Older People's Commission for Wales holds information day in Dinas Powys (From Penarth Times)

Older People's Commission for Wales holds information day in Dinas Powys

9:00am Sunday 2nd September 2012 in News

THE Older People's Commission for Wales is reaching out to more older people than ever before, and in June the commission began its Commission Roadshow, engaging with older people in a diverse range of local groups in communities across Wales.

As part of the roadshow, the commission is holding information days around Wales to raise awareness of its work and how it could help older people - and the first of these days was held at the Murchfield Community Centre in Dinas Powys on August 13.

Kelly Davies, communications and engagement manager at the commission, said: "We received a warm welcome from the people we met in Dinas Powys and it was great to meet representatives from Dinas Powys Voluntary Concern who provide valuable support to older people in the local community.

"We heard about a new befriending scheme launched in association with The Big Lottery and the Vale Centre for Voluntary Services. The scheme aims to help reduce feelings of loss and isolation through developing a social network in the community.

"Schemes like this provide an invaluable service and a great deal of support for older people, reassuring them that they are not alone and helping them maintain their independence and stay active."

Cllr John Fanshaw, chairman of DPVC said: "DPVC volunteers have been helping elderly residents overcome isolation and loneliness in our community through our Good Neighbour Scheme, our minibus/ambulance (escorted shopping trips and transport to community events) and through our Big Lottery funded Befriending project.

"We anticipate working with the Older People's Commissioner for Wales and others, including the WRVS, Llandough Hospital and our Local Authority, in identifying and helping local residents who could benefit from the support which DPVC volunteers willingly and cheerfully offer."