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 Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2028

This Strategy builds upon the commitments set out in the Age Friendly Vale Charter and ongoing age friendly work across the county. The Strategy sets out the vision and priorities for creating a more age friendly community. A community where older people feel connected, are treated with respect and have access to the same opportunities and services as the rest of the population.

Age Friendly Vale Strategy and Action Plan 2025-2028

Age Friendly Vale Strategy and Action Plan 2025-2028 Summary

Developed through wide ranging consultation, older people’s voices and experience sit at the heart of this new Age Friendly Strategy. We are truly thankful to everyone who took the time to work with us.

To effectively implement this three year plan, we need to continue to work together. Collaboration between partners of the Public Services Board, wider partners, community groups and older people is essential. We understand that no one partner can, or should, undertake this effort alone. We are excited to work together on the meaningful and impactful work that lies ahead.

Age Friendly Vale Charter

We'll be sharing regular updates on our progress through the Age Friendly Vale Network and the PSB’s Annual Report.

If you run a local group or project that can help us move closer to the vision for a more Age Friendly Vale, please get in touch and join the movement.

Age Friendly - Schemes

TV License 75+
You can apply for a free TV Licence if you are 75 years or older and you, or your partner living at the same address, receive Pension Credit.

Council Tax Reduction Scheme
You can apply for Council Tax Reduction if you are working age or a pensioner and on a low income, whether you're unemployed or working. If you have over £16,000 capital or savings, you will not normally be entitled to a reduction.

Golden Pass Scheme
This project offers Vale residents aged 60+ the opportunity to access eight free sessions of sport and physical activity in their community.

Nature Prescription
Nature Prescriptions are a non-medical for people to improve their health and wellbeing based on self-led activities that can be done from home, on their own or with others; and aim to create lasting connections with nature.

Winter Fuel Allowance
If you were born before 22 September 1959 you could get between £100 and £300 to help you pay your heating bills for winter 2025 to 2026.

Free Swimming
Many of our residents are entitled to free swimming sessions at Legacy Leisure centres in the Vale of Glamorgan, including under over 60s, and veterans.

Bus and Train discounts
If you're over 60 or or meet the Government’s disability eligibility criteria, you can travel for free on most bus services in Wales and the borders and get discounted or free travel on many rail services.

Care and Repair
Helping to support older people to repair, adapt and maintain their homes. With free home visits, home assessments, and recommendations about improving your home.

Age Friendly - Support

Vale 50+ Strategy Forum
The forum works both locally and nationally to support the different needs of over fifties in the Vale of Glamorgan. They respond to consultations, support health and community safety campaigns and organise a number of events throughout the year.

Age Connects Cardiff & The Vale
Age connects supports lonely and vulnerable older people across Cardiff and the Vale.

Warm Spaces
As part of our work to support residents during the cost-of-living crisis we have developed a Warm Spaces scheme. This is a network of community spaces that offer a warm and inviting place to come together this winter at no cost.

Funeral Expenses
You could get a Funeral Expenses Payment (also called a Funeral Payment) if you get certain benefits and need help to pay for a funeral you’re arranging.

Fire Service
If you live in South Wales, your local Fire and Rescue Service offer you the opportunity to have a free Home Safety visit in your home.

Pension Credit
Pension Credit is a weekly boost to your income based on how much money you have coming in. If your weekly pension is less than a certain amount (see here), you may be eligible for Pension Credit, which tops up your income and unlocks a range of other entitlements.

Transport for Wales
If you're over 60 or or meet the Government’s disability eligibility criteria, you can get discounted or free travel on many rail services. With a Senior Railcard, you can get 1/3 off rail fares to travel across Britain.

Council Tax Discount
If you are the only adult resident in your property, you recieve a discount on your Council Tax of 25% (some groups do not count towards the number of adult residents).

Age Friendly Vale

Age Friendly Communities

Age Friendly Vale Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2028

TV License 75+You can apply for a free TV Licence if you are 75 years or older and you, or your partner living at the same address, receive Pension Credit.

Council Tax Reduction SchemeYou can apply for Council Tax Reduction if you are working age or a pensioner and on a low income, whether you're unemployed or working. If you have over £16,000 capital or savings, you will not normally be entitled to a reduction.

Golden Pass Scheme This project offers Vale residents aged 60+ the opportunity to access eight free sessions of sport and physical activity in their community.

Nature PrescriptionNature Prescriptions are a non-medical for people to improve their health and wellbeing based on self-led activities that can be done from home, on their own or with others; and aim to create lasting connections with nature.

Winter Fuel AllowanceIf you were born before 22 September 1959 you could get between £100 and £300 to help you pay your heating bills for winter 2025 to 2026.

Free SwimmingMany of our residents are entitled to free swimming sessions at Legacy Leisure centres in the Vale of Glamorgan, including under over 60s, and veterans.

Bus and Train discountsIf you're over 60 or or meet the Government’s disability eligibility criteria, you can travel for free on most bus services in Wales and the borders and get discounted or free travel on many rail services.

Care and RepairHelping to support older people to repair, adapt and maintain their homes. With free home visits, home assessments, and recommendations about improving your home.

Vale 50+ Strategy ForumThe forum works both locally and nationally to support the different needs of over fifties in the Vale of Glamorgan. They respond to consultations, support health and community safety campaigns and organise a number of events throughout the year.

Age Connects Cardiff & The ValeAge connects supports lonely and vulnerable older people across Cardiff and the Vale.

Warm SpacesAs part of our work to support residents during the cost-of-living crisis we have developed a Warm Spaces scheme. This is a network of community spaces that offer a warm and inviting place to come together this winter at no cost.

Funeral ExpensesYou could get a Funeral Expenses Payment (also called a Funeral Payment) if you get certain benefits and need help to pay for a funeral you’re arranging.

Fire ServiceIf you live in South Wales, your local Fire and Rescue Service offer you the opportunity to have a free Home Safety visit in your home.

Pension CreditPension Credit is a weekly boost to your income based on how much money you have coming in. If your weekly pension is less than a certain amount (see here), you may be eligible for Pension Credit, which tops up your income and unlocks a range of other entitlements.

Transport for WalesIf you're over 60 or or meet the Government’s disability eligibility criteria, you can get discounted or free travel on many rail services. With a Senior Railcard, you can get 1/3 off rail fares to travel across Britain.

Council Tax DiscountIf you are the only adult resident in your property, you recieve a discount on your Council Tax of 25% (some groups do not count towards the number of adult residents).

Other useful links