THE Older People’s Commissioner for Wales visited Barry recently to speak to members of the Barry Veterans Group.
Rhian Bowen-Davies spoke to around 25 people at the group’s breakfast club, which is held every week at All Saints Church on Park Road in Barry. The group provides support to Military Veterans and their families in and around the Vale, arranging monthly social evenings and day trips as well as the breakfast club.
Members told the commissioner that they look forward to attending the group each week and that the friendship and support members provide each other is hugely important.
Specific issues raised with the Commissioner included the importance of ensuring that those who have served in the Forces can access the NHS Veterans Pathway, which provides enhanced care and support, as well as the impact of delayed discharge from hospital on people’s independence and well-being.
Rhian Bowen-Davies said: “It was really valuable to hear from members about their experiences of growing older and the particular issues that veterans and their families may face.
“The experiences shared will help me develop my Strategy and Work Programme, which will have older people’s voices at its heart.”
Alongside travelling throughout Wales to speak directly with older people, the Commissioner is also inviting older people to share their experiences in writing by completing a short questionnaire. This can be viewed on www.olderpeople.wales/haveyoursay
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