Good health, access to training and independence for older people were some of the subjects under the spotlight at the Senedd on Wednesday 11 January.

Age Alliance Wales brought together over 60 older people from across Wales to Cardiff Bay to talk to their Assembly Members about the issues that matter to them.

Sarah Rochira, Age Alliance Wales’s Chair and Chief Executive of RNIB Cymru says:

“Age Alliance Wales is a coalition of national organisations that works together, with and for older people across the country.

“With Wales’ ageing population – which is ageing more rapidly than that of the rest of the UK, it is vital that Welsh Government policies reflect and effectively meet the needs of older people. We have much in Wales to be proud of but also much that we urgently need to address.

“Creating opportunities for older people to influence government is an important part of the process

“This is why we organised this event to give older people the chance to tell their Assembly Members about the realities of being an older person in Wales today.”

Chris Jones, Age Alliance member and managing director of Care & Repair Cymru said: “We know from 25 years experience of helping older people repair and adapt their homes that a warm, safe and secure home significantly contributes to a person’s health and wellbeing. Helping older people remain safely in their own home for as long as possible not only helps save money for both the NHS and social care budgets, but it is what older people tell us they want. We hope that hearing directly from older people about what services work and what can be improved, will help AMs when they are developing future policies which will impact on our ageing population.”

Mr and Mrs Jones from Newport attended the event. They both have major physical disabilities and health issues. Newport Care & Repair have worked with this couple since 2007 and have completed major adaptation works under a Disabled Facilities Grant including a level access shower, curved stair lift and ambulant steps to the front access of the property.

Mrs Jones (82) said: “I would like to thanks Newport Care & Repair for their sensitive approach to my practical needs; their friendly and helpful advice has given me renewed confidence – I feel 10 years younger! Games – Olympics – bring them on! Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.”

• work with, and for older people through the co-operative use of the knowledge and expertise contained within the membership of Age Alliance Wales.

For more information on Age Alliance Wales, visit www.agealliancewales.org.uk

This successful service has recently been evaluated independently by Cordis Bright Consulting, the report provides an initial outcome evaluation of Lasting Solutions FIP, including early evidence on the cost effectiveness and cost efficiency of the FIP. The evidence in this evaluation supports the following conclusions:

Conclusion 1 – Outcomes: Lasting Solutions is achieving many positive outcomes for families.

Conclusion 2 – Cost effectiveness: Lasting Solutions offers exceptional value for money, offering a net rate of return on investment of 426%.

Families referred to the project will have reached a ‘critical’ stage in that they may be about to lose their home, or children may be at risk of being taken into care. There may already be a number of services involved with these families and the FIP is not seeking to duplicate services but to link with existing services, partnerships and problem solving groups. Please see the report to read more about the success this service is having across South East Wales.

You can download the FIP Evaluation Report here

From January 2012, the benefit system will be changing for most single tenants under the age of 35 living in private rented accommodation. This does not affect Charter tenants in this age group because it applies to Private Rented accommodation only; it is a change to Local Housing Allowance not Housing Benefit

The result will end in many people no longer being able to afford to pay their rent. People who were previously entitled to a self contained property will now only be able to afford shared accommodation.

There is every possibility that people may be struggling to find accommodation in your local area.

To combat this, the Rent-a-Room scheme is being rolled out across the UK. This is primarily aimed at those tenants who have a spare bedroom in their property, and who do not receive Housing Benefit to help pay for their rent

We are inviting you to share your thoughts and opinions about the Rent-a-Room scheme. Have you say by contacting us at: getinvolved@charterhousing.co.uk

We are offering you the chance to learn to dance in the New Year. Every month we will be holding a class with a qualified tutor who will teach you to Waltz, Jive or Foxtrot your way across the floor.

Not only will you learn who to dance and meet new people, but it will help you to burn off those Christmas mince pies!

It couldn’t be easier, the classes are free and we can help you with transport.

For more details or to book a place, contact Ailsa Yeoman-Evans on 01633 678503 or getinvolved@charterhousing.co.uk

Give It Away Take It Away was held at Bridges community centre in Overmonnow, and was arranged by Monmouthshire County Council and supported by local organisations such as Charter, Melin Homes and Monmouth youth team.

Visitors were invited to bring unwanted items to swap, and were able to watch cookery and art demonstrations, and get advice on energy-saving, budgeting and older people’s care. They were also able to pedal their way to health heaven on a smoothie bike.

With funding from Charter, the Welsh Government and SHARE, ‘Working for Me’ is a truly innovative community project targeting people who have the most difficulty in getting and maintaining mainstream employment.

The CIH Wales Housing Awards were launched in 2007 to recognise the significant achievements of organisations and people who work to improve the lives of others living in our communities.

The project works on the premise that everyone has a skill and the best way for some people to earn an income is for them to use that skill by setting up a business and becoming self employed. Confidence and motivation sessions help people think through what they are good at, examine opportunities and decide what is achievable. Business planning is a vital part of the Working for Me project and ideas are tested vigorously. David has helped 13 business to start-up, including Deco Divas.

A Mother and Toddler group has already been established and this will soon be followed by regular computer drop in sessions, coffee and chat groups for residents and after school club for youngsters.

Everyone who has seen the transformation at the Bunker has been delighted and we are looking forward to building up further community activities there in the very near future

The DVD gives new tenants an overview of Charter and is packed with information on services such as maintenance, paying rent, community involvement and the key points of our tenancy agreement. From December it will be available to all new tenants.

Both tenants and staff starred in the DVD, presented by professional broadcaster Jenny Jones and created by Panda Media. The project began last year and tenants were involved in choosing the filmmakers from a selection of tenders.

Charter’s Corporate Director Kathryn Edwards said: “I’m really pleased with the result and think everyone involved worked really hard on the DVD. I think it’s great that staff and tenants worked together – the DVD is a valuable introduction to living in a Charter home and I think new tenants will find it very useful.”

Charter Options offers a fully managed property management service to Landlords complete with a rental guarantee scheme and free set up fees. Service Development Manager, Andrea Gale said, ‘This is a fantastic package for anyone considering letting out their property. As well as a guaranteed rental scheme and free set up fees, Landlords also benefit from the huge range of specialist services and staff that Charter Options have access to.’

Radio ads will run throughout the day during November and will be complemented by newspaper advertising.

Want to know more? Contact Charlotte Welch, Charter Options Service Manager on 01633 678512.

Chepstow RFC’s youth coach, Warren Jones said; “The working partnership between Charter and Chepstow RFC is the sort of community involvement that makes a huge difference to 16-19 year olds in the area.

Providing kit and equipment for the youngsters makes them feel extra special and they are proud to run out onto the pitch representing their town”.

Andrea Gale, Charter’s Service Development Manager said; “We are delighted to be part of such an exciting partnership with Chepstow RFC and wish them all the best for the season.”

The team’s rugby kits made their debut on Saturday, October 29th during their County Cup match against Ebbw Vale.