Newton shows 'Up' For Age Awareness Week 2010

Junior Minister Robin Newton MLA has supported the Launch of Age Awareness Week 2010 at a special screening of 'Up' in the 100-seater Cinemobile.

Age Awareness Week which takes place from Saturday 25 September to Saturday 2 October, celebrates the diversity of older people's lives and highlights the positive contribution older people make to our society. The theme this year is ’Recognition’, which aims to challenge negative attitudes about older people's contribution to society, and the way we recognise older people's skills, experiences and achievements.

Speaking at the event Minister Newton said: “We are now living longer, healthier lives which means that the knowledge, life experience and expertise of our older people has become an integral contribution to society.

“Age Awareness Week is about celebrating that contribution and also about raising awareness of the issues older people face in their daily lives. We need to tackle negative attitudes and the outdated view that older people are a burden on society.

As a Junior Minister with responsibility for older people I, along with Junior Minister Kelly, welcome the progress made towards the establishment of an Older Peoples Commissioner who, once in post, will ensure that older people have a strong voice to speak on their behalf. The Commissioner will help shape government policy in the interests of older people and be able to challenge discrimination and promote their participation in public life."

Age Awareness Week is co-ordinated by the Changing Ageing Partnership (CAP), which brings together Age NI, Queen's University and the Workers Education Association.

Anne O’Reilly, Age Awareness Week said: "I am delighted to welcome Junior Minister Robin Newton to launch Age Awareness Week 2010, a week packed full of activities and events that give recognition to the contribution older people make to society. This year the Changing Ageing Partnership has joined forces with Cinemobile, Ireland’s first travelling cinema, to bring the magic of the movies and age issues to eight locations throughout Northern Ireland, screening the movies ‘Up’ and ‘The Bucket List’. Age Awareness Week and the Cinemobile events in particular provide the perfect opportunity to get involved and become aware of age issues."

Notes to editors:

1. The theme of Age Awareness Week 2010 is “Recognition”, which aims to challenge negative attitudes about older people's contribution to society, and the way we recognise older people's skills, experiences and achievements.
2. The organisers of this Week is CAP (Changing Ageing Partnership – this incorporates Age NI, Queens University and the Workers Education Association)
3. The Cinemobile, one of the most adventurous projects of the National Millennium Committee, is a magnificent, state-of-the-art 100-seater mobile cinema. With over 100,000 visitors to date, the Cinemobile brings the magic of the movies to your doorstep.
4. For photos and media queries contact OFMDFM Press Office 028 9037 8119. Out of hours contact pager 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.