Since 2010, the Arts Council Northern Ireland has run its National Lottery Arts and Older People Programme (AOPP) with game-changing funding from The National Lottery, in partnership with the Public Health Agency and the Baring Foundation, resulting in support for nearly 300 organisations with £2.54 million in grant funding reaching 35,000 people (and still going).
Over the years, the programme has reached some of NI’s most deprived older communities and brought a lot of fun, companionship and creativity to older people’s lives, including people living with dementia and their carers.
Dr Una Lynch, long-term evaluator to the programme, commissioned by the Baring Foundation in partnership with ACNI, has produced a new report to highlight the programme’s many successes. Through the perspectives of 11 funded organisations and five artists, the report demonstrates how the AOPP has helped to reduce social isolation, strengthen intergenerational connections, improve physical health and amplify the voices of older people who often go unheard.
The report is based on the perspectives of 11 funded organisations and five artists on the programme and LGNI are honoured to have been one of these organisations.
The report can be downloaded via -Creative Ageing in Northern Ireland - The Baring Foundation
LGNI's various Arts for Older People grant activities and reports can be viewed via the following links:
‘Generation Art’ – Linking Generations NI
EngAGE Art 2017-2019 – Linking Generations NI
Having a Yarn – Linking Generations NI
Art ‘UR’ Age – Linking Generations NI
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Newtownards
BT23 7DX
Northern Ireland
