Older People’s Commissioner met residents in Penley and Marchwiel. They discussed lives, Rainbow Foundation, and services.
The Rainbow Foundation Centres hosted the meetings. Over forty older people attended. The centers offer many community activities that aim to improve health and well-being.
Think cooking, crafts, lunch clubs, and walking. Active Futures classes help, too, and they boost balance and strength after a doctor’s referral.
Older people feel the activities improved their lives, and they said it tackled loneliness effectively.
The activities provided something to look forward to. Some residents started volunteering, delivering meals for the foundation and assisting with befriending services.
The commissioner also learned about broader issues. People stated local bus services are lacking, making accessing GPs or pharmacies harder and attending activities difficult. Many struggle to reach services.
Finding NHS dentists posed another concern. People struggle to find available dentists; some had to switch to private care and others had to leave their long-term practices.
Many learned of the Rainbow Foundation from GPs. More information about services is needed. The commissioner will use this feedback to shape her future plans, aiming to improve policy and practice.
The Wrexham visit was part of a larger tour. The commissioner will visit every Welsh area, wanting to meet older people everywhere.
The commissioner thanked everyone for speaking. The shared experiences will inform her plan, and older people’s opinions will guide it.