ageing well in wales · ageing well in wales is a national partnership programme to improve the...

Ensuring Wales is a good place to grow older for everyone

Ageing Well in WalesPhase Two Action Plan2016-18

Ageing Well in Wales

Cambrian Buildings // Mount Stuart Square // Cardiff // CF10 5FL

029 2044 5030

www.ageingwellinwales.com

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @AgeingWellCymru

1 Ageing Well in Wales

Contents

Foreword 02

What is Ageing Well in Wales? 04

Age-Friendly Communities 06

Dementia Supportive Communities 10

Falls Prevention 14

Opportunities for Learning and Employment 17

Loneliness and Isolation 21

Working with and empowering local communities 24

Ageing Well in Wales Partner Organisations 26

References 30


ForewordSince its official launch, Ageing Well in Wales has made significant progress – there is real momentum behind the programme across Wales and an appetite, both within our communities and our public services, to make Wales a better place for people as they grow older. Strategic partners have made progress with their commitments, every Local Authority has an Ageing Well Plan and the Ageing Well network has grown to include over 1,000 groups and individuals in communities across Wales.

Ageing Well in Wales can be described in many different ways - it is a public health programme, a social movement, an enabling and empowering programme to encourage behavioural change, and a platform to share learning and good practice within and between communities across Wales. There is an increasing recognition that we not only need to do more to help and support older people, but also provide them with the tools and resources they need to help themselves. The most impactful and cost-effective solutions and interventions often lie within communities, and Ageing Well can help to highlight and disseminate some of these low-cost, high-impact actions that help to make a real difference to older people’s lives.

The progress made by Ageing Well reflects a growing recognition that more needs to be done in Wales to address key issues such as dementia, falls and loneliness, and that communities that are more inclusive and employers that embrace people of all ages benefit everyone. Ageing Well therefore places a high value on encouraging people of all ages to come together and identify solutions within their own communities.

Ageing Well continues to be underpinned by the preventative, outcomes-focused and asset-based approach that I have championed as Commissioner, recognising the contribution made by older people to our communities and our economy, and the importance of ensuring that their rights are protected and promoted.

Furthermore, the voices of older people remain at the heart of Ageing Well, and the programme will continue to work with those bodies and forums that represent older people in Wales, including the refreshed Cymru Older People’s Alliance (COPA), the Ministerial Advisory Forum on Ageing (MAFA) and the 50+ Forums across all Local Authorities in Wales. I am also working with the Dementia Engagement and Empowerment Project (DEEP) to include people living with dementia, and the work undertaken by the Centre for Ageing and Dementia Research (CADR) will also help to ensure that actions and interventions related to Ageing Well continue to be evidence-based.

Complementing the objectives of Ageing Well in Wales, the Welsh Government’s refreshed Strategy for Older People, the Housing Strategy for an Ageing Population, the prudent healthcare agenda and work underway via the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act will all help to drive forward the change that older people want and need to see, will contribute to the aims and outcomes across the


programme and reinforce Wales’ efforts to be a good place to grow older.

Whilst much has already been achieved, I am keen to ensure that the second phase of the programme makes further progress across the five priority strands at strategic, Local Authority and community levels. This Action Plan therefore provides an indication of some of the actions that we will work on with key partners across Wales, as well as an update on the wide range of work undertaken to date through the programme.

I remain proud to Chair Ageing Well in Wales and I would like to thank all of the partners, individuals and groups who have participated in Phase One for their hard work and support. A particular thanks to Pat Charles, who sadly passed away in 2016 and who made such a contribution to the first phase of Ageing Well on behalf of COPA, MAFA and the Welsh Senate of Older People.

The Programme continues to represent a genuine commitment from many to make a real difference to the lives of people in Wales as they grow older, a genuine commitment to ensure that we can all age well.

Sarah RochiraOlder People’s Commissioner for Wales // Chair, Ageing Well in Wales


What is Ageing Well in Wales?Ageing Well in Wales is a national partnership programme to improve the wellbeing of people aged 50+ in Wales. Formally launched in October 2014, Ageing Well in Wales seeks to influence strategic partners and support action delivered at a local level that achieves maximum impact on the ground.

There are five strands to the Ageing Well in Wales Programme:

• To make Wales a nation of age-friendly communities;

• To make Wales a nation of dementia supportive communities;

• To reduce the number of falls amongst older people;

• To improve learning and employment prospects for older people;

• To tackle loneliness and social isolation amongst older people.

Progress has been made on each of these strands during the first phase of the programme. In January 2016 these actions and achievements were celebrated, and during Phase Two Ageing Well in Wales will continue to work with a wide range of partners - across local communities, the public, private and third sectors and most importantly with older people - to deliver impactful change for current and future generations of older people.

A number of key principles run through the programme: empowering older people and including their voices; taking an asset-based approach; promoting multigenerational work and partnerships; strengthening the rights-based approach for older people; highlighting smart, innovative and cost-effective service delivery and sharing good practice across Wales; and retaining the focus not just on the ‘what’ but also on the ‘how’ i.e. how older people feel. What makes Ageing Well distinct is the emphasis on listening to people, both older people living in their communities and service providers who help older people across Wales. This approach enables Ageing Well to highlight and promote good practice, drawing attention to simple yet effective solutions and interventions that make a real difference to older people’s lives.

Through the Centre for Ageing and Dementia Research (CADR), the programme will also have a strong focus on research, ensuring that actions are evidence-based and acknowledge good practice in innovative service delivery. At the European level, Ageing Well is part of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing (EIP AHA), and in July 2016 secured the highest 4* Reference Site status to acknowledge Wales’ efforts in promoting innovation for active and healthy ageing1.


The programme is also driven forward by the five ‘Es’: Energising, Enabling, Empowering, Encouraging and Expecting. These themes will help to ensure that the focus is retained on older people, that partners are working together and are reflecting their needs and circumstances, and that the aims and outcomes remain ambitious for older people.

Ageing Well remains committed to working with older people across in Wales, and supports the preventative, outcomes-focused and sustainable approach taken by the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act. The programme aims to ensure that the local Ageing Well Plans complement and work alongside the Local Wellbeing Plans produced by the new Public Services Boards (PSBs) across Wales, contributing to the national wellbeing goals in the process.

Further information on the programme and its structure is available from the Ageing Well in Wales website: http://www.ageingwellinwales.com/en/home


Phase Two Action PlanAge-Friendly CommunitiesAn age-friendly community is a place that enables people of all ages to actively participate in community activities. It is a place that treats everyone with respect, regardless of their age. It is a place that makes it easy to stay connected to those around you and those you love. It is a place that helps people to stay healthy and active even at the oldest ages. And it is a place that helps those who can no longer look after themselves to live with dignity and enjoyment.

Many communities across Wales are already taking active steps towards becoming more age-friendly. However, many barriers persist. Some of these are physical: poorly designed buildings, for example, or a lack of transportation that prevents older people accessing the places they want to visit. But many barriers result simply from the way we think about ageing and the way we view and treat older people.

In developing this approach, Ageing Well in Wales has adopted the World Health Organisation model that describes the eight domains or aspects of life we need to consider in making places more age-friendly2. These domains are: Outdoor environments, Transport and mobility, Housing, Social Participation, Social inclusion and non-discrimination, Civic engagement and employment, Communication and information, and Community and Health Services. The model provides the framework for consulting with local people to agree the local priorities to improve the age-friendliness of their community and developing an action plan to create change.

“Ageing Well is a job for life. It is essential that we bring people of all ages together to support one another, learn together and be active to create communities which help us age well whatever our age.” (Dr Alan Hatton-Yeo, Strategic Development Manager, Volunteering Matters)

Age-friendly communities is the overarching theme of Ageing Well in Wales, and encapsulates the other Programme strands. Age-friendly communities enable older people to thrive and contribute, strengthening their resilience and maintaining their health, independence and wellbeing.

What difference will be made?

The focus will continue to be on listening with people of all ages and empowering them, finding out what they need to improve their lives and age well. Improving small things can often make all the difference, such as the installation of a park bench, making bus stops accessible, and ensuring that pavements are safe places for older people to walk on.


Who’s involved?

The age-friendly approach will include a broad range of partners: the Welsh Government, Local Authorities, Local Health Boards, the housing and voluntary sectors, and others e.g. Police and Crime Commissioners to develop community safety. Phase Two will include other partners, including museums, libraries and cultural/heritage sites, as well as businesses in the private sector to develop an age-friendly approach with local banks, shops and community pharmacies.

“Living Streets supports the development of age-friendly communities, which is essential for the health and wellbeing of older people. Safe and accessible streets and outdoor spaces that allow people to enjoy their community, spend time with others outdoors and maintain their independence are crucial.”

Phase Two will also be an opportunity for Local Authorities to develop their Ageing Well Plans and demonstrate their Dublin Declaration commitments i.e. how they have contributed to the development of age-friendly communities in their areas.

“As a broad alliance of national voluntary organisations working with and for older people, our work covers all five areas of the programme, as they are all important for older people across Wales. The age-friendly communities movement is something that we fully support, as older people need, and should expect, services, facilities and places that consider the needs of people of all ages.” (Age Alliance Wales)

The strong focus on co-production, community empowerment and participation will continue to ensure that the age-friendly commitments taken forward by strategic partners complement the work underway at community level.

Aim: To make Wales a Nation of Age-Friendly Communities

Key Outcomes:

• The importance of Age-Friendly Communities is recognised at all levels throughout Wales.

• The voices of all generations are heard and actively included in the creation and ongoing development of their own Age-Friendly Communities.

• Local and national government support the development of All Age-Friendly communities.


Examples of Actions we are taking

Lead Partner(s) Action

Developing an Age-Friendly Community

Volunteering Matters, Age Alliance Wales, Cymru Older People’s Alliance (COPA), Local Authorities

Volunteering Matters, in partnership with the Local Authority Strategy Coordinators and Age Alliance Wales, to develop the Wales Guide to Developing Age-Friendly Communities and the Wales Age-Friendly Indicator Set. In partnership with COPA, publication of a short guide to Age-Friendly Communities and the development of good practice models for the engagement of older people in decision-making to inform local action plans.

Developing an Age-Friendly Community through transport

RNIB Cymru, Age Alliance Wales

An increasing number of bus and train stations, and active travel routes across Wales become age-friendly so that older people, and those living with sensory loss, have a better experience and accessibility as a pedestrian and when travelling by bus and/or rail.

Developing an Age-Friendly Community through outdoor spaces and buildings

Local Authorities An increasing number of communities, local parks and green spaces across Wales become age-friendly. For example, these places are more accessible for older people to stay physically active, include good signage, have adequate provision of public toilets and sufficient park benches.

Local Authorities, Welsh Government

Planning departments and the Welsh Government Planning Guidance take forward an age-friendly approach so that older people live in a more inclusive and accessible area and decisions are made that consider their needs.



Developing an Age-Friendly and Dementia Supportive Community through social participation, respect and social inclusion

National Museum of Wales, Visit Wales, Cadw, Arts Council of Wales, Society of Chief Librarians, Sport Wales

An increasing number of local galleries, libraries, museums and sports venues become age-friendly and dementia supportive so that these places, and cultural events and heritage sites, better understand older people’s needs, provide relevant support and are age-inclusive.

Age Alliance Wales, Carers Trust Wales

An increasing number of local banks, shops and community pharmacies become age-friendly and are better able to understand and respond to the needs of older people with dementia and their carers, as well as those living with sensory loss, through providing relevant support, an inclusive service and appropriate signposting.


Dementia Supportive CommunitiesA dementia supportive community shows a high level of public awareness understanding, and action to actively support people living with dementia and carers of dementia based on what matters to them. For example, individuals in villages, towns or cities, as well as staff in local shops, banks, community pharmacies and other organisations, are trained to identify people living with dementia and provide them with the help, reassurance, empathy and support that they require at times.

“An increasing number of people’s lives, across the generations, are affected by dementia in Wales. Establishing dementia supportive and inclusive communities with the voice of people living with dementia at the heart of this is much needed and we look forward to work with our partners to develop this work in Wales.” (The Dementia Engagement and Empowerment Project (DEEP))

Such communities are more inclusive of people with dementia because they have a holistic understanding of dementia as a progressive brain disease, which affects people’s cognitive, sensory, physical, emotional and intellectual abilities, as well as the impact on family and carer relationships. These communities are able to help people to live better with dementia because they adapt to people’s individual needs and enable them to lead more meaningful lives.


The Commissioner’s ‘Dementia: more than just memory loss’ report, published in 2016, made a number of recommendations for public bodies across Wales, designed to improve knowledge and understanding of dementia amongst professionals and the wider public, increase flexibility in dementia services to meet the needs of people living with dementia and improve cooperation between services to remove some of the barriers for people living with dementia and their carers. Many public bodies are already achieving excellent work to support people living with dementia and the recommendations will help to ensure that Wales becomes an ever better place where people living with dementia, as well as their families and carers, are considered and receive help, support and information that is sensitive to individual needs. Ageing Well will help, for example, to take forward John’s Campaign, which recognises the importance of carers to the health and wellbeing of people living with dementia when staying in hospital3.

“Dementia supportive communities are so important for me, because they make me feel comfortable in the knowledge that we can continue to be valued, contributing members of our community; that though we may have difficulties and different needs, our community accepts and adapts for us unquestioningly.


“Partnership working through programmes such as Ageing Well in Wales brings us into contact with departments, and businesses, and people of all different levels, and skills and connections that we on our own would never have the opportunity to meet to have conversations around whatever is the problem, issue, or solution to a problem we may have for any particular issue.” (Chris and Jayne, Denbighshire)

Who’s involved?

As with the work planned to develop Age-Friendly Communities, establishing dementia supportive communities will require extensive partnership working between a range of partners, including the Welsh Government, Local Authorities, Health Boards and the voluntary sector. An increasing emphasis will also be placed on engaging with the private sector to ensure that businesses become dementia supportive, as well as collaboration with the Police and Crime Commissioners and close linkages with the Alzheimer’s Society in Wales. Collaboration is also underway with new partners such as museums, libraries, sports clubs and cultural/heritage sites as they take steps to become dementia supportive.

“The strategic partnership that has developed between Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales and Ageing Well in Wales has proven extremely beneficial for the museum. We have been working together to achieve mutual aims for improving the wellbeing of the people of Wales. This partnership has illustrated the benefits of public bodies working together towards a better economy and a healthier, happier and more sustainable Wales.”

Finally, the Welsh Government will launch a new Dementia Strategy that will provide the framework in Wales to support the activities of key partners in order to drive forward change for people living with dementia. Underpinning all of this is a commitment to include and support the voices of people living with dementia at the heart of all decision making and processes.

“A dementia friendly and supportive community can make a difference to a person with dementia and their carer or family. Dementia affects the whole family. To continue to feel part of a community and engage in everyday life reduces isolation, increases wellbeing, and helps to maintain independence.” (Ceri, Rhondda Cynon Taf)

Aim: To make Wales a dementia supportive nation by building and promoting dementia supportive communities

Key Outcomes:

• Wales is an environment where people affected by dementia feel supported, valued and understood.


• People affected by dementia in Wales note an improvement in the timely identification of dementia and support provided before, during and after identification.

• Enhanced and extended education, training, information and advice around dementia is established.



Developing a Dementia Supportive Community with a clear, strategic and joined-up approach at national level

Welsh Government Development of a new National Dementia Strategy with clear measureable actions for a range of partners so that Wales is a better place for older people living with dementia, their family and carers.

Developing a Dementia Supportive Community with improved community safety and better awareness of social issues affecting people living with

dementia

Police and Crime Commissioners

The Gwent Police ‘Herbert Protocol’4 is developed across all police forces in Wales so that older people living with dementia in care homes who go missing are found.

Developing a Dementia Supportive Community through an increasing number of individuals learning about and raising awareness of dementia to

better support people living with dementia

Alzheimer’s Society The Dementia Friends and Champions initiative continues to extend across Wales so that individuals and organisations have a better understanding of dementia and are encouraged to take local actions that will make a big difference to the lives of people living with dementia and their carers.



Developing a Dementia Supportive Community through better support, understanding and empathy in health settings

Local Health Boards Family carers of older people living with dementia are able to stay with their relative in hospital as their expertise is recognised as a core part of the care team. This will enable individuals living with dementia to respond more positively to treatment and improve decision-making about the individual and family carers needs.

Developing a Dementia Supportive Community through improved access and participation in sport and culture

Alzheimer’s Society Promote and expand the Sporting Memories approach5 across Wales so that older people living with dementia have better opportunities to participate in sporting and cultural events, and receive help and support in the community through sport.


Falls PreventionFalls prevention is a key issue in the improvement of health and wellbeing amongst older people. Falls are a major cause of disability and death in older people in Wales, resulting in significant human costs in terms of pain, loss of confidence and independence.

“Public Health is about all of us. Falls affect us all in some way, but many people don’t realise that there are easy ways to prevent falls. But, to be most successful, we all need to work together. By preventing falls, we can help people to live longer and happier; this is what Ageing Well is all about and Public Health Wales is keen to support it.”

The Falls strand focuses on early interventions for those older people at risk of falling for the first time. Preventing the first fall ensures that older people are more resilient and helps to maintain their independence in a safe and secure environment within their own homes.


The smallest and simplest of things can very often make all the difference in reducing falls amongst older people. During Phase Two partners will work together to ensure that older people have appropriate eyewear and footwear, are taking the right medication and have aids and adaptations in their homes. The provision of information and signposting to appropriate services, including chiropodists, opticians, dentists, GPs and community pharmacies will also be a priority.

Developing these low-cost interventions should help to ensure that older people across Wales are not at risk of falling for the first time. As a result, older people will be less likely to require health and social care packages, avoidable visits to GP surgeries and hospitals, complex operations, or admissions into residential care.

Who’s involved?

Phase Two will continue to develop the strong partnership work between, for example, Public Health Wales, Care and Repair, Age Cymru and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Collaboration will also include the Welsh Government, Local Authorities and Local Health Boards, as well developing linkages with the emergency services - how the Ambulance and Fire and Rescue Services can develop risk assessments around falls in people’s homes, for example.

Aim: To support older people to reduce their risk of falling, reducing the number of falls amongst older people in Wales.


Key Outcomes:

• Older people and their carers are aware of the preventable causes of falling and know how to reduce their risk.

• Current levels of early identification and preventive interventions are mapped and assessed to inform future development.

• Falls prevention is integrated into other older people’s health and social care programmes as part of a wider ‘ageing well’ approach.



Improving falls prevention through the development of the ‘Make Every Contact Count’ approach

Care and Repair, Age Cymru, Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust, Fire and Rescue Services

Agencies and services entering people’s homes provide practical information and advice on falls so that older people are more aware of the risks of falling and know how they can help themselves.

Improving falls prevention through the dissemination of helpful guides, toolkits and awareness raising campaigns

Public Health Wales, Age Cymru, Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

The ‘Steady on…Stay SAFE’ campaign6, the 1000 Lives Improvement service7, the ‘Avoiding slips, trips and falls’ guide8 and the ‘Get Up and Go’ guide9 are all promoted and developed across Wales so that older people are more aware of the risks of falling and know how they can help themselves.

Improving falls prevention through better engagement and consultation with older people in health settings

Local Health Boards Local services and primary care practices have a better understanding of older people’s circumstances and provide relevant help and support so that they are less likely to fall.



Improving falls prevention through encouraging older people to participate in exercise classes and health, wellbeing and sport schemes

Public Health Wales, Age Cymru, Welsh Local Government Association, Local Authorities

The National Exercise Referral Scheme10, which supports older people to improve their strength, posture and balance to reduce the risk of falls, together with the Low Impact Functional Training (LIFT) exercise classes, are promoted and expanded across Wales so that older people’s resilience is improved and they are less likely to fall.


Opportunities for Learning and EmploymentOlder people have a wealth of knowledge, skills and experience that is currently underappreciated and undervalued in the workplace. The traditional retirement model is no longer relevant and an increasing number of older people cannot afford to retire at State Pension age and need to supplement their incomes. Older people, however, encounter a number of barriers to remain in or return to employment, and tackling ageism in the workplace remains a priority for this strand.

“Adult education plays an essential part in delivering social justice, creating a strong economy and offering opportunities for people of all ages to learn. This can help people to stay healthy, remain engaged in their communities and offer the chance for people to upskill or reskill even later in life. Through Ageing Well in Wales, the Open University in Wales is pleased to work alongside the Older People’s Commissioner to ensure that opportunities for older people to learn are funded, supported and promoted.”

For some older people, learning is an important activity to help with mental stimulation and to contribute towards personal wellbeing and fulfilment. For others, learning is an essential way to gain new skills and qualifications, which helps to improve their employment prospects. With increased learning, employment and volunteering opportunities, older people can contribute so much more to communities and economies.


Older employees and jobseekers across Wales will have better access to employment opportunities, with an increasing number of employers recognising the benefits of an age-diverse workforce. Fewer older people will experience ageism when trying to remain in or re-enter the workplace.

“It is crucial that all individuals, regardless of age, are provided with opportunities to remain in or to re-enter employment. Older workers need access to appropriate learning and skills opportunities, and support with signposting to relevant partners who can provide them with the targeted help, information and advice that they need to make successful transitions and progressions. Careers Wales recognises that employing older people is good for the individual, for employers and for the Welsh economy. We are delighted to be part of Ageing Well in Wales and work with a broad range of partners to improve learning and employment opportunities for older people.”

Furthermore, an increasing number of older people will be able to access learning opportunities that suit their needs. These learning opportunities will include digital, financial and wellbeing skills, helping older people to improve their resilience in later life. Such an approach will help to create the ‘virtuous circle’ in Wales: an increasing number of older people being able to access learning opportunities and remain in or


re-enter the workplace means better health, independence and wellbeing with more disposable incomes for local economies.

Who’s involved?

This work will involve a broad range of partners, including the Welsh Government, Local Authorities and the voluntary sector.

“The Welsh workplace is changing and older workers now form a higher proportion of the workforce. It’s important that employers recognise an ageing workforce and the value it can bring to their organisations. The Wales TUC is happy to work closely with partners through Ageing Well in Wales to help improve the experiences of older workers and those who care for older people. By supporting the establishment of dementia friendly workplaces, providing work-based learning and addressing mid-career reviews, the Wales TUC will do everything it can to support older workers to get the very best out of their working lives.”

It will also involve key players such as the Wales TUC and Business in the Community, as well as key partners in the learning and advice sectors, such as the Learning and Work Institute and Money Advice Service.

“I feel good about volunteering, it’s the first time I’ve ever done this… It gives me a feeling of putting something back into the community. I feel fantastic about being involved in Solva Care, such a ground-breaking initiative…We have achieved a lot, and more of this is what’s needed all over Wales.” (Care Staff, Volunteers and Beneficiaries, Solva Care project, Pembrokeshire)

Aim: To ensure the experience of older people in Wales is optimised through continued learning and employment

Key Outcomes:

• Older people in Wales benefit from maximised opportunities for participation.

• Older people in Wales benefit from maximised opportunities to increase their income.

• Older people in Wales feel empowered to effectively plan for their future.




Improved Opportunities for Learning and Employment through promoting age-friendly and age-diverse workplaces and tackling ageism in employment

Welsh Government Encourage employers and services across Wales to develop age-friendly workplaces and tackle ageism via the ‘Age of Investment’ campaign11 so that older employees and jobseekers are better able to access employment opportunities.

Improved Opportunities for Learning and Employment through increased and better access to apprenticeship opportunities

Welsh Government Apprenticeship opportunities for people of all ages are developed and actions to develop older people’s skillsets are included in the Employability Skills Programme so that older people are better able to access employment opportunities.

Improved Opportunities for Learning and Employment through the development of digital skills and uptake of digital services

Welsh Government An increasing number of older people become digital users via the Digital Inclusion Strategic Framework for Wales12 so that they have the skills and confidence to access learning and employment opportunities.

Improved Opportunities for Learning and Employment through the development of financial skills, better financial planning and improved

financial resilience

Money Advice Service, Welsh

Government

An increasing number of older people are able to manage their finances better via the Financial Capability Strategy for Wales13 and Financial Inclusion Strategy for Wales14 so that they can plan better for the future, feel more confident about financial planning and are more resilient with their finances in later life.



Improved Opportunities for Learning and Employment through the development of key skills in later life

Learning and Work Institute, Welsh Government

Development of a ‘Guide to Ageing Well’ so that older people become more resilient and better prepared in later life through the uptake of digital, financial and wellbeing skills.

Improved Opportunities for Learning and Employment through the development of community and adult-based learning

Learning and Work Institute, Open University, education providers

Communities and volunteers are better supported and know how to set up community-based learning groups so that older people are able to access local learning and skills opportunities.


Loneliness and IsolationLoneliness can affect people of all ages. However, ill health, the loss of the ability to drive, the closure of public buses, toilets and libraries, and the reduced provision of meals on wheels and befriending schemes means that older people, as the main users of these ‘lifeline’ services, are particularly at risk of loneliness and social isolation.

“An increasing number of people across Wales are exposed to the risks of loneliness and social isolation. Men’s Sheds provides older men with opportunities to learn new skills, take on new activities, and encourage a sense of community and companionship. By working with other partners through Ageing Well in Wales, Men’s Sheds can help to reduce loneliness, provide older men with a range of learning opportunities and create a network of safe and nurturing spaces within Wales where people can feel part of their communities once again.”

Loneliness is now a major public health risk in Wales and tackling loneliness and isolation is needed for the individual and the public purse. Improving people’s resilience and making them less susceptible to the harmful effects of loneliness is crucial in maintaining people’s health, independence and wellbeing.


Fewer older people across Wales will report that they feel lonely and socially isolated. An increasing number of older people will benefit from smart, innovative and cost-effective services to tackle loneliness, and will be encouraged to participate in inclusive communities that recognise the risks of loneliness. Partners across Wales will work better together to provide services that meets the needs of older people, and older people themselves will be more aware of the risks of loneliness and will receive help and support to improve their resilience.

Who’s involved?

Tackling loneliness and isolation will involve a broad range of partners, including the Welsh Government, Local Authorities, Local Health Boards, the housing and voluntary sectors. Key partners in this field will continue to develop their collaborative linkages, including the Royal Voluntary Service, the British Red Cross, Men’s Sheds, Age Cymru, the University of the Third Age (U3A) and the Campaign to End Loneliness.

“As a Prevention and Campaigns project worker with Drink Wise, Age Well, my role is to spread awareness in the community regarding safer and healthier use of alcohol in later life. Events where people can come together and discuss and share their knowledge and experience of loneliness and isolation in later life are important and a great way to identify issues in our respective


roles. The network that Ageing Well in Wales provides to address loneliness and isolation amongst older people is very useful and I will attend future events and meetings in order to work with others and discuss some of the problems and barriers that older people can encounter.” (Jeff, Drink Wise, Age Well)

Aim: To reduce levels of loneliness and unwanted social isolation and their negative impact on health and wellbeing as experienced by older people in Wales

Key Outcomes:

• Loneliness and unwanted social isolation are recognised as public health and safety issues in Wales.

• The main causes and outcomes of loneliness and unwanted social isolation amongst older people living in Wales are identified and understood.

• The provision of innovative and accessible support and information on self-help is developed, addressing the impact of changes to life circumstances older people face.



Address loneliness and isolation by the dissemination of helpful guides, toolkits and campaigns

Campaign to End Loneliness, Royal Voluntary Service, British Red Cross, Men’s Sheds

Toolkits, resources and awareness raising materials are promoted and developed across Wales so that the needs and circumstances of older people are better understood and they are less likely to feel lonely and socially isolated.

Address loneliness and isolation through the development of a national strategy involving key partners

Welsh Government Tackling loneliness and isolation is identified as a public health priority via a National Strategy which will set actions to ensure that older people are less likely to feel lonely and socially isolated.



Address loneliness and isolation through the development of community support

Age Cymru Action is taken by a wide range of partners via the Wales Against Scams Partnership (WASP)15 so that older and vulnerable people across Wales are less likely to be victims of doorstep crime and scams.

Address loneliness and isolation through the development and expansion of mental health and befriending services

Welsh Government, Local Health Boards

Through the Together for Mental Health Delivery Plan for Wales16, services, including befriending schemes, have a better understanding of the impact of loneliness and social isolation on mental health so that older people are less likely to feel lonely and socially isolated.

Community Housing Cymru, Housing Leadership Cymru

Housing associations and social landlords better understand the risks of loneliness and isolation and provide help and support so that older tenants are less likely to feel lonely and socially isolated.


Working with and empowering local communitiesRunning across all five priority strands will be a strong focus upon raising knowledge, awareness and understanding of what people can do for themselves and others to improve their health and wellbeing, and the support available to help them achieve this. This will be taken forward at a community level, in partnership with other organisations that can assist and enable older people, their families and family carers.

A strong focus will be placed upon multigenerational work with the sharing of good practice. Encouraging people of all ages to work together at the local level is at the core of the age-friendly communities approach, and Ageing Well in Wales will promote this approach and encourage people of all ages to come together and identify local solutions to barriers and challenges.

The first phase of the programme saw over 1,000 network members join Ageing Well in Wales, working on the five priority strands in villages, towns and cities across Wales. Empowering individuals, community groups and volunteers is central to the Ageing Well in Wales model: providing people with knowledge, advice and information is crucial in order to enable them to take forward the work and make it sustainable in their locality.

Looking ahead, Ageing Well in Wales will continue to work with older people in all their diversity and empower people and their communities. The Network Coordinator will continue to listen and engage with local community groups, hosting events across Wales that will provide information and encouragement to individuals and groups who want to get involved and make a difference in their local communities. This will ensure that individuals and groups are provided with the practical tools, resources and inspiration that they need to continue to build communities across Wales that enable older people to age well.

Research, Innovation and Creativity

Ageing Well in Wales will continue to have a strong focus on research, innovation and creativity to ensure the capturing and sharing of evidence based approaches and good practice examples from across Wales and beyond to support impactful and empowering change at a local level.


Throughout Phase One, the Programme has worked closely with the Centre for Ageing and Dementia Research (CADR) and the former Older People and Ageing Research and Development Network (OPAN Cymru) to help to ensure that the actions and interventions are grounded in evidence and that research drives forward the Programme’s aims and outcomes over the next Phase. Examples of cooperation to date include the delivery of Dementia Supportive Communities network events across Wales through Joseph Rowntree Foundation funding, undertaking research to identify the barriers to older jobseekers in Wales as part of the Opportunities for Learning and Employment strand and leading a Welsh delegation to Brussels for the 2015 European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing (EIP-AHA) Summit.

CADR researchers have been part of the Strategic Action Group and Expert Advisory Groups during Phase One and will continue to play a key role in the Programme, building up research capacity and drawing on their network of contacts to learn from studies and projects that have delivered impactful, preventative and cost-effective approaches at the Wales, UK, European and international levels.

Looking ahead, CADR will input into the work undertaken across the priority strands to highlight good practice and support the programme in driving forward change for older people. Through the work undertaken by CADR, the programme will continue to focus on turning research into practice, ensuring actions taken over the next eighteen months to achieve these outcomes are evidence based and have been proven to positively impact on the lives of older people across Wales. Further information on CADR may be found here: http://www.cadr.cymru/en/.


Ageing Well in Wales Partner Organisations

1000 Lives Improvement Programme

Age Alliance Wales

Age Connects

Age Cymru

Alzheimer’s Society

Arts Council of Wales

British Gas

British Red Cross

Business in the Community

CADW

Campaign to End Loneliness

Care and Repair

Careers Wales


Carers Trust

Centre for Ageing and Dementia Research

Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

Chwarae Teg

Community Housing Cymru

Community Pharmacies Wales

Contact the Elderly

Cymru Older People’s Alliance

Dementia Engagement and Empowerment Project (DEEP)

Drink Wise Age Well

Dyfed Powys Police and Crime Commissioner

Glamorgan Cricket Club

Gwent Police and Crime Commissioner

Housing Leadership Cymru


Joseph Rowntree Foundation

Learning and Work Institute

Living Streets

Men’s Sheds

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue

Money Advice Service

National Museum of Wales

NatWest

NHS Wales

North Wales Fire and Rescue

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner

Older People’s Commissioner for Wales

Open University

Public Health Wales

Supported by


RNIB Cymru

Royal Voluntary Service

Society of Chief Librarians

South Wales Fire and Rescue

South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner

Spice (Time Credits Charity)

Sport Wales

The Silver Line

University of the Third Age

Volunteering Matters

Wales Against Scams Partnership

Wales TUC

Welsh Ambulance Service

Welsh Government

WLGA


References1 http://www.scale-aha.eu/rs2016-results.html

2 http://www.ageingwellinwales.com/en/resource-hub/afc-resources

3 http://johnscampaign.org.uk/#/

4 https://www.gwent.police.uk/news/article/article/gwent-partners-will-use- herbert-protocol-to-help-locate-people-with-dementia-who-go-missing/

5 http://www.sportingmemoriesnetwork.com/

6 http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/922/news/38826

7 http://www.1000livesplus.wales.nhs.uk/home

8 http://www.ageingwellinwales.com/Libraries/Documents/Avoiding-Slips-Trips- and-Falls.pdf

9 http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/888/news/40462

10 http://www.wlga.gov.uk/ners

11 https://businesswales.gov.wales/skillsgateway/age-investment

12 http://gov.wales/topics/people-and-communities/communities/digital- inclusion/?lang=en

13 http://www.fincap.org.uk/wales_strategy

14 http://gov.wales/topics/people-and-communities/communities/debt/?lang=en

15 http://www.ageuk.org.uk/cymru/get-involved/campaign/wales-against-scams- partnership-wasp/

16 http://gov.wales/docs/dhss/consultation/160118documenten.pdf