“Without them, I’d be lost”: Lifeline Charity Marks 50 Years of Supporting Older People in South West Wales
A charity that has helped tens of thousands of older people across Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend is celebrating its 50th birthday – and launching a major fundraising appeal to safeguard its vital services.
Age Cymru West Glamorgan, which was established in 1975, has grown into a lifeline for older people across the region in its quest to improve the lives of older people and advocate for their rights. Over the past five decades, the charity has expanded to offer a wide range of services aimed at empowering older individuals to age well. These services encompass practical support, information and advice, community-based programs, and advocacy efforts, benefiting thousands of individuals and families each year.
But with growing pressures on social care and the cost-pf-living crisis still hitting hard, the charity says demand for its services has never been higher and warns that community backing is needed more than ever to keep it going. Its 50th Birthday Appeal is calling on individuals, businesses and local organisations to help them continue their essential work. The appeal focuses on several key areas:
- Living well with dementia: Providing tailored support and practical assistance to individuals with dementia and their families, enabling them to maintain their independence and quality of life.
- Taking the time to listen: Ensuring that individuals always have somebody to turn to, who will listen to them, and provide a helping hand in addressing their needs.
- A trusted source of advice when it matters: Offering free, confidential guidance to help people navigate life’s challenges with confidence.
- Standing up for better support: Advocating for fairer policies and improved services that genuinely meet the needs of older people.
- Helping people embrace the digital world: Making technology more accessible so that everyone can stay informed, connected, and in control as technology advances.
Connor James, Chief Officer of Age Cymru West Glamorgan, said: “As we celebrate this milestone, we reflect on the thousands of lives we’ve touched over the past 50 years.
“As a social care charity, we have faced and continue to experience many challenges impacting the wellbeing of older people, from funding cuts to the Covid-19 Pandemic, increases in energy bills, to staff shortages. Our work is far from over, and with the community’s support, we can continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of older people for many years to come.”
John Whiffin, a local resident who Age Cymru West Glamorgan has helped, said: “Without Age Cymru West Glamorgan, I’d be lost and people like me would simply go without. One of the first things that goes is your confidence and it shakes you up. The services and help I had from Age Cymru West Glamorgan was second to none.
“I wouldn’t have had the knowledge that things like Lasting Power of Attorney, benefits checks, and help with adjustments to improve home energy existed. Without Age Cymru West Glamorgan, people would suffer and not have the ability to access these services.”
Age Cymru West Glamorgan is now inviting individuals, businesses, and organisations across Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend to get involved with its 50th Birthday Appeal. Whether through donations, fundraising, sponsorship or simply spreading the word, every contribution helps to directly support the continuation and expansion of services that support and empower older people within our communities.
For more information on how to get involved or to make a donation, please visit Age Cymru West Glamorgan’s 50th Anniversary Page.
