Grants of up to £1,000 are available through the Gwynedd Older People’s Strategy for groups which promote health, wellbeing and independence among older people.
Gwynedd Council is calling on organisations which provide services for over-55s – for example lunch clubs or social clubs – to get in touch to find out more about the grant and to see if they are eligible.
The scheme is aimed at enriching the lives of older people in Gwynedd and giving people over 55 a helping hand to continue to live life to the full. This could be in a number of ways, for instance:
- Providing a specific service
- Offering companionship and providing a place for people to meet friends
- Physical activities
- Holding cultural or educational events
- Giving people the opportunity to learn about services and the rights of older people
The grants, which are administered by the Gwynedd Council Older People Strategy in partnership with the Gwynedd Older People’s Council, can be used to buy equipment or to meet running costs.
Councillor John Wyn Williams, Gwynedd Council’s older people’s champion, said:
“As a Council we are delighted to be able to support these clubs and associations, as heir work is vital in helping older people to stay independent. This is especially the case for those who otherwise may not know about the services and networks working on their behalf.
“The older population in Gwynedd is set to rise in the next few years. In addition, people are healthier and more active in old age than ever before and people’s expectations are very different these days.
“Sadly, some people can become isolated and lonely as they get older and lose their self confidence, for example when a partner passes on or family move away. But clubs and centres like the ones supported by the Council can be the first step to leading a much happier and fulfilling life.
“They provide all sorts of services – from exercise classes to information services or places where people can catch up with friends over a cup of tea.”
Case study
The first Age Well centre in Gwynedd, which recently opened in Nefyn, has secured a Gwynedd Older People’s Strategy grant towards its running costs.
The centre is open three days a week and offers a wide range of opportunities and activities such as exercise classes, talks, craft sessions as well as somewhere for people to go to meet friends.
Carol Scott from Edern said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed myself at the club. I have recently retired and was finding myself in a bit of a rut and wanted something new to do.
“There was a keep fit session on today and we had so much fun, before having a chance to have a good chat over a cuppa.”
The Nefyn Age Well Centre is open every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. For more information contact the centre coordinator Mici Plwm on 07709 065410 or [email protected]
