Communication and Information: Age Friendly Action Plan

A growing number of older people in Wales are at risk of social exclusion and being left behind as the use of digital technology continues to play an even greater role in our everyday lives.

It is important that communicate in a variety of different ways so that no one is left behind. In a digital world this can be challenging, and making sure that information is shared using different platforms is essential

 

Our Action Plan

  • Communicating what’s happening across Gwynedd will be a priority. An age-friendly quarterly newsletter (digital and paper version) as well as weekly updated social media posts will share relevant information for older people. We will also explore the use of a Whatsapp/Telegram group to share information.
  • Age-friendly events will be held locally across Gwynedd. These events will be organised by partners who are part of age-friendly Gwynedd, with various partners sharing information, support from officers face to face, taster sessions of different local activities and an opportunity to contribute and share.
  • Cyngor Gwynedd is working to understand what information is available. This will allow us to make sure that all information shared is up-to-date and relevant but also share the correct information when needed.
  • Community hubs, libraries, and Citizens Online will continue to offer digital lessons to aid more individuals to learn basic technology skills that will help them navigate the online world.
  • Partners across Gwynedd are looking at the data they are able to share. Hopefully this will support data reporting and how partners share and support each other. This will also lead to better co-production, less duplication and an opportunity to recognise the gaps across our local areas.
  • Mantell Gwynedd will continue to build on the way they communicate with partners across Gwynedd while sharing information from various partners daily.
  • Cyngor Gwynedd is leading a project around Dewis Cymru to increase the information available on the platform and to encourage the usage of the information platform.
  • Sessions around income maximisation for older people arranged across Gwynedd in September/October 2024.
  • Welfare advocates, energy advisors and CAB (Gwynedd Citizens Advice) hold drop-ins about information and to offer support for people in Siop Gwynedd and public spaces.

 

Case Studies

The Dref Werdd in Blaenau Ffestiniog has weekly drop-in sessions to help people in the local area, Bro Ffestiniog. They offer a variety of support and are rooted within the community. They are now seen as a vital asset.

As well as helping maximising income, food support and energy advice, they also have a successful social prescribing programme which works to alleviate social issues such as mental health and health problems in general.

Since starting the drop-in in 2019 they have helped over 4000 individuals with different issues.

The booklet was created in a collaboration between the following groups in the DEEP network – Caban Bangor University Educators, DEEP United Dwyfor & Meirionnydd and Fuse and Muse in Swansea. “Dementia is life changing, but it’s not life ending. Take advantage of every opportunity offered to you. You must learn to ask for help, because nobody should be going through this on their own” is one of the messages that is shared with this booklet.

The purpose is to include relevant information in one place and has been co-produced by listening to individuals who have gone through the diagnosis and learning about what helped them and what they wished to know at that time. Since the release of the first booklet the group have gone on to develop Knowledge is Power 2 and are looking to produce Knowledge is Power for Carers as well in 2024.