ALTHOUGH restrictions are gradually easing in Wales community spirit remains important.

Our Still Together campaign aims to highlight the support that is still out there and share stories of hope and inspiration.

This week we found out more about Age Connects Cardiff and the Vale and their tireless efforts to help older people amid a global pandemic.

Age Connects' vision is "to live in a society where older people are respected and enabled to meet their aspirations" - the Cardiff and Vale branch is one of six based in Wales.

Wellbeing centre

As restrictions have eased the charity has re-opened their Wellbeing Centre, based on Holton Road in Barry.

The centre welcomes customers, provides information (and light refreshments) along with activities including:

  • The Stitching Group who meet on Mondays, 10am-11.30am.
  • Information clinics – covering topics such as legal advice, tax issues, benefits and home repairs and adaptations – are on Tuesdays. Plus regular health screening on Tuesdays between 10.30am and 11.30am.
  • Bingo on Fridays at 10.45am.

On Wednesday September 1, Age Connects Cardiff and the Vale will begin chair-based yoga classes. Doors will open at 9.45am, with the £3 classes from 10am to 10.40am.

To find out more on any of the above call the Wellbeing Centre on 01446 732 385 (answerphone facility 9am-5pm on weekdays).

Befriending

Volunteers at the charity also aim to combat isolation and loneliness in older people through befriending services.

This includes conversation and friendship – in person or by phone – information and help resolving minor issues and help with reading letters or filling out forms.

To access the service call

  • 01446 747654 (Eastern and Central Vale)
  • 01446 795549 (Western Vale)
  • 029 2068 3600 (Cardiff)

Community and care home advocacy service

The charity also provides advocacy services in care homes, hospitals, and community settings – throughout the coronavirus pandemic they have kept in contact with care homes and provided support remotely.

For care home referrals the charity has adapted to virtual conversations with residents using WhatsApp and Zoom.

For more information on this call 029 2068 3683.

Welfare rights service

Age Connects Cardiff and the Vale also helps older people with welfare claims, operating remotely, with benefits forms requested from the DWP and sent direct to the client’s home.

Now that lockdown is easing the charity is able to undertake home visits when needed.

Their adviser completes applications by phone with the client or a relative and ensures the client signs forms before being sent to the DWP.

For more information call 029 2068 3682.

Shopping

Although Wales’ restrictions are easing some may not be comfortable doing their shopping, or may struggle with shopping generally.

The charity continues to offer a shopping service, with volunteers able to collect and deliver shopping for a £5 fee.

Vale of Glamorgan residents wishing to access the service can call 07507 416875; Cardiff residents can call 029 2068 360.

Nailcutting and footcare

They also offer a basic footcare and nail cutting clinic, to ensure older people are cared for. The clinic is £15 and home visits – available in Cardiff and Penarth only – are £22.

To access this service call 02922 331 113.

Other services

The charity also offers a Vale Broker Service which works in partnership with Cardiff Community Resource Teams, C1 Vale Contact Centre, Ty Jenner and the Vale Community Resource Team to support vulnerable individuals, their families and carers with hospital discharge and to avoid hospital admissions.

Delivery of this service has continued during the coronavirus pandemic through home visits and virtual contact.

For more information on this call 07964 974401.

Plus, the charity offer a Discharge Support Service to help hospital patients 60+ and their families with discharge planning – to find out more on this call 07983 705568.