Council wants to hear views on becoming more age friendly
The Vale of Glamorgan Council is running a survey to find out how it can make living in the County more age friendly.
Working with partners on the Public Services Board, the aim is for the Vale to be recognised as Age Friendly, a status awarded by the World Health Organisation.
The purpose of the consultation is to make sure that the views of older people are heard. It will canvas opinions on a broad range of topics such as events and activities, outdoor spaces, transport and social care.
This follows recent Council announcements on the Golden Pass pilot scheme and a plan to tackle loneliness and social isolation through administering funding for organisations and community groups within the Vale.
The goal of the Golden Pass pilot scheme is to provide physical activity and sporting opportunities for Barry residents who are aged 60 plus.
It will provide 400 passes, giving access to eight free sessions of activities ranging from archery to Zumba classes.
The Council also recently announced it was heling to establishing an accessible hub in Llantwit Major together with Age Connects and Glamorgan Voluntary Service.
This will be used as a point of contact for isolated older people, connecting them with their community, support services and social activities.
Cllr Ben Gray, Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet member for Social Care and Health, said: “Since its inception, the Vale 50+ Strategy Forum has been working tirelessly to make sure that voices of older people in the Vale are heard.
“It’s vital that the views, opinions and concerns of all our residents are taken into account when making important decisions.
“I’m proud of the work done so far towards our goal of achieving Age Friendly Status. This will help us to ensure that the Vale is a good place to grow old in and that people of all ages can live happily and healthily.
“This scheme will help to promote policies tackling poverty and social exclusion in older people, developing better community transport, health and housing services and involving members with their local community.”
“As we move forward and begin to recover from the pandemic, we must make sure that we plan so that everyone has the opportunity to age well, with a good quality of life and to be able to live as long and as independently as possible.”
To complete the survey, head to the Vale of Glamorgan Public Services Board website. If you are not currently a Forum member but would like to join, please get in touch and request a membership form by emailing OPF@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk