Mid Ulster District Council Website

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

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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 16th September 2pm – 3.30pm	CHAIR EXERCISES @ Mid Ulster Volunteer Centre Involve House, 20 Queen Street, Magherafelt, BT45 6AB To register contact: Claire McGurk Project Leader claire@midulstervolunteercentre.org 028 7930 1862   Cost: £15 for 6 week block.
Commencing Tuesday 16th 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/Contact: gaeilge@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 claire@midulstervolunteercentre.org 028 7930 1862 When: 29th September(nutrition talk) 27th October (winter wellness talk) 24th November (Talk about Harry Ferguson) Cost: Small donation welcome
Thursday 2nd  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 3rd October for 4 weeks 11am	COOK IT @ Mid Ulster Volunteer Centre Involve House, 20 Queen Street, Magherafelt, BT45 6AB To register contact: Claire McGurk Project Leader claire@midulstervolunteercentre.org 028 7930 1862 Cost: FREE
1st Monday each month - 2025 6th October 3rd November 1st 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 6th 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 6th October 10.30am – 12pm.	Flower arranging (autumn theme) @ Mid Ulster Volunteer Centre Cost: £10pp Involve House, 20 Queen Street, Magherafelt, BT45 6AB To register contact: Claire McGurk Project Leader claire@midulstervolunteercentre.org 028 7930 1862
Monday 6th 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 claire@midulstervolunteercentre.org 028 7930 1862
Tuesday 7th October 10-12 noon	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 claire@midulstervolunteercentre.org 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 claire@midulstervolunteercentre.org 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 @ Mid Ulster Volunteer Centre Where: 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. Claire McGurk Project Leader claire@midulstervolunteercentre.org 028 7930 1862
Wednesday 8th October 11-1pm	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 8th 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 8th October 7-9pm	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 11th October 10am-1pm	Mid Ulster Great Days Out Fair Ranfurly Arts and Visitor Centre, Dungannon
Wednesday 15th 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 16th 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 16th 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 16th 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 16th 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 16th 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 17th 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 22nd 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 23rd 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 23rd 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 23rd 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 24th October 10-4pm	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 - 028 7962 8249
Monday 27th October 10-4pm	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 28th October 10-4pm	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 - 028 8772 2952
Last Friday Each Month - 2025 26 September 31st  October, 28 November, None Dec 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 29th October 10-4pm	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 29th 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 10th October 2025 To register your team, contact Jackie Cotton, Community Access Worker, RNIB Mid-Ulster: jackie.cotton@rnib.org.uk 07710 066 251
Wednesday 29th 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 30th 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 31st October 12:30pm	Afternoon Tea @ Mid Ulster Volunteer Centre Involve House, 20 Queen Street, Magherafelt, BT45 6AB To register contact: Claire McGurk Project Leader claire@midulstervolunteercentre.org 028 7930 1862
Friday 31st October 10-12 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/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.