13/12/2022
Awards Event Recognises Work Of Older Volunteers
Belfast City Hall has hosted the Age Friendly Older Volunteer of the Year Awards 2022, organised to celebrate the work of the city's older volunteers.
Now in its tenth year, the awards shine a spotlight on the invaluable contribution older people aged 60 years and over make to the life of the city through volunteering.
Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Tina Black was on hand to present the awards to some of the city's most inspirational people and said: "Belfast has a fantastic community of volunteers that work tirelessly for the benefit of others in organisations and groups across the city. These volunteers are an integral part of Belfast's social fabric and listening to the personal stories and experiences has been really heart-warming.
"We made a commitment in The Belfast Agenda to ensure that everyone experiences good health and wellbeing here - and to making Belfast more connected, welcoming and inclusive for all.
"Our older volunteers are making a huge contribution to achieving these goals and I am delighted to be able to celebrate and acknowledge all their selfless acts throughout the year. I want to thank you all for everything that you have done and continue to do for Belfast!"
Volunteers were recognised across five different categories including an award for 'Older Volunteer of The Year.'
This was presented to Owen Coogan from BraveHEART's 50+ Men's Group. Owen is 81 years old and was nominated by Jackie Brennan who commended Owen for "his overwhelming commitment to the group, his help in washing the kits for 'Danderball' and most importantly his desire to see others happy."
Other categories included 'Longstanding Volunteer of the Year', 'Digital Champion of the Year', 'Unsung Hero of the Year' and 'Team of the Year.'
Now in its tenth year, the awards shine a spotlight on the invaluable contribution older people aged 60 years and over make to the life of the city through volunteering.
Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Tina Black was on hand to present the awards to some of the city's most inspirational people and said: "Belfast has a fantastic community of volunteers that work tirelessly for the benefit of others in organisations and groups across the city. These volunteers are an integral part of Belfast's social fabric and listening to the personal stories and experiences has been really heart-warming.
"We made a commitment in The Belfast Agenda to ensure that everyone experiences good health and wellbeing here - and to making Belfast more connected, welcoming and inclusive for all.
"Our older volunteers are making a huge contribution to achieving these goals and I am delighted to be able to celebrate and acknowledge all their selfless acts throughout the year. I want to thank you all for everything that you have done and continue to do for Belfast!"
Volunteers were recognised across five different categories including an award for 'Older Volunteer of The Year.'
This was presented to Owen Coogan from BraveHEART's 50+ Men's Group. Owen is 81 years old and was nominated by Jackie Brennan who commended Owen for "his overwhelming commitment to the group, his help in washing the kits for 'Danderball' and most importantly his desire to see others happy."
Other categories included 'Longstanding Volunteer of the Year', 'Digital Champion of the Year', 'Unsung Hero of the Year' and 'Team of the Year.'
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 December 2019
Older Volunteers Celebrated In Belfast
Belfast's older volunteers have been celebrated by the city. The selfless hard work of volunteers over the age of 60 was honoured at the Age Friendly Older Volunteer of the Year Awards 2019 at Belfast City Hall. The awards shine a spotlight on the invaluable contribution older people make to the life of the city through volunteering.
Older Volunteers Celebrated In Belfast
Belfast's older volunteers have been celebrated by the city. The selfless hard work of volunteers over the age of 60 was honoured at the Age Friendly Older Volunteer of the Year Awards 2019 at Belfast City Hall. The awards shine a spotlight on the invaluable contribution older people make to the life of the city through volunteering.
04 December 2025
Belfast Harbour Awards £63,000 To NI Charities And Community Groups
Belfast Harbour has awarded £63,000 to 16 grassroots organisations across Northern Ireland in the second round of its 2025 Community Awards, backing initiatives from a community farm scheme and an older men's boxing club to a swimming programme that partners assistance dogs with autistic children.
Belfast Harbour Awards £63,000 To NI Charities And Community Groups
Belfast Harbour has awarded £63,000 to 16 grassroots organisations across Northern Ireland in the second round of its 2025 Community Awards, backing initiatives from a community farm scheme and an older men's boxing club to a swimming programme that partners assistance dogs with autistic children.
13 April 2005
QUB study to examine wealth and health issues in the elderly
A major new study examining the impact of wealth on the lives of elderly people in Northern Ireland is to be carried out by Queen's University. The ‘Enrich Study’ aims to assess the impact of alleviating poverty on the health of some of the poorest people in the Province.
QUB study to examine wealth and health issues in the elderly
A major new study examining the impact of wealth on the lives of elderly people in Northern Ireland is to be carried out by Queen's University. The ‘Enrich Study’ aims to assess the impact of alleviating poverty on the health of some of the poorest people in the Province.
05 November 2025
Plans Announced To Ban Inconsiderate Pavement Parking
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has confirmed she will introduce new legislation to tackle inconsiderate pavement parking across Northern Ireland. The proposed measures aim to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility by banning parking wholly on pavements, blocking dropped kerbs, and double parking.
Plans Announced To Ban Inconsiderate Pavement Parking
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has confirmed she will introduce new legislation to tackle inconsiderate pavement parking across Northern Ireland. The proposed measures aim to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility by banning parking wholly on pavements, blocking dropped kerbs, and double parking.
28 October 2025
Pensioners Urged To Check Eligibility For Pension Credit
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has strongly urged people over State Pension age across Northern Ireland to check if they are eligible to claim Pension Credit. The benefit provides extra money and can serve as a vital lifeline for older generations amidst rising living costs.
Pensioners Urged To Check Eligibility For Pension Credit
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has strongly urged people over State Pension age across Northern Ireland to check if they are eligible to claim Pension Credit. The benefit provides extra money and can serve as a vital lifeline for older generations amidst rising living costs.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.