INTERESTED IN HELPING OLDER PEOPLE IN RURAL COMMUNITIES ACROSS SWANSEA?

VOLUNTEER for Age Cymru West Glamorgan, a local charity committed to supporting older people across Swansea, and help deliver a brand-new dedicated Information and Advice service to older people in rural Swansea communities.

The accredited service aims to provide information, advice, and signposting to older people and their carers, with a focus on promoting health and wellbeing, maximising the benefits they’re eligible for, and ensuring they have access to all necessary support to help them to age well and enjoy life.

Currently, geographical challenges of rural locations across Swansea create a significant service gap, leaving communities such as Gower, Clydach, Pontarddulais, and more, underserved and disadvantaged.

Funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund as part of the UK Government’s Levelling Up agenda, the project aims to eliminate these geographical barriers by implementing a team of at least 12 dedicated volunteers, to deliver support directly to these currently underserved local communities.

Recruiting volunteers from the very communities they’ll be supporting, and from nearby, will foster a more immediate and impactful level of support. Volunteers will be able to provide a personalised and empathetic service that truly understands the unique challenges and opportunities within these rural communities, with full support and training provided.

Research, including findings from The Young Foundation’s 2021 report on volunteering during the Covid-19 pandemic, has shown the importance of localised volunteer infrastructures in enhancing community trust and engagement.

Connor James, Chief Officer of Age Cymru West Glamorgan, says: “As a charity, we want to reach as many people as possible, wherever they live, but we can’t do so without the help of volunteers.”

“People who live in rural Swansea may face difficulties in accessing necessary support due to transport, mobility, or financial hardships, so having a team embedded within these communities will enable us to make sure everyone has access to our vital services.”

“Tight-knit areas across Swansea, which are often rural, are known for their community spirit. There is no better way to deliver our Information and Advice service to these communities than by the people who truly know them.”

“By rolling out this program, we hope to make a lasting impact on residents across rural Swansea and encourage anyone who wants to contribute to making a difference to get in touch and apply to join Age Cymru West Glamorgan as a volunteer.”

Interested in volunteering in the below communities, and beyond? Get in touch by emailing volunteer@ agecymruwestglamorgan.org.uk or call 01792 648 866 to speak to a member of the Age Cymru West Glamorgan team and find out more today.

• Bishopston

• Clydach

• Fairwood

• Gorseinon & Penyrheol

• Gower

• Gowerton

• Llangyfelach

• Llwchwr

• Pen-clawdd

• Penllergaer

• Pennard

• Pontarddulais

• Pontlliw & Tircoed