Nominate an Incredible Older Person for a Wales Older Person’s Award
Nominations for the inaugural Older Person’s Awards organised by Age Connects Wales are now open! Members of the public have until midnight this Friday, October 22nd, to submit their nominations to ensure an older person they know can be recognised for going that extra mile. The six Age Connects charities across Wales are urging you to join them in celebrating the achievements of older people living in our communities. In categories including Later Life Hero and Ageing Well Award, there will be 6 regional winners in 5 categories going forward to the awards night. The final decision will be made by an independent judging panel with each winner receiving a prize and trophy.
The awards were announced on October 1st to coincide with the International Day of Older Persons. Every year this date aims to raise awareness of the impact of an ageing population and the need to ensure people can grow old with dignity. People worldwide are living longer. Today, for the first time in history, most people can expect to live into their sixties and beyond. By 2050, the world’s population aged 60 years and older is expected to total 2 billion, up from 900 million in 2015. Today, 125 million people are aged 80 years or older*.
The winners of the Older Person’s Awards Wales will be announced in November during a streamed one-hour award event hosted by former Welsh rugby union player, journalist and commentator Eddie Butler.
One of the judges, the Older People’s Commissioner, Helena Herklots commented, “It is essential that older people in Wales know and feel that they are valued members of society and these Awards are a great way to make sure that older people’s voices are heard, and achievements celebrated. Recognising and raising awareness of the vital contributions older people make to society every day brings us one step closer to a Wales where older people are valued, rights are upheld, and no one is left behind.”
Speaking on behalf of Age Connects Wales, Dean Richards stressed how important it is that people get involved and nominate! “Here at Age Connects Wales we want to shout about all the amazing achievements of older people living in Wales and ensure they receive the recognition they deserve. We are calling upon everyone to put forward their wonderful stories of local heroes in their communities so we can share these and highlight the many ways older people contribute to their families and communities”.
Nominating couldn’t be easier – simply visit: www.ageconnectswales.org.uk/nomination-form. or call 029 2068 3604
The awards have attracted a number of our sponsors to help Age Connects Wales recognise those who have made a difference in their local communities. They include Action for Elders, Home Instead UK, OES Office Equipment Systems Ltd and Retirement Butler.