Age Connects Morgannwg celebrates 42 years of supporting older people in the local community

Age Connects Morgannwg (ACM) is celebrating 42 years as an independent local charity which provides advice and support to older people who need it the most.

Celebrations took place in Cynon Linc - an intergenerational community hub in Aberdare - where guests were invited to eat cake and have photos with members of the ACM team.

Since 1977, Age Connects Morgannwg has supported people over the age of 50 across Rhondda Cynon Taff, Merthyr Tydfil and Bridgend through some of the most difficult times of their life. They offer practical help, professional advice, dependability and a continuity of service like no other. They care about the challenges older people face and they offer a listening ear and support when it feels like there is no where else to turn.

The charity offers a range of services to help people live independently for as long as possible. You can drop in or book an appointment at their Information and Advice hubs in Pontypridd or Aberdare. There you can get advice on a range of issues affecting older people such as welfare benefits, maximising income, will writing, funeral plans, equity release, Blue Badge applications, adaptations to your home, housing and tenancy.

If you need help getting your nails clipped you can take advantage of the Simply Nails service which offers home visits or clinic appointments to keep people on their feet and comfortable for as long as possible.

For many years, ACM has provided services to help get older people home from hospital and support them in their home following their discharge. Their Independent Advocacy Service is also available as extra support for people to speak up and be listened to when decisions are being made about their lives. For those who are feeling lonely or isolated, the Befriending Service is available to provide a listening ear and support from volunteers.

Chief Executive, Rachel Rowlands says, “ Every day, our staff and volunteers brighten someone’s day with a smile, a helping hand, time to chat or practical support on the road to recovery. Celebrating 42 years of making that kind of difference is testament to the hard work of the Charity, the dedication and loyalty of its people and the undeniable impact it has on the lives of thousands of older people each year. We couldn’t do it without the support of our funders and local people who donate and fundraise for us. Our birthday gives us the opportunity to say thank you. We have a strong history and with their support, we have a bright future. ”

To find out more about the services Age Connects Morgannwg offers, please call 01443 490650 or email information@acmorgannwg.org.uk

You can also donate online via the Local Giving page which will help us to support older people: https://localgiving.org/charity/age-connects-morgannwg/

Notes to editors:

·Age Connects Morgannwg is the operating title of Age Concern Morgannwg and is a local independent charity.

·For more information about Age Connects Morgannwg, you can visit our website www.acmorgannwg.org.uk or contact Giuliana Kinnerly, Communications Officer on 07741 898686.

·Photo below is of Chief Executive, Rachel Rowlands along with ACM staff and members of the public at Cynon Linc, Aberdare