Anne Bradley national recognition after she was named as one of four finalists for the Great Neighbour Award at the 2026 BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Radio Foyle Make a Difference Awards.

17/08/2026

Last week the Commissioner visited the Lisburn City Library to take part in some filming. It was an impressive location to spend an afternoon.
You can find out more about why she was there next month!

07/08/2026

It's been a year since the Commissioner launched her report calling for urgent action to support Northern Ireland’s ageing population.

The report 'Advancing Age Friendly Practice in Northern Ireland' highlights the community work already supporting older people and how important these groups are.

“It’s not just about growing old, it’s about growing well. The age sector isn’t a ‘nice to have’ it’s an essential partner in meeting the needs of our ageing society.”

Read the report here:
https://copni.org/assets/general/resources/Advancing-Age-Friendly-Practice-in-Northern-Ireland.-Supporting-collaboration-impact-and-sustainability-of-age-sector-organisations.pdf

30/07/2026

Today the Commissioner went along to the Ardcomm lunch club, where she met with the club members - and the dedicated staff who also run the Good Morning West Belfast phone service.
It was a fun and insightful visit - and Siobhan was also able to fit in a quick game of Boccia!

24/07/2026

Many older people are missing out on the financial support they're entitled to - sometimes simply because they don't know that it's available or because they haven't claimed it.

The below report from Independent Age 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.

It’s always well worth checking what support may be available.

https://www.independentage.org/policy-and-research/research-reports/TheOnlyWayIsUp