The power of partnerships and good practice

It was a pleasure to be back in north Wales for another busy week meeting and speaking directly with older people about the issues that affect their lives, and visiting a range of projects making a positive difference and supporting people to age well.

During my travels, I heard from older people who take part in activities at Canolfan Glanhwfa in Llangefni about why it’s so important that activity and meeting spaces are in the heart of communities and easily accessible, and about the opportunities they’ve had to get involved as the centre is transformed, which has benefitted their health and well-being in a number of ways.

At the Sunshine Café in Leeswood near Mold, older people told me how much they value being able to meet up for a cuppa and a chat and make new friends, not just with people of their own age, but with people of all ages.

And at Dementia Actif Gwynedd’s monthly boccia tournament in Porthmadog, which is now attended by over 100 people, I saw how participating in an activity like this can bring people together as equals and provide a much-needed break from people’s day to day routines and responsibilities.

But what is it that helps to make these activities so successful and, equally, helps to ensure they are sustainable?

One crucial factor is identifying what older people want and need from local support and activities. Part of this is understanding population trends and changing demographics, but more importantly it’s about reaching out to communities and hearing from older people themselves about the kinds of things that would bring the greatest benefits.

This kind of engagement also helps to identify potential issues and barriers that may make it more difficult for older people to access support and activities – such as a lack of transport options – so these can be taken into account and action can be taken to address them to ensure older people are not excluded.

Another key factor is recognising the vital role that these kinds of activities, and the age-friendly communities that wrap around them, play in the preventative health agenda. Across the projects I visited and the professionals I spoke with in north Wales, this was clearly understood, creating a strong focus on early intervention and reaching out to older people, particularly those without support networks who may have a greater need to access services and support.

There is also a good understanding that things which may seem ‘small’ – a cup of tea with friends, a game of boccia – can make a big difference, giving people something to look forward to, a sense of purpose. But more than that, it means that older people have opportunities to come into contact with volunteers, community connectors and other professionals, as well as local services, who can offer invaluable information, advice and support should it be needed.

The final factor I want to highlight is the crucial role played by volunteers, many of whom are older people. Without volunteers giving their time, energy, knowledge and skills so generously, so much support and so many activities for older people would simply not be available. That’s why supporting volunteers, and encouraging others to take up volunteering opportunities, is such an important part of coordinating and delivering many community-based projects and activities.

Alongside this, it’s also important to have the right wider support in place from public bodies and third sector organisations, and in north Wales I met so many committed and dedicated individuals working to make a real difference to older people’s lives.

In addition, my discussions with senior leaders and decision-makers demonstrated there is a clear focus at all levels on partnership working, early intervention and prevention, and reaching out to older people across communities. I also saw how these key principles are increasingly being used to support wider work within local authorities, helping to add value and support better outcomes for older people.

Part of my role as Commissioner is capturing and sharing good practice, and I’m looking forward to travelling to other parts of Wales to learn more about innovative local projects, initiatives and approaches that are making a positive difference for older people.

And by sharing this good practice to learn from and support each other, there is the potential to deliver better outcomes for older people and support everyone to live and age well.