Funds of up to £10,000 will be generated through the Member AGM voting process, with Progressive donating £2.50 for every online vote and 20p for each paper vote cast by its eligible Members.
This year, the Society’s 111th AGM will be held on Friday 24 Aprilat the Europa Hotel in Belfast.
Progressive Secretary Kyle McRoberts said the Society was delighted to partner with Age NI and support work that makes a tangible difference to older people across Northern Ireland.
“Age NI is there for older people and their families when they need clear answers, practical support and someone to talk to,” he said.
“This partnership is a straightforward way for our Members to help generate funds through the AGM voting process, while highlighting the services that help older people stay independent, connected and valued.”
Mr McRoberts added that Progressive is entering into a four-year partnership with Age NI, running until 2030.
This reflects a shared commitment to building a more inclusive society, supporting efforts that make Northern Ireland a better place for older people -aligning with Progressive’s mutuality ethos.
Age NI believes every older person should be included and valued and works across Northern Ireland to change the way we age.
The charity provides free, independent and confidential advice and advocacy on a wide range of issues affecting older people, including care at home, residential and nursing care, benefits and entitlements, as well as housing and health.
Age NI delivers services that help older people stay connected to their communities, including bespoke wellbeing support such as First Connect, which provides practical and emotional support for older people facing difficult times.
Another initiative, Check in and Chat, is a telephone service offering connection and friendship to those feeling lonely.
Alongside this, the charity delivers thousands of hours of care each year, comprising day centre care, home based care, and residential care to help older people remain independent and socially connected.
Rosalind Cole, Fundraising Manager at Age NI, welcomed the partnership and said it would help strengthen support for older people across Northern Ireland.
“Through our advice and advocacy, our friendship and wellbeing services, and our care and community support, we’re working every day to change the way we age,” she said.
“Progressive’s support through AGM voting will help us continue to be there for older people – providing advice, care, connection and support when it’s needed most.”
At a strategic level, Age NI informs and lobbies local and central government to plan for an ageing society and ensure older people’s issues are represented at the highest level.
Its priorities include a health and social care system that delivers the best quality care in later life, reducing pensioner poverty and strengthening the rights of older people to help end discrimination when accessing goods, facilities and services.
The advice line is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays), with Age NI’s advice team identifying over £1 million in unclaimed benefits every year.
If you or an older person you know needs advice on benefits, housing, care or other support, please call the free and confidential advice line on 0808 808 7575, email advice@ageni.org, or visit www.ageni.org