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The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland
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Young at Heart Bessbrook

Registered

Charity no. 110335 Date registered. 30/01/2025

Public benefits

The benefits derived from membership of Young at Heart Bessbrook (YAH) include a better state of physical health, mental health and well being and opportunities for education. The various activities help reduce the impact of rural and social isolation and promote social interaction, education and a sense of self worth for seniors. Being a voluntary

group the members have the opportunity of contributing their skill and abilities to play a meaningful part in the local community life and maintaining a sense of worth and encourage a positive attitude to life. Records of weekly attendance and planned events show that YAH is very well supported and that there is a need for the services it provides. Craft knitting workshops and various outings to places of interest bring with it expanded knowledge and understanding with opportunity for further social interaction. Surveys are conducted to gauge the success of the planned activities and these allow members to have their say and feel valued. Records of attendance at YAH each week and at planned events show that there is good support for the service provided to the members. Surveys also give an indication of success of the group. Surveys measuring mental health impact arising from organised keep fit classes provided through YAH also show positive improvements. The group has also grown following the COVID 19 outbreak indicating that the venue is safe and also welcoming to people of all denominations. Increasing numbers of members coming to the group who are bereaved; indicates that bereavement support is valued by those attending. None of the activities put any of the members at risk of personal harm. People aged 50 years and over in Bessbrook and surrounding district. There is no private benefit flowing from the purpose

What your organisation does

1.Organise planned walks for senior. 2. Pay for venue where seniors can come, socialise and share knitting and craft skills. Men come for social contact and friendship and participate in group activities. 3. Organising and planning outings to places of cultural or historic interest. 4. Inviting speakers from service providers to cover health,

safety and security in the home and also public health initiatives. 5. Organising and planning keep fit programmes for seniors e.g. Functional fitness and core strength and balance exercises. 6. Seasonal entertainment e.g. planning a Christmas meal for seniors.

The charity’s classifications

  • The relief of those in need by reason of youth, age, ill-health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage

Who the charity helps

  • General public
  • Older people

How the charity works

  • Advice/advocacy/information

Charitable purposes

The aim of the group/organisation is to relieve those in need bying a social outlet and a programme of social, educational & recreational activities within a safe and secure environment for people aged 50 & over in the local Bessbrook and surrounding areas.

Governing document

Constitution

Other name

Young at Heart (Walking and Craft) Group Bessbrook or acronym YAH
  • 7 Trustees
  • 0 Employees
  • 0 Volunteers

Contact details

Public address

  • Mr Mervyn Briggs, 11 Convent Gardens,, Bessbrook, Newry, Co.Armagh, BT35 7AW

Trustee board

Trustee
Mr James Mccoy
Mr Robert Megarity
Mrs Philomena Morrow
Mr John Cunningham
Mr Mervyn Briggs
Mrs Ella Harvey
Mrs Barbara Watson

List of regions

  • Newry, Mourne And Down District Council