Have Your Say Consultation: Summary of Responses

Ensuring the action I deliver as Commissioner is shaped by the voices and experiences of older people across Wales is a crucial part of my work.

That’s why, in December, I launched my Have Your Say consultation, reaching out to older people across Wales to hear directly from them about the things that matter to them and the issues affecting their lives, and to hear their views and ideas about the kinds of action that will deliver the change and improvements people want to see.

The questionnaire was based around four key national outcomes, identified through engagement with older people and stakeholders undertaken when I took up post, which we must work towards to create a Wales that leads the way for older people. These outcomes are focused on ensuring that older people:

• Can access the information, services and support they need
• Feel safe in their homes, communities and relationships
• Are treated fairly and their contribution is recognised
• Can make their voices heard and have choice and control over their lives

The response from older people was hugely positive, with 432 completed questionnaires received, and I’d like to thank everyone who responded for providing such a wealth of information to support this important work.

Alongside my questionnaire, I have also travelled the length and breadth of Wales since I took up post to meet with over 1,000 older people from a wide range of backgrounds and communities and learn more about the projects and initiatives that are supporting people to live and age well. These events and focus groups and the conversations they enabled were hugely valuable, closely reflecting what people told me via the questionnaire and I’d like to thank everyone involved for sharing their views and experiences so openly and honestly with me.

The information and evidence captured through my Have Your Say questionnaire and during these engagement events has helped to shape my Strategy and Work Programme, which have been published alongside this report.

This report has older people’s voices at its heart and provides a snapshot of the issues shared under a number of key themes identified within each outcome. It not only enables me to demonstrate that my strategy and work programme is focused on tackling the challenges and barriers older people are facing, but also provides a powerful evidence base that will support my wider work to influence policy and practice at both a national and local level.

Parts of the report make for difficult reading, with many of the older people highlighting that they feel excluded or left behind, often facing challenging or distressing situations. But it’s important to recognise these experiences and raise awareness of these issues so we can find solutions that empower older people, tackle inequality and enable everyone to live and age well.

Rhian Bowen-Davies // Older People’s Commissioner for Wales