Age Friendly Vale

At the Vale of Glamorgan Public Services Board meeting in April 2021 the Older Peoples Commissioner for Wales and her team presented information to partners on the importance of and benefits of becoming age friendly and achieving World Health Organisation (WHO) Age Friendly Status. Recognising the importance of this work as we recover from the pandemic, particularly as the Vale has a growing older population, the PSB agreed to jointly take forward the work in the Vale to apply for Age Friendly status.

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.

Age Friendly Communities

The concept of Age Friendly Cities and Communities was developed by the World Health Organisation in 2007. The WHO recognise 8 key features (domains) of age friendly communities, these are: Age Friendly Domains English - Outdoor spaces and buildings, Transportation, Housing, Social participation, Respect and social inclusion, Civic participation and employment, Communication and information, Community support and health services

Outdoor spaces and buildings
Housing
- Social participation
- Respect and social inclusion
Civic participation and employment
- Communication and information

- Community support and health services

Work is taking place across the Vale to strengthen activities and support in these domains to make the Vale become a better place for people to grow old in. By becoming age friendly we recognise this will make the Vale a friendlier place for all, especially older people.

Age Friendly Vale Charter

Partners have worked together to develop an Age Friendly Vale Charter that shows the PSB’s specific areas of focus and commitments where we can work together as partners, side by side with our community to ensure that people are ageing well in the Vale. The Charter has taken into account what residents, community groups and partners have told us. We will continue to hear directly from those aged 50 and over living and working in the Vale to inform the future Action Plan to ensure we’re focusing on the issues we can have the biggest effect on that matter most.

You can view the Charter and our 8 Commitments that we will be working towards.

Services and Support in the Vale of Glamorgan

CELT+ Projects at Vale of Glamorgan Council has projects that support older people living throughout the Vale. The CELT+ Employability Project supports older people especially those living in more rural areas to find work, training, start a business, update their skills or volunteer. They also have a POD service that offers free advice and signposting for residents to support on anything from housing, finance, mental health and general information. For more information, contact: Paul Pickering on 07849 309835 or email ppickering@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk

The Care Collective provide information and support to unpaid carers in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan. The aim of the service is to improve the quality of life for you, and the person you support, helping you to make the most of your life alongside caring. They also want to ensure that you can manage financially and have the time and energy to enjoy your life and do things that are important to you. For more information, please visit The Care Collective webpage.

Dinas Powys Voluntary Concern (DPVC) are a local group of volunteers that work to enable the elderly and those with limited mobility to maintain independence and an involvement in community life. The group provide transport as well as weekly and wellbeing and befriending services. Visit their website to find out more.

Valeways runs ten stroller groups across the Vale of Glamorgan. Although walks are open to anyone and are completely free to join (you just turn up - no booking required), they are frequented by people over 50. A stroll lasts around one hour and there are no stiles or steep inclines. The only requirement is a pair of comfortable shoes for walking. The programme for the next 3 months is available to view at Valeways.

Home Instead (Penarth and Barry) run a number of regular events in the Vale of Glamorgan. Email Christine.darby@homeinstead.co.uk or call 02920569483 to register your interest in these offerings.

Llandough Coffee Morning at the Merrie Harrier, Penlan Road, CF64 2NY Every first Tuesday of the month from 10.00am – 12.00pm.
Memory Café Penarth at Room 1, Penarth Methodist Church, Woodland Place, Penarth, CF64 2EX. The 2nd Monday of the month from 10.00am- 12.00pm.
MenoPals Sully at Sully Sports and Social Club, South Road, Sully CF64 5SP on the 2nd Wednesday of the month from 7.30pm – 9pm.

With Music in Mind (WMIM) aims to reduce social isolation and loneliness and to improve the quality of life and physical and mental wellbeing of older people in the community. This includes supporting those living with hidden conditions such as dementia, and their carers. The group currently run five singing and social groups and two gentle exercise and social groups across the Vale of Glamorgan and Bridgend which are open to anyone aged 50+. Carers are welcome to attend groups for free with a member. For more information, please visit their website.

The Vale 50+ Strategy Forum provides a voice for older people in the Vale of Glamorgan. If you are 50+ and live, work or volunteer in the Vale, please join them. To find out more visit their website or contact them on by phone: 01446 700111 or email OPF@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk

Age Connects Cardiff & The Vale is a local charity that supports older people in need. They can offer a lifeline in so many ways: friendship, practical help and shopping service through their volunteer led project. Social interaction, advice and refreshments at their Wellbeing Centre at Holton Road, Barry, plus, benefits advice, nail cutting and advocacy support.

Dewis Cymru is an online directory that allows residents in the Vale to access information on services in areas such as health, care, benefits, money management, clubs, activities and family support. The scheme is designed to help and sign post people to what they need without the need to go to a professional or call for help. Visit their website to learn more and start accessing services near you.

Cardiff and Vale Univeristy Health Board have set up clinics, run by falls specialist physiotherapists, who can provide assessments and then advice on falls risk reduction. These clinics are offered either face-to-face, by phone or a secure video link. To find out if these clinics would be suitable for you visit their website for more information.

If you would like your service, activity or opportunity to be added to this page and/or would like to join our Age Friendly Vale Network please contact Siân Clemett-Davies, Age Friendly Vale Officer on snclemett-davies@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk

Financial Entitlements

Millions of pounds worth of financial entitlements go unclaimed by eligible older people in Wales, in 2018/19 unclaimed Pension Credit alone reached £214 million. The below table includes some of the most common financial entitlements available to older people that often go unclaimed and information on how to check your eligibility. For more advice and support you can contact:

For advice Age Connects Welfare Rights Service – 02920 683682
For general information Age Connects Good Neighbours Scheme - 01446 732685 for Central Vale and 01446 795549 for the Western Vale
For Advocacy Support Age Connects Advocacy Service - 01446 795632

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Financial Entitlements and Benefits
Type of Entitlement	Overview of Entitlement	Contact details
Pension Credit	Pension Credit is a weekly boost your income based on how much money you have coming in. If your weekly pension is less than £167.25 (£255.25 for couples), you may be eligible for Pension Credit, which tops up your income and unlocks a range of other entitlements.	Pension Credit Claim Line 0800 99 1234
Council Tax Reduction	You may be entitled to a Council Tax reduction if you meet certain eligibility criteria. Anybody who has been medically diagnosed with having a severe mental impairment (SMI) that appears to be permanent, which includes Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, may be eligible for a Council Tax discount.	Council Tax Team 01446 709564 CouncilTax@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk
Attendance Allowance	People over State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision because of illness or disability may be eligible for Attendance Allowance.	Age UK Attendance Allowance Helpline 0800 731 0122
Carers Allowance	If you care for someone for 35 hours a week or more, you may be eligible for carers allowance. Whilst people receiving their state pension are often not eligible for the full amount you may still be able to get some money in recognition of your caring role.	Carers UK Information and Support Line 0808 808 7777