Ballymena meeting told of older people’s crime concerns

Fear of crime continues to be a major concern for older people in the Mid-Antrim area - despite police statistics which show that crime against the elderly is rare.
Attending last week's "Feel Safe and Sound" event in the Des Allen Suite were, Back, L-R, Karen Moore (Manager of Ballymena Policing & Community Safety Partnership), Tommy Moore ( VMF Facilitator), Eddie Lynch 9Age Sector Platform), PJ White ( former PSNI crime prevention officer), Barbara McAtamney 9Department of Justice). Front, L-R, Inspector Alison Ferguson (PSNI), Cllr Roy Gillespie (chairperson Ballymena Policing & Community Safety Partnership),  Deirdre McCloskey (Mid & East Antrim Age Well Partnership). INBT 41-100JCAttending last week's "Feel Safe and Sound" event in the Des Allen Suite were, Back, L-R, Karen Moore (Manager of Ballymena Policing & Community Safety Partnership), Tommy Moore ( VMF Facilitator), Eddie Lynch 9Age Sector Platform), PJ White ( former PSNI crime prevention officer), Barbara McAtamney 9Department of Justice). Front, L-R, Inspector Alison Ferguson (PSNI), Cllr Roy Gillespie (chairperson Ballymena Policing & Community Safety Partnership),  Deirdre McCloskey (Mid & East Antrim Age Well Partnership). INBT 41-100JC
Attending last week's "Feel Safe and Sound" event in the Des Allen Suite were, Back, L-R, Karen Moore (Manager of Ballymena Policing & Community Safety Partnership), Tommy Moore ( VMF Facilitator), Eddie Lynch 9Age Sector Platform), PJ White ( former PSNI crime prevention officer), Barbara McAtamney 9Department of Justice). Front, L-R, Inspector Alison Ferguson (PSNI), Cllr Roy Gillespie (chairperson Ballymena Policing & Community Safety Partnership), Deirdre McCloskey (Mid & East Antrim Age Well Partnership). INBT 41-100JC

And last week, more than 60 older people gathered in the Ballymena Showgrounds to give their views and opinions on how the fear of crime affects them in their communities.

The event, organised by Mid & East Antrim Agewell Partnership (MEAAP), is the first of three consultation events planned as part of the MEAAP Feel Safe & Sound Project.

MEAAP Project Development Officer, Deirdre McCloskey noted: “The fear of crime is very real for many pensioners, and hence should not be ignored. However little is known in terms of what crime means for an older person, or what impact it can have on their daily lives.”

Councillor Roy Gillespie, Chair of Ballymena Policing & Community Safety Partnership (PCSP), said he welcomed the the opportunity to be involved in the partnership approach adopted by MEAAP.

The three consultation events, along with a paper survey, provide a valuable opportunity for older people to get involved and not only give valuable feedback but also increase awareness of the various help and support already available through various agencies and organisations.

MEAAP Feel Safe & Sound Project has gained the support of the PSNI, the Ballymena, Larne & Carrickfergus PCSPs, as well as additional funding support being provided by the Big Lottery Fund & Public Health Agency in partnership with South Antrim Community Network.

For further information on the MEAAP Feel Safe & Sound Project, or to request a copy of the paper survey, please contact MEAAP on 028 2565 8604 or email [email protected]