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Positive Ageing Month

Every year, Positive Ageing Month is celebrated in October, and it is a month-long campaign of events, activities and programmes that promote positive ageing as well as celebrating the contribution older people make to their communities.

Our Mid-Ulster older people’s population size is increasing every year and with that comes the need for increased support around issues of health, well-being, financial advice, cost of living issues and even drop-in hearing clinics which are all covered and on offer in this great timetable of free events.

For more information on any of the events contact our Age Friendly Co-ordinator:
Raisa Donnelly (Age Friendly Co-ordinator)
T: 03000 132 132
E: raisa.donnelly@midulstercouncil.org


Positive Ageing Month Events

With a mix of events to enable older people to connect both virtually through online events and physically there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Date and time Event information with location
6 week block starting on 16 September
2pm – 3.30pm
Chair Exercises at Mid Ulster Volunteer Centre
Involve House, 20 Queen Street, Magherafelt, BT45 6AB

To register contact: Claire McGurk (Project Leader)
Email: claire@midulstervolunteercentre.org
Telephone: 028 7930 1862
 
Cost: £15 for 6 week block.
Commencing Tuesday 16 September
10:30am – 12:00pm
Irish Language Social Group
A series of informal workshops based on various aspects of Irish language culture, including placenames, festivals and nature. All levels of ability of welcome.

Ag toiseacht/Commencing: Dé Máirt an 16 Meán Fómhair/
Áit/Place: The Burnavon, An Chorr Chríochach/Cookstown
Costas/Cost: £30.00 for 10 weeks of workshops. Booking essential.
Teagmháil/Contactgaeilge@midulstercouncil.org
Seán Antón: 07920016106
Mondays @
10.30am
Men’s Breakfast Club
Involve House, 20 Queen Street, Magherafelt, BT45 6AB

To register contact: Claire McGurk (Project Leader)
Email: claire@midulstervolunteercentre.org
Telephone: 028 7930 1862
 
  • 29 September (Nutrition talk)

  • 27 October (Winter wellness talk)

  • 24 November (Talk about Harry Ferguson)

Cost: Small donation welcome
Thursday 2  October
11:00am-1:00pm
Thrive on Thursday
Join us in Cookstown Library for a relaxing, mindful walk around town followed by a talk from Anita Hurley on health and wellbeing for over 50’s. Just come along, no booking required
Starts on 3 October for 4 weeks
11am
Cook it at Mid Ulster Volunteer Centre
Involve House, 20 Queen Street, Magherafelt, BT45 6AB

To register contact:
Claire McGurk (Project Leader)
Email: claire@midulstervolunteercentre.org
Telephone: 028 7930 1862
Cost: FREE
1st Monday each month - 2025

6 October
3 November
1 December

10am – 12pm
 
Hearing Aid User Support Service
Visit our free drop-in service – no appointment needed.
Cookstown Library, 13 Burn Road, Cookstown, BT80 8DJ
Can help with:
  • Hearing aids, including basic repairs and maintenance of NHS hearing aids

  • Information on hearing loss and tinnitus

  • How to do a hearing check

  • How to access support and services in your area.

Contact: Iain Irvine – RNID Near You Co Ordinator – NHSCT 07940 160672 rnid.org.uk Iain.irvine@rnid.org.uk
Monday 6 October
10-12 noon
Connect North Drop-in session
Maghera Library, 1 Church Street, Maghera, BT46 5EA
Connect North can connect you to beneficial services and supports within your community to address your practical, social or emotional needs
Monday 6 October
10.30am – 12pm.
Flower arranging (Autumn Theme) at Mid Ulster Volunteer Centre
Involve House, 20 Queen Street, Magherafelt, BT45 6AB
Cost: £10pp

To register contact: Claire McGurk (Project Leader)
Email: claire@midulstervolunteercentre.org
Telephone: 028 7930 1862
Monday 6 October
12pm- 2pm
Candle making workshop @ Mid Ulster Volunteer Centre
Involve House, 20 Queen Street, Magherafelt, BT45 6AB
Cost: £5pp

To register contact: Claire McGurk (Project Leader)
Email: claire@midulstervolunteercentre.org
Telephone: 028 7930 1862
Tuesday 7 October
10am - 12noon
Connect North Drop-in session
Draperstown Library, 50 High Street, Draperstown, BT45 7AD
Connect North can connect you to beneficial services and supports within your community to address your practical, social or emotional needs
Every Tuesday
12pm – 1.30pm
Luncheon Club @ Mid Ulster Volunteer Centre
Involve House, 20 Queen Street, Magherafelt, BT45 6AB

To register contact: Claire McGurk (Project Leader)
Email: claire@midulstervolunteercentre.org
Telephone: 028 7930 1862
Cost: £5 (New Members Welcome) *Please note – you must phone to book lunch by 1pm on Monday each week
Every Wednesday Class Times:
 

10am – 11.45am

12pm – 1.45pm

2.15pm – 4pm

 
Crochet Classes @ Mid Ulster Volunteer Centre
Involve House, 20 Queen Street, Magherafelt, BT45 6AB

To register contact: Claire McGurk (Project Leader)
Email: claire@midulstervolunteercentre.org
Telephone: 028 7930 1862
Cost: £3 per class
  • Spaces available in each class

  • New members welcome.

  • All levels are encouraged to attend. 

Fantastic tutor available!
Every Thursday
11am
Walking Group at Mid Ulster Volunteer Centre
Schedule of walks will be posted on Whats App group/Facebook page. Get in touch if you wish to join. WhatsApp group set up for means of communication relating to walking group.

To register contact: Claire McGurk (Project Leader)
Email: claire@midulstervolunteercentre.org
Telephone: 028 7930 1862
Wednesday 8 October
11am - 1pm
Irish Bread Making
Join Memory Makers at the Burnavon Theatre in Cookstown this October to learn how to make traditional Irish Breads, including Soda and Wheaten. This workshop will guide participants through each recipe which can then be taken home along with a sample of delicious breads.
The workshop will last for 2 hours; no cooking experience or equipment is required.

Book at https://www.burnavon.com/whats-on/irish-bread-making/129613189
Or call 028 8676 9949
Wednesday 8 October
11am-12 noon
Regional Rapid Rundown
Join the Age Friendly Network NI for an online Regional Rapid Rundown! To showcase the wide range of services and support that is available for Older People in Northern Ireland.
Location: Online event
For registration and link- Tel No: 028 25658604
Wednesday 8 October
7pm - 9pm
Interactive Online Dementia Training
Online via Zoom
An interactive session for carers, family members and health workers, packed with practical tips, videos and useful advice.

Book online: https://InteractiveDementiaTrainingOct2025.eventbrite.co.uk
Saturday 11 October
10am - 1pm
Mid Ulster Great Days Out Fair
Ranfurly Arts and Visitor Centre, Dungannon
Wednesday 15 October
2-3pm
Story, Tea & Chat
Join us in Cookstown Library for a story all about positive aging with tea and relaxed discussion afterwards.
 
Thursday 16 October
11.30am
Employers Pledge Information Session
Online
Find out more about the Employers Pledge and how it supports workplaces and communities.

To register email raisa.donnelly@midulstercouncil.org or call 03000 132 132.
Thursday 16 October
10-12 noon
Connect North Drop-in session
Cookstown Library, 13 Burn Road, Cookstown BT80 8DJ
Connect North can connect you to beneficial services and supports within your community to address your practical, social or emotional needs
Thursday 16 October
11am- 1pm
Acrylic Painting
Working with acrylic paints to create a vibrant and textured canvas to take home. Artist Féilín Campbell will guide participants through each step to create a unique piece bursting with colour using palette knife and brush techniques. Acrylic painting on canvas is suitable for all abilities. All materials supplied.

Book at https://www.burnavon.com/whats-on/acrylic-painting/129613207
Or call 028 8676 9949
Thursday 16 October
10am - 4pm
IT Help for Beginners
1-2-1 e-clinics
Help with your mobile device
General IT assistance
Information about library e-services
 
Location: Fivemiletown Library, 67 Main Street Fivemiletown Tyrone BT75 0PG. Ring the branch to book a slot - 028 8952 1409
Thursday 16 October
11.30am
 
Employers Pledge Information Session
Online
Find out more about the Employers Pledge and how it supports workplaces and communities.
To register, email raisa.donnelly@midulstercouncil.org or call 03000 132 132.
Friday 17 October
10am - 4pm
IT Help for Beginners
1-2-1 e-clinics
Help with your mobile device
General IT assistance
Information about library e-services
 
Location: Coalisland Library, 2-4 Lineside, The Cornmill Coalisland Tyrone BT71 4LP.  Ring the branch to book a slot- 028 8774 0569
Wednesday 22 October
11am -1pm
Autumn Lanterns
Come along to the Burnavon Theatre in Cookstown this October and make your own paper-mâché lantern. Participants will create a lantern to be hung or used as a table light using dried leaves, organic materials, and coloured paper and dyes. Battery operated fairy lights will finish off each piece to create a beautiful autumn warm glow. Lanterns can be collected once dry.

Book at https://www.burnavon.com/whats-on/autumn-lanterns/129613221
Or call 028 8676 9949
 
Thursday 23 October
11am
Bank of Ireland Financial Wellbeing Session
Online via Teams
A practical session to help you manage your money and improve financial wellbeing.

To register, email raisa.donnelly@midulstercouncil.org or call 03000 132 132.
Thursday 23 October
2pm
Residential Care Costs
Online
An online session on planning ahead for future care costs, covering care types, financial assessments, capital, income and legislation.
Free to attend. To register, email raisa.donnelly@ midulstercouncil.org or call 03000 132 132.
Thursday 23 October
10am-4pm
IT Help for Beginners
1-2-1 e-clinics
Help with your mobile device
General IT assistance
Information about library e-services
Location: Maghera Library ,1 Church Street
Maghera, BT46 5EA
 
Ring the branch to book a slot 028 7964 2578
Friday 24 October
10am - 4pm
IT Help for Beginners
1-2-1 e-clinics
Help with your mobile device
General IT assistance
Information about library e-services
 
Location: Draperstown Library, 50 High Street Draperstown Londonderry BT45 7AD.  Ring the branch to book a slot on 028 7962 8249
Monday 27 October
10am - 4pm
IT Help for Beginners
1-2-1 e-clinics
Help with your mobile device
General IT assistance
Information about library e-services
 
Location: Cookstown Library, 13 Burn Road Cookstown Tyrone BT80 8DJ. Ring the branch to book a slot - 028 8676 3702
Tuesday 28 October
10am - 4pm
IT Help for Beginners
1-2-1 e-clinics
Help with your mobile device
General IT assistance
Information about library e-services
 
Location: Dungannon Library, 36 Market Square Dungannon Co. Tyrone BT70 1JD.  Ring the branch to book a slot on 028 8772 2952
 
Last Friday Each Month

26 September
31st October
28 November

11am – 1pm
Hearing Aid User Support Service
Visit our free drop-in service – no appointment needed.
Magherafelt  Library, 6 Church Street, Magherafelt, BT45 6AN

Can help with:
  • Hearing aids, including basic repairs and maintenance of NHS hearing aids

  • Information on hearing loss and tinnitus

  • How to do a hearing check

  • How to access support and services in your area. 

Contact: Iain Irvine – RNID Near You Co Ordinator – NHSCT 07940 160672 rnid.org.uk Iain.irvine@rnid.org.uk
Wednesday 29 October
10am - 4pm
IT Help for Beginners
1-2-1 e-clinics
Help with your mobile device
General IT assistance
Information about library e-services
 
Location: Magherafelt Library, The Bridewell 6 Church Street, Magherafelt.  Ring the branch to book a slot  028 7963 2278
 
Every Monday
10.30am – 11.15am
Young at Heart Spin, Cookstown Leisure centre
Suitable for ages 50+
Start your week with an energising spin session designed to improve cardiovascular fitness, strength, and overall wellbeing. Enjoy a friendly atmosphere and expert guidance to help you stay active and motivated.
Every Tuesday
10am – 10.45am
Young at Heart Fitness – Circuit Class, Cookstown Leisure centre
Suitable for ages 50+
Join this circuit-based fitness class to work on strength, balance, and mobility. Exercises are tailored for older adults, providing a fun and safe way to stay active and social.
Every Wednesday
11am – 11.45am
Young at Heart Fitness – Chair Aerobics, Cookstown Leisure Centre
Suitable for ages 50+
A gentle yet effective chair-based workout focusing on strength, balance, and flexibility. Perfect for those who want to improve fitness while enjoying a supportive and sociable environment.
Wednesday 29 October 

10.00am – 1.30pm (10.30am start)
 
Boccia Tournament
Join us for a fun-filled day of Boccia, the exciting Paralympic target ball sport that’s inclusive, social and great for all abilities. Teams from across Mid Ulster will come together for friendly games, competing to land their leather balls closest to the white target ball (the jack).
Cookstown Leisure Centre.
Teams of 3 players

Registration deadline Friday 10 October 2025
To register your team, contact Jackie Cotton, Community Access Worker, RNIB Mid-Ulster:
jackie.cotton@rnib.org.uk
07710 066 251
Wednesday 29 October
10am -3pm
Health and Wellbeing Fair
Killymaddy Centre, 190 Ballygawley Rd, Dungannon BT70 1TF
The Farm Families Bus will be attending and will be offering 18 health checks on the day.  Appointments for the health checks will start around 10am and finish at 3pm.  There will be several health information stands including Cancer Focus, Access and Information Service, Diabetes Prevention, Smoking Cessation, Mental Health.
The stands will be available from 10am – 12noon. 

Book your appointment by email pwb.events@southerntrust.hscni.net
Alternatively call 028 3756 4400 to book an appointment.
Thursday 30 October
7.30pm – 8.30pm
Spooky Online Chocolate Bingo
Online via Zoom
It’s bingo with a twist! Join Victor Mawhinney for music, games and chocolate prizes. Fancy dress encouraged to add to the spooky spirit.
For the Zoom link, email info@ engagewithage.org.uk or call 028 9073 5696.
Friday 31 October
12.30pm
Afternoon Tea at Mid Ulster Volunteer Centre
Involve House, 20 Queen Street, Magherafelt, BT45 6AB

To register contact:
Claire McGurk (Project Leader)
Email: claire@midulstervolunteercentre.org
Telephone: 028 7930 1862
Friday 31 October
10am - 12 noon
Connect North Drop-in session
Magherafelt Library, 6 Church Street, Magherafelt BT45 6AN
Connect North can connect you to beneficial services and supports within your community to address your practical, social or emotional needs
Every Tuesday and Friday at 9.45am
Every Tuesday at 11.30am
 
Purpose Group Training
A group training class for over 50s & 65s focusing on building strength and balance while promoting a healthier lifestyle.

CLASSES FOR OVER 50’s
Classes held in the Tamnamore/Dungannon area
CLASSES FOR OVER 65’s
Classes held in Hollywood Fitness, Cookstown
For more information, or to register, please contact Rebecca on 07871279017.