Age Friendly event brings together communities of older residents throughout the Vale
An event hosted by the Vale of Glamorgan Public Services Board and the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales has brought together older people from all areas in the Vale to enjoy speeches, live music and a range of networking opportunities.
On 6th December the Age Friendly Vale Team, the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales Heléna Herklots, local partners and stakeholders including members of the public came together to celebrate the Vale joining the WHO’s Network at CF61 Community Centre in Llantwit Major. Thanks to the Council’s Greenlinks Community Transport Service and PCSO Rhiannon Cummings residents from a local sheltered housing scheme were some of the people able to take part and enjoy the afternoon’s events.
Guests enjoyed a lively performance from the Llantwit Major Bethel Ukulele Band, Christmas Carols from Ysgol y Ddraig Community Champions and free JOY-rides onboard Cariad the tri-shaw courtesy of Cycling Without Age volunteers.
The event was hosted by the Chair of the PSB and Leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, Lis Burnett who said: “Becoming ‘age friendly’ means that people of all ages living and working in the Vale are given the opportunity to age well and actively participate in their community.
“Loneliness and social isolation have a serious impact on our mental health and quality of life and events like this are instrumental in bringing people together to communicate and enjoy themselves.
“It is great so see a range of people and partners here today, especially our older people who will be important agents of change as we continue to work together.”
On October 2023 the Vale of Glamorgan Public Services Board (PSB) received news it had become the fourth local authority area in Wales to join the World Health Organization’s Global Network of Age Friendly Cities and Communities.
Acceptance into the network is recognition of the PSB’s ambitions and commitment to an Age Friendly Vale where all people, especially older people have the opportunities they need to age well.
The status reflects the hard work already underway in the Vale including the establishment of the Age Friendly Vale Network, a group of partners, community members and older people who are working together to develop a draft Age Friendly Vale Action Plan and build upon the Age Friendly Vale Charter developed earlier in the year.
In addition to the strategic work, the Vale’s Age Friendly Officer has built strong community connections which has led to a range of local activities being supported and established. These include the formation of the ‘St Athan Strollers’ developed in partnership with local third sector group ‘Valeways’ and the Vale Council’s Healthy Living Team.
Older People’s Champion, Councillor Belinda Loveluck-Edwards said “Today we celebrate all that we have campaigned and won in recognising that an Age Friendly Authority is a healthier, happier and more balanced authority.
“As the Champion for Older People I am so proud of the work of the team that have worked hard to secure Age Friendly status.
“I recognise as a Champion, that this is the start of our journey and with your continued help and support we can bring together the whole rainbow of residents living and working in The Vale.
“We share a common goal of living without fear, valued and as part of a community that cares for all whether you are 7 or 70.”
Following the event, the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Heléna Herklots said “It’s been a fantastic afternoon here, lots of celebration, sharing of ideas and information and a real spirit of Christmas joy."
The Vale has 56,200 people aged 50 and over which accounts for 46% of its population. This figure is projected to increase year on year in line with the rest of Wales.
Working together to support our ageing population as it continues to grow, through opportunities like this, where local people and partners can connect is crucial. It is not something anyone of us can do alone.
Over the next few months, the Age Friendly Vale Team will continue to deliver a programme of engagement activity to inform the draft Age Friendly Vale Action Plan.
The team would like to speak to anyone with an interest in ageing well, particularly members of the community aged 50+. To get involved in this activity and keep up to date with progress please visit the PSB’s Twitter account or webpage, email PSB@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk or call 01446 70011 / 709391.