Abbeyfield & Wesley Housing Association has launched a programme of celebrations across Northern Ireland to mark the 70th anniversary of the Abbeyfield Movement.

The first event took place at Abbeyfield & Wesley’s Ballymoney Road house in Ballymena, where more than 50 residents, families, staff and community representatives gathered for a special lunch.

The anniversary marks seven decades of an approach to housing for older people centred on independence, companionship, dignity and community.

The Ballymena celebration was attended by the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, who joined Ethel McDonald, the house's longest-standing resident, to cut a 70th anniversary cake. McDonald moved to the Abbeyfield house in 2013.

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A further 10 events are planned at Abbeyfield & Wesley houses and sheltered schemes across Northern Ireland. The programme will include coffee mornings, lunches, barbecues, musical events and open-door celebrations, bringing together residents, families, friends and local communities.

The Association's three Bangor houses will also hold a joint celebration at its Ward Avenue house in Bangor this week.

The celebrations mark 70 years since social reformer Richard Carr-Gomm founded the Abbeyfield Movement in London in 1956.

Carr-Gomm's approach was based on creating ordinary homes within established communities, allowing older people to retain their independence while benefiting from companionship and support.

He described his vision as: "A scheme to bring lonely people together, in an ordinary house, in an ordinary street, getting support and creating an atmosphere of companionship from neighbours and family; returning to the community rather than moving away from it."