A Note from our Chairman
We created this website and our Facebook page to provide you with information about what is happening in Caerphilly Borough that may impact on you, the over 50s residents, and to give you the opportunity to provide feedback to us.
Over the next few months, the design and content of the website will be changing. A significant addition will be devoted to (unpaid) carers. Many carers will fit our demographic. Others may be younger but will care for those over 50 who, hopefully, will be interested in the information we have to offer.
The interest in the 50+ Forum continues to grow. We now have over 350 members on our database. In addition there are 89 electronic subscribers to our Newsletter and 247 “Page Likes” on our Facebook page. We currently print 3500 copies of our Newsletter and this is likely to double at the next printing.
You will see from our “Aims and Objectives” that we have a clear focus on helping to create age-friendly communities in throughout Caerphilly Borough. While we have a strong and experienced Steering Committee, we could always use more helpful volunteers and Steering Group members. If you would like to join us please complete the membership form. Or send us comments / feedback.
What People are Saying
Heléna Herklots CBE: Older People’s Commissioner for Wales
As the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, my role is to protect and promote older people’s rights and ensure that action is taken to improve their lives.
Ending ageism and age discrimination, which underpin many of the issues and challenges faced by older people, is a priority, and over the next three years I will be delivering a wide range of work focused on tackling these issues.
Read the article in NEWS: EverydayAgeism
Martin Cook: Manager of the Visitor Centre – Caerphilly
I was extremely pleased to meet with members of Caerphilly Borough 50 Plus Forum early this year. The concept of “Chatty Café” was exciting as it matched the friendly, welcoming ethos of the Visitor Centre. We were very happy to work with the Forum to introduce a Chatter and Natter table here.
Read the article HERE
Steve Milsom: Trustee of the charity Cymru Older People’s Alliance (COPA)
Steve commented on the launch of the COPA website:
It is absolutely excellent. ……..the impact of the website is first class. It is very easy to use and has real potential to convey the COPA message well.
You can read an item in “News” about COPA and their new website and why it is important to Caerphilly Borough.
Wendy Bryett: Chair of Trevelyan Court Residents Group in Lansbury Park
When we moved to Lansbury Park from the Midlands we were surprised to learn that the area was viewed as one of the most deprived areas in Wales.
We love living here! There is a very strong sense of community spirit and great pride in awards that have been won such as the RHS ‘Green Flag’ and Caerphilly in Bloom.
Read the full article HERE.
Vaughan Gething: Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Services
“We have a clear vision for Wales to be a dementia friendly nation that recognises the rights of people with dementia to feel valued and to live as independently as possible in their communities.”
We want to create a society without stigma – where people living with dementia continue to go about their day to day life with the wider public who are understanding and know how to provide support.
Achieving a dementia friendly nation requires a cross-Government, multiagency and society wide response.
We recognise that dementia is a significant health and social care issue which impacts not only on those living with dementia, but on their families, friends and carers too.
You can see our article and links to the plan and other relevant information HERE
Video Corner
Caerphilly 50 plus Forum have been working closely with the Caerphilly Borough Council Protection of Vulnerable Adults (POVA) Team to deliver talks on how to recognise abuse and what can be done about it. We have also produced a DVD(reproduced above) which is being widely distributed around the Borough to potentially vulnerable adults.
Caerphilly County Borough Council Member Champion for Older People
I was delighted to be appointed as Older Persons Champion for Caerphilly Borough. I intend to meet regularly with the Caerphilly County Borough 50+ Forum and help to publicise the excellent work that they do. It was particularly pleasing to be able to introduce them to the CADW team in Caerphilly Castle for them to arrange their Annual General Meeting event this year.
At a time of financial constraints, my role as your Champion will be a challenging one.
Developing links with older people’s groups in the area, listening to their views and really championing their voices from within the council is one of the most important parts of being an Older People’s Champion. The 50+ Forum, therefore, represents a great way to access the views of the older population in Caerphilly borough. This website provides one of the ways in which you can make your voice heard.