Anglesey has applied to join the World Health Organisation's Worldwide Network of Age-Friendly Communities.
Becoming a member of the network would mark a county-wide commitment to breaking down barriers to ageing well and secure Anglesey’s status as an age-friendly island.
Membership also offers the opportunity to share good practice and learn from more than 1,400 Age-Friendly Communities spanning 51 countries world-wide.
The county council remains committed to working in partnership with the voluntary sector, organisations and the wider community to safeguard and enhance older people’s independence, health and wellbeing.The Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Helena Herklots CBE, recently accepted a letter supporting the bid from Anglesey council’s Chief Executive, Dylan J. Williams, and Council Leader, Councillor Llinos Medi during a recent visit to the island.
The Commissioner praised the work already carried out on Anglesey to help deliver positive change for older people.
During her visit to the Island, Ms Herklots discussed a range of practical ideas about how to make communities more age-friendly and accessible for older people, and the importance of tackling age discrimination. She also attended an age-friendly conference held at M-Sparc in Gaerwen.
Ms Herklots said, “I’d like to congratulate Anglesey for reaching this important milestone in the journey towards becoming an age-friendly island, by applying to join the WHO’s Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities, which reflects their commitment to taking action to support people to age well.
“During my recent visit to Anglesey, it was good to speak with older people about the work underway to make communities on the island more age-friendly, and hear from organisations about the projects and initiatives they are delivering and the positive difference these are making to older people's lives.”
She added, “I’m looking forward to continuing to work with and support Anglesey as their plans are translated into action, as part of my ongoing work with local authorities throughout Wales, which brings us closer to making an age-friendly Wales a reality for older people.”
Adults’ Services and community safety portfolio holder, Councillor Alun Roberts said, “It was a pleasure to welcome the Commissioner to Anglesey. We were able to discuss our commitments to support residents to keep enjoying life as they get older.”
He added, “The county council’s application to join the World Health Organisation's Worldwide Network of Age-Friendly Communities was presented on behalf of all our communities across the island.”
Anglesey’s Age Friendly Communities Development Officer, Sioned Young explained, “We will continue our work to actively spread the word about age-friendly Anglesey and how everyone can play a role in making Anglesey a place to age well. This will build on the recent success of the older people's forums in the community in ensuring older people’s voices are heard.”
For more information on Anglesey’s age-well initiatives contact: sionedyoung@ynysmon.llyw.cymru
Ends 25 April 2023