Older People
Cwmafan Allotments Society
What is happening to support Older People in Neath Port Talbot?
Elderly Forum
The Elderly Forum, facilitated by Neath Port Talbot Council for Voluntary Service brings together representatives of community and voluntary organisations with an interest in issues of concern to older people.
The Forum elects representatives to feed views into the Older Person’s Consultation Forum (OPCF) and initiate action.
Older Persons’ Consultation Forum
The partnership, which is made up of representatives of statutory and voluntary organisations who provide services, support and advice to the older person, exists to set the strategic direction of the Neath Port Talbot Strategy for Older People, and to plan, develop and co-ordinate the implementation of the Strategy across the County Borough. The Consultation Forum conducts a scrutiny and monitoring function with regards to the Strategy and the National Service Framework for Older People.
Strategy for Older People
In Wales, we have a higher percentage of older people than anywhere else in the UK. To address the needs of our ageing population, phase one of the Strategy for Older People 2003-2008 was launched. This phase raised the profile of older people’s issues and concerns. It also promoted healthy ageing and moved away from negative images often associated with ageing such as decline.
The rights of older people were further highlighted In January 2008 when Ruth Marks, the first Commissioner for Older People in Wales, was appointed.
The second phase of the Strategy for Older People concentrates on the next five years. It builds on the achievements of the first phase and focuses on economic status, general well-being and independence. It has the involvement of older people at its core.
Strategy for Older People 2003-2008
Strategy for Older People 2009-2013 English
Strategy for Older People 2009-2013 Welsh
Neath Port Talbot Strategy for Older People
The Welsh Assembly Government asked each Local Authority to develop a Strategy to support older people in their area. Following consultation with local people over the age of 50 the Neath Port Talbot Strategy for Older People was brought out in 2006, which encourages the health, wellbeing and independence of older people, whilst valuing their social and economic contribution to society. The Neath Port Talbot Older Persons’ Council promotes the aims of the strategy whilst continuing to consult with older people living throughout Neath Port Talbot to ensure that the aims of the strategy remain relevant to their needs. A copy of the Strategy and information on the work of the Neath Port Talbot Older Persons’ Council, including a copy of their popular Directory of Services and Opportunities for those aged over 50, can be obtained from their web site at www.nptolderpersonscouncil.org.uk or from the Strategy Department of the Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council on 01639 763418.
50+ Aerobics at Neath YMCA
The Independence and Quality of Life for Older People Action Plan
The Independence and Quality of Life Action Plan aims to help ensure that the needs of older people as identified in national and local strategies are adequately addressed in practice.
The plan makes recommendations based on evidence and best practice, it identifies 5 areas where improvements are required:
- A Pro-active Approach to Ageing
- Safety and Independence in the Home
- Safety and Independence in the Community
- Economic Well-being
- Health and Care for Independence and Well-being
The Action Plan has been put together by a working group made up of various partners. It was co-ordinated by Neath Port Talbot CVS and chaired by Age Concern Neath Port Talbot. The membership reflected both the expertise and potential contribution of partnership bodies optimising the independence and quality of life of older people in Neath Port Talbot.
Download a copy of the Action Plan.
Future Events
Useful Information
Free Swimming in Neath Port Talbot
Free swimming in Neath Port Talbot is offered to all children and young people, aged 16 and under during the school holidays and to the over 60s during school term times.
Highway Code for Mobility Scooter Users
Neath Port Talbot Road Safety Team and the Older Persons’ Council produced the scooter guide which gives advice on how to drive a scooter safely and also informs scooter owners about insurance and maintenance.
Local bus and coach travel in Wales
In Wales, if you’re over 60, you’re entitled to a free bus pass from your local authority. You can use it at any time of the day and are entitled to travel on local bus services in any council area.
Living Life to the full
Neath Port Talbot Older Persons’ Council produced a Directory of services and opportunities for people aged 50+ which you can find on their website.
Download a copy of the directory.
Call for Evidence
The Panel of Inquiry for the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales’ First Review into whether older people are treated with dignity and respect whilst in hospital has opened its Call for Evidence. For more information please visit the:
The Older People’s Commissioner for Wales is undertaking a Review on whether older people are treated with dignity and respect whilst in hospital. The aims of the Review are:
- to consider older people’s experiences, both good and bad, when they are hospital in-patients
- to make practical recommendations where people are not treated with dignity and respect and
- to spread good practice where they are.
Neath Port Talbot Council for Voluntary Service is currently gathering evidence that will be submitted to the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales. If you would like to provide evidence for the review please complete the questionnaire below and return by Friday 6th August 2010.
[Download not found]Useful Documents
National Service Framework for Older People
Healthy Ageing Action Plan for Wales
Dignity in Care Programme for Wales
If you require any further information on Older People please contact:
Emma Jones, Social Care Participation Officer at Neath Port Talbot Council for Voluntary Service
Telephone: 01639 631387
E-mail: emmaj@nptcvs.org.uk
