Capturing the voices and experiences of older people across Wales
A key part of my role as Commissioner is travelling across Wales to meet and speak with older people at a wide range of groups and events within local communities. This allows me to hear directly from older people about the issues that affect their day-to-day lives, as well as what is important to them. The information older people share with me is incredibly valuable, helping to guide and shape my work, and enabling me to respond effectively to emerging issues.
This page provides a snapshot of the engagement visits attended by me and my team, highlighting the places we’ve visited, and the kinds of issues being raised by older people.
I am always looking for opportunities to meet and speak with older people in communities across Wales, so if you would like me to visit a group, activity or event you organise, please get in touch.
Rhian
Glenboi and Fernhill’s ‘Over 60’s’ Halloween event
I met with representatives from around sixty ‘Over 60’s’ clubs when I attended Glenboi and Fernhill’s ‘Over 60’s’ Halloween event, in Abercwmboi Social Club, Aberdare. Everyone came from small communities within the Valleys, with many travelling long distances from Abercynon, Perthcelyn and Penrhiwceiber to attend the event.
Speaking directly to those at the event, access to local GP practices, as well as long waiting times for health appointments were key issues raised with me on the day. Inequal access to public transport was also a concern, with some areas being much better connected than others, often leaving residents social isolated, especially those who don’t have family nearby.
The event was also an opportunity for members to have a bit of fun and featured Bingo, a singer, and a raffle, as well as a buffet. The older people I spoke with told me how much they valued these groups, because of the strong social connections and friendships they provide. There was a real sense of support and community at the event, which highlights the importance of these local groups to older people living in these communities.
Denbighshire Age-Friendly Celebrations
It was wonderful to be back in North Wales, where I joined the Denbighshire Ageing Well team to celebrate the county joining the WHO’s Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities. This is well-deserved recognition of the hard work being delivered across Denbighshire to support people to live and age well.
The event provided an opportunity to learn more about Denbighshire’s Ageing Well journey so far, and how they achieved their membership into the network. It was interesting to learn about how the team have worked with older people and other partners to overcome challenges they faced on their journey.
I gave a talk to the older people in attendance about my role, answering their questions and hearing directly about the change and improvements they’d like to see.
There was also an engaging intergenerational panel at the event, which helped to bridge the gap between younger and older people, discussing various ways of living and ageing well. This was really interesting to listen to.
I would like to extend my thanks to everyone at the Denbighshire Ageing Well team for giving me a warm welcome, and it was fantastic to see your achievements recognised on the world stage!
Llys Awelon Extra Care Scheme
I met with residents at Llys Awelon Extra Care Scheme, when I joined their official opening celebrations in Ruthin.
The refurbished building features 56 self-contained flats, and is modern and energy efficient, with a variety of social spaces. However, it was the time spent speaking with residents about their lives and experiences that made it a truly memorable afternoon.
Several residents shared their positive experiences of living in Llys Awelon, specifically mentioning the friendships that they have formed, and how they still feel closely connected to their local community, since the facility is so close to the town centre.
I was particularly moved when Mr Cyril Jones gave a speech about his experience at Llys Awelon, when he said that above all else, the facility has given him his independence, which he treasures above all else; along with the care, comfort, and companionship that he has found here.
Events such as this continue to humble me, and I hugely enjoyed learning about the varied lives and experiences of the residents; from veterans who have served our country, engineers, entrepreneurs, business owners, and inspiring women who were challenging gender stereotypes way before the term ‘glass ceiling’ was coined. It was wonderful to see firsthand the community that residents have found at Llys Awelon.
Health, Education and Public Affairs Sub-Committee, Carmarthenshire Women’s Institute
I visited Carmarthen Library to meet with members of the Women’s Institute (WI) Health Education and Public Affairs Sub-Committee, which is made up of representatives from WI groups across Carmarthenshire.
During the meeting, I spoke about my first 12 months as Commissioner, including what I have heard from older people across Wales, and how this has informed the development of my strategy and work programme.
The group were particularly interested in our work on dentistry, social care, and access to GP and hospital appointments. They told me the increasing use of the NHS app for tasks such as making appointments and ordering repeat prescriptions has left many older people without smartphones feeling unsure and worried about how best to access these services.
The group also shared that it can be particularly difficult for those living in rural communities to access bus services, and there was a frustration surrounding the unreliability of car parking meters, as each car park will usually have different payment regulations, which has made parking an unpredictable process, discouraging many people from going out.
I spoke with the committee about our work to make communities across Wales more Age-Friendly, and had positive discussions with the group about how they could be better involved in the process of Carmarthenshire joining the WHO Network. It was great to see that members were committed to making Carmarthenshire a better place to live and age well.
Soup and Song, Barry
During my visit to a Soup and Song session in Barry, I was able to see firsthand the intergenerational collaboration taking place, to break down barriers between younger and older people, and challenge ageist stereotypes and assumptions.
Soup and Song occurs every Tuesday afternoon in Cadoxton Primary School, and gives the opportunity for older and younger people to sit down together, enjoy a bowl of soup (made by the young people), play some games and engage in conversation with one another.
The sessions are run by dedicated volunteers, who told me that this group allows them to give valuable contributions to their community. Other older people who attended mentioned that the group has helped them to feel less lonely, since several of the members have no family living nearby, so attending these sessions has helped to reduce their sense of isolation.
It was wonderful to see how interested the younger people were in talking to and learning from the older people. Some of the young people (aged between 8 and 9), do not have grandparents living nearby, and so being able to interact with older people gave them the opportunity to challenge the assumptions that they had about getting older. It was clear that both the younger and older generation benefitted from these sessions.
Rhondda Cynon Taf’s Older People’s Advisory Group
I met with around 120 members from various older people’s forums when I attended Rhondda Cynon Taf’s Older People’s Advisory Group event, in Cynon Linc, Aberdare on Saturday 4 October.
This annual event was one of the first that I attended when I took up my role as Commissioner last year, so it was great to be able to come back and talk about how I have been addressing the issues that were raised to me at last year’s event, such as access to GP and health services, public transport, and digital exclusion.
This year, I spoke about my current work priorities, and how these are based on what older people across Wales have told me is important to them. I also spoke about my recent Growing Older in Wales report, highlighting the significant challenges that people face as they age.
Additional challenges that were raised to me this year included navigating support systems and accessing relevant information (particularly when accessing financial entitlements), ageing without children, and antisocial behaviour in the area.
Marking the International Day of Older Persons, the event had a real celebratory feel and featured a singer, bingo, and a raffle, as well as being attended by several notable figures, including Cabinet Members from the Council and the Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf.
International Day of Older Persons
On the International Day of Older Persons (1 October), I visited two groups in Swansea to learn more about the work they are delivering to support people to age well: the Disability Forum Social group at the Collaboration Station, and Aches and Lanes Bowling group, in Tenpin Bowling Alley in Parc Tawe.
These initiatives were founded through Swansea’s Ageing Well Engagement Programme, and are designed to combat loneliness and isolation, enabling older people to live and age well, and form a community of connections. In just four years, the programme has grown from 30 members to just under 800!
At the Disability Forum Social, I spoke with several members about the additional barriers they face as they age, due to prejudice and assumptions people make about their disability, and the increased isolation this can bring. Members spoke about how helpful is to have a safe space for them to connect over board games and snacks.
Whilst bowling with Aches and Lanes, members spoke very fondly about the positive impact that the Ageing Well programme has had on their lives, and how their social calendars are full with Ageing Well events, giving many a new lease on life. The male members spoke particularly about the benefits this group has had on their mental health, allowing them to talk whilst participating in a fun activity.
It was wonderful to see the positive, direct impact that Swansea’s Ageing Well programme has had on older people, and I hope this programme can continue to enable older people in Swansea to age well for years to come.
![Comisiynydd Pobl Hŷn Cymru, Rhian Bowen-Davies, yn y llun ochr yn ochr â: Alf Thomas [yn eistedd i'w dde] ac Elwyn Williams [yn eistedd i'w chwith]. Yn sefyll, o'r chwith i'r dde, John Edge, Keith Evans, Mair Davies a Peter Davies. // Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Rhian Bowen-Davies, pictured alongside: Alf Thomas [seated to her right] and Elwyn Wiliams [seated to her left]. Standing, from left to right, John Edge, Keith Evans, Mair Davies and Peter Davies.](https://olderpeople.wales/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Neuadd-Tregroes-1280x591.jpg)
Neuadd Tregroes, Llandysul
I met with around 30 older people when I visited Neuadd Tregroes in Ceredigion. Neuadd Tregroes was the old village school, but after its closure 20 years ago, the land was purchased by Elwyn, a local farmer, who has worked tirelessly to renovate the Neuadd into a community space for all.
During my visit, older people raised key issues with me around feeling left behind in an increasingly digital world, and how they fear that this may make them more susceptible to online scams. We also discussed how difficult it can be to access services such as reliable public transport and GP appointments, when living in rural communities. Loneliness and isolation was also highlighted as an issues for many, especially those who cannot attend events at the Neuadd.
The Neuadd hosts a range of activities for people to get involved with and connect with each other, such as lunch clubs, coffee mornings and tractor rallies, and events are co-ordinated by a dedicated committee of volunteers, who are vital to the success of the Neuadd. It was evident that the Neuadd was run by the community, for the community, and the space was really valued by those living in the area.
Big Pit National Coal Museum
I met with a group of older people from Glaslyn Nursing Home, to participate in a Dementia Friendly tour of Big Pit National Coal Mine.
The tour began with a pre-route talk, where our guide gave everyone a clear overview of what to expect during the underground visit, whilst also taking the time to get to know everyone in the group. The underground route was wheelchair accessible, and regular check-ins were conducted to ensure that everyone was comfortable and happy to continue. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and engaging, and painted a complete picture of what life was like for those working in the mines.
After the underground tour, there was time for discussion and reflection, where the older people shared their stories from growing up around mining communities. It was really interesting to discuss how entire communities were centred around the mines, and how the miners and their families were supported within the community.
A large majority of older people living in Wales today will have memories of growing up within mining communities. Conducting these Dementia Friendly tours at Big Pit National Coal Museum will help to increase the accessibility of this experience, and enable more older people to connect with their heritage.
Pickleball Welsh Open Championships
I joined older people from across Wales at the Inaugural Pickleball Welsh Open Championships, where over 50 teams from across the UK came together to compete in a variety of age divisions, including an over 60s category.
During my visit, I spoke with players from teams all across Wales, including Ynys Mon, Torfaen and Llantrisant. Many players found the sport after retiring from a variety of other sporting teams, but for a lot of players they had no previous sporting experience. Members spoke very highly of the inclusivity and accessibility of Pickleball, and praised the social connections that they have made through getting involved.
I spoke with people who have travelled all over the world with the sport, attending training camps and competitions in Spain, Italy and Thailand! It was fantastic to see such a welcoming and encouraging environment, which provides a brilliant opportunity for older people to get involved in something new and stay active. The Welsh over 50s team will soon be jetting off to compete in the European Championships in Rome on September 18, and I wish them the best of luck!
Birchgrove Coffee Morning
I met with over 50 people when I attended Birchgrove Coffee morning at their Church Hall in Caerphilly Road, Cardiff. The coffee morning is a highlight of the month for many, with it being highly anticipated and consistently very well attended.
I was stunned by the impressive variety of cakes on display, with attendees being encouraged to relax and have a chat, with a cuppa and a slice of cake. People that I spoke to praised the coffee morning for bringing people together and creating the opportunity for new friendships, as well as giving people the chance to learn more about what is going on within the local community.
Loneliness and digital exclusion were two issues that were raised to me by the older people in attendance, with many people living alone, and struggling to access information from the local authority, due to information predominantly being available online. This led to some feeling ‘penalised’ for not having up-to-date digital skills.
More positively, I spoke with people who highlighted the support that they have received through Cardiff Council to enhance their digital skills and use technology to accomplish everyday tasks.
Events such as this highlight the importance of volunteering networks within local communities, and the crucial support that they provide older people to build friendships and connections.
Llanharan OAP Association
I met with over 40 older people when I visited the Llanharan OAP Association. The group meets regularly for events, trips, and to share information, and meeting with them allowed me to hear directly about the issues that are impacting their lives within the local community.
There was a real sense that older people in Llanharan felt that their voices and opinions often went unnoticed by the local council. Members also told me that the recent UK Government announcement into the road safety review made them feel targeted specifically because of their age, and increased their discontent.
General concerns were raised around access to GPs and dental services, as well as the distance needed to travel for hospital appointments. However, specific issues were also discussed around the lack of accessible bus stops, and the increasing difficulty of using cash to pay for car parking. Members expressed a strong desire for a transformation of social care services in the area, particularly improving care services for those with dementia.
It was lovely to hear how the group has become a real focal point within the community, and we discussed ways in which members could reach out to the Age Friendly Communities Lead for Rhondda Cynon Taf, to ensure that their voices are listened to.
Pembrokeshire County Show
At this year’s Pembrokeshire County Show, I joined members of the Pembrokeshire 50+ Forum on their stand, alongside the head of my Advice and Assistance team.
The day provided a great opportunity to speak directly with older people and promote my Advice and Assistance Service, and we were able to distribute a range of information guides on topics such as accessing GPs, and Lasting Powers of Attorney.
Throughout the day, I met with several third sector organisations, to learn more about the valuable work they are doing to improve the lives of local people in Pembrokeshire. This included a visit to the DPJ Foundation, where I learnt about the free health checks they provide to people within rural farming communities, and the opportunities they give older people to open up about their mental health.
I also had conversations with multiple Members of Senedd and Members of Parliament, discussing the issues most impacting older people in their constituencies, such as loneliness and isolation, public transport, and access to healthcare.
I will be back in Pembrokeshire for a week in November, and I am looking forward to meeting with even more community-based organisations to see first-hand some of the good practice being delivered to improve the lives of older people in Pembrokeshire.
iConnect, Cwrt Severn
Alongside the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Jane Hutt, I visited Monmouthshire Housing’s Cwrt Severn in Caldicott, to speak with the volunteers and members of iConnect.
iConnect is a group within the Monmouthshire Housing Association (MHA), where volunteers and a Digital Coach offer face-to-face support to MHA tenants, to increase their digital skills in areas such as smartphone and tablet usage, social media, apps and emails, online banking, and SIM card plans.
Monmouthshire Housing is one of two initial pilot areas that has been given a Minimum Digital Living Standards (MDLS) grant. The MDLS help to ensure that people are able to communicate, connect and engage online safely and with confidence, by having accessible internet, adequate digital equipment, as well as digital skills and knowledge.
Ensuring that older people have adequate digital literacy is vital, when key services such as GPs, dentists and banks are increasingly utilising online platforms. It was really helpful to speak to volunteers and members, some of whom have been involved with the group since it began 13 years ago, and learn more about how the group has enhanced their digital skills and knowledge, which has increased their confidence in using online services.
National Eisteddfod 2025
At this year’s National Eisteddfod, I joined the Welsh Language Commissioner on their stand to speak with older people about how, when and where they use Welsh in their everyday lives, as well as about the barriers that can prevent them from doing so.
My time on the Maes also gave me the chance to meet with a range of other organisations providing support to older people and learn more about the work they are doing to enable people to live and age well.
This included meetings with Llais, Women’s Institute, Merched y Wawr, the Domestic Abuse Safety Unit and the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre, the North East Wales Carers Information Service, and the North Wales Regional Partnership Board.
The Eisteddfod provided great opportunities to hear directly from older people about their experiences, as well as for shared learning and invaluable conversations with key organisations.
U3A Carmarthen
I met with over 50 members of Carmarthen’s University of the Third Age (U3A) group, in order to hear more about the specific issues that are impacted older people in Carmarthen.
Several specific issues were discussed with me about the unpredictability of Country Cars, digital exclusion due to temperamental phone service throughout the area, and the reliance on apps and contactless payments in car parks.
There were calls among members for a Hub to be developed which would aid older people in completing online processes such as online banking, prescription requests on GP websites, as well as receiving information about how to avoid increasingly realistic scams.
Being able to chat directly with older people in local areas provides incredibly valuable information about specific issues affecting residents, which gives allows me to learn about what is happening at a local level within communities.
Llandaff 50+ Forum
I had the opportunity to meet with the members of the Llandaff 50+ Forum at The Pound, once a run-down toilet block, but has since been transformed into a thriving community hub which is environmentally sustainable, utilising recycled water, solar slates and heat pumps!
The members raised key issues within the community such as the removal of free two-hour parking, which poses difficulties for attending GP appointments, as well as the increasing reliance on apps or contactless payments for parking meters, which further excludes older people who are not online. Issues were also discussed surrounding the lack of public toilets available across Wales.
Some of the older people I spoke with have been members of the group since 2007! There was a real sense of belonging within the forum, and a range of activities are put on at the centre three days a week, including Tai Chi, Yoga, Crafting, and the classic ‘Chat and Relax’. The group has a wonderful energy to it, and members highlighted just how much fun they have getting involved in all the activities.
The Shed at the Pavillion, Llansamlet
I met with roughly 30 older people when I joined the members of The Shed at the Pavillion in Birchgrove, Llansamlet.
The members discussed with me important issues with local services that impact their day-to-day lives, such as public transport, and access to GP, dental and hospital appointments. I had the opportunity to raise awareness of the work I do to improve the lives of older people, and promote my Advice and Assistance Services.
The Shed at the Pavillion originally started as a Men’s Shed, which provides a crucial space for older men to work side by side, and have conversations that are often difficult to conduct face-to-face, which helps members open up emotionally, and reduce feelings of loneliness.
Since then, The Shed has expanded and is now open to both men and women, hosting a ‘Knit and Natter’ session on Mondays, and on Tuesday’s members get together to enjoy woodwork and other crafts.
Members spoke very highly of The Shed, highlighting the important role it plays in their lives, giving them an opportunity to get together and socialise with others in the community.
Cwmbran, Pontypool and Blaenavon’s 50+ Forums, Torfaen
I met with over 60 older people when I visited a joint meeting of the 50+ Forums of Cwmbran, Pontypool and Blaenavon, at Cwmbran Library. 50+ Forums provide a platform for older people to share information, influence local services, and to have valuable discussions about the issues impacting their lives.
During the visit, I had the opportunity to speak about my role as the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, giving an overview of my priorities and work programme, as well as highlight the actions that I am taking to improve the lives of older people.
Later on in the session I had some really insightful discussions with older people about the key issues that impact their day to day lives. These included the cost of living, pension payments, access to healthcare services and care homes, the closure of banks, and the accessibility of public transport. It was wonderful to see so many people come together to talk about such important topics.
![Roedd Comisiynydd Pobl Hŷn Cymru [dde], yn y llun ochr yn ochr â dau aelod arall o'r tîm, yn sefyll y tu ôl i'w bwrdd arddangos yn Sioe Amaethyddol Frenhinol Cymru.](https://olderpeople.wales/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Royal-Welsh-2-1280x591.jpg)
Royal Welsh Agricultural Show Llanelwedd
I was pleased to attend the first day of the Royal Welsh Show, sharing an information stand with the Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations (PAVO). This event allowed us to engage particularly with people who live in rural farming areas of Wales, providing valuable insight into the key issues that they face in their day-to-day lives.
Throughout the day, I spoke with a variety of older people from across Wales. The main topics we discussed were access to GP, dental, and other health services, bank closures, unpaid carers, and public transport.
The team and I were also able to distribute a multitude of information guides to older people, as well as promote my Advice and Assistance service, which provides older people with support and guidance on a variety of issues.
There was also an opportunity to meet and learn more about the work that other organisations are doing to support older people in rural communities, including Farming Fit, the DPJ Foundation, Merched y Wawr and the Women’s Institute (WI).
Good Vibrations Choir, Cardiff
I was treated to an afternoon of song when I attended a rehearsal of the Good Vibrations Choir, which took place in the Old Library, Cardiff. The choir was set up to support people living with Parkinson’s, to help them manage their symptoms and to meet others living with the same condition.
Over 30 members were in attendance, and they had an incredibly versatile repertoire of songs, ranging from Coldplay, to the Beatles, to Welsh classics such as Calon Lan!
The members I chatted to told me how much they enjoy getting together to sing with other people who understand their condition and that through the group they were able to learn about other support networks and events in their local area.