Work is underway to bridge the gap between young and older people in Carmarthenshire.
The Community Safety Partnership organised a number of events along with the 50+
Forum and Carmarthenshire Youth Council in a bid to break down the barriers between the two generations.
The ‘We are all young once’ events were held at venues in Llanelli, Carmarthen, Ammanford and Kidwelly. The aim was to improve understanding between the two groups, as well as alleviate older people’s fear of youngsters and the fear of crime in general and give young people a positive view of the elderly.
The events were attended by local Neighbourhood Policing Officers as well as the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Women’s Aid, Victim Support, Age Concern, SUDDS (under 18s service), PRISM (alcohol and drug advisory service) and the Children and Young People’s Partnership.
It included information stands on services available to both older and younger people as well as workshop sessions on issues important to them.
Community Safety Manager, Kate Thomas, said: “Older and younger people live, work, learn and play side by side. They may have common interests and concerns, live in the same area, pass each other in the street, shop in the same shops but may never really get to know each other. Initiatives like this help to bring generations together to work as a team, share experiences, debate issues and generally break down barriers in a safe and comfortable environment.”
Executive board member for education and childrens’ services Councillor Gwynne Wooldridge attended the event at the Amman Centre. He praised the event as groundbreaking and innovative adding: “It was very well attended, by young and old, and certainly pointed the way ahead for improved relationships and communication across the perceived age divide. It showed true partnership working with our colleagues in the police and fire service.”
