News that Anglesey has been accepted as an official member of the World Health Organisation’s Global Network of Age-Friendly Communities has been welcomed.

The Network includes over 1,400 communities in 51 countries across the world. As a new member of the network, Anglesey becomes part of a worldwide movement which is working to create communities where everyone there can look forward to ageing well.

Anglesey County Council’s Age-Friendly Champion, Councillor Gwilym Jones, made the official announcement during the recent Anglesey Older People’s Forum held at M-SParc, Gaerwen.

Cllr Gwilym Jones said, “On behalf of the County Council and our Island community, I would like to thank the Welsh Government, the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, and her team for their support on our journey to becoming members of the Network. We very much look forward to building on this important new relationship, and to develop exciting plans for local residents.”Heldd

Older People's Commissioner for Wales, Heléna Herklots CBE, congratulated Anglesey on joining the World Health Organisation’s Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities.

Ms Herklots said, “This reaffirms the Anglesey’s commitment to making its communities more age friendly. It will work to ensure that all of its residents are supported to age well and demonstrates the progress we are making in Wales to ‘add life to years and not just years to life’.”

“Joining the Network provides opportunities for the Council and its partners to learn from other cities, communities, and organisations worldwide, as well as to share good practice and ideas from Anglesey.”

She added, “I am really pleased to see another Welsh local authority receive membership of the WHO Network and know that many others across Wales are currently finalising their own applications to join the Network.”

“I look forward to continuing to work with Anglesey, as well as those still in the application process, as their plans are developed and delivered with older people to ensure their voices and experiences are heard and acted upon.”

A network of more than 100 partners were involved in securing Age-Friendly Anglesey status.

Adults’ Services and Community Safety portfolio holder, Councillor Alun Roberts, said, “We are delighted to have been accepted into the World Health Organisation’s Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities. It is a real achievement and an honour for our Island and everyone involved in the application. However, we won’t rest on our laurels, and we’ll be continuing to work with our many partners to ensure that Anglesey makes the most of its new status and that everyone can age well.”

Older People’s Strategies Manager at the Isle of Anglesey County Council, Seiriol Edwards, added, “It’s important to note that the biggest thanks should go to everyone who works so hard across the Island to ensure that there is weekly support sessions and opportunities available for the residents of Anglesey to age well.”

“As a County Council, we’re very fortunate to have such a positive partnership with the Local Health Board and Third Sector. This commitment to collaboration enables us to develop and accomplish together. Finally, I’d like to thank our Age Friendly Communities Development Officer, Sioned Young, for leading on this work in such a professional and skilful manner.”

For more information on Anglesey’s ageing well initiatives, contact Sioned Young (Age Friendly Communities Development Officer, Isle of Anglesey County Council) sionedyoung@ynysmon.llyw.cymru

Ends 14.7.23