Taff Ely initiative to boost older people’s well-being
A new initiative in Taff Ely aims to boost the confidence of older people, encourage new friendships, and find out about hobbies to help to improve their well-being.
The Taff Ely primary care cluster is supporting new ‘3 Cs’ groups in Ynysybwl and Pontyclun.
Twelve weeks of new sessions are starting on Wednesday, January 17 in The Bethel Baptist Church Hall, in Pontyclun.
3Cs stands for companionship, conversation and creativity for participants aged 50 or over.
The 3 Cs project director Mair Williams said the aim was to encourage friendships in and outside the group, confidence in meeting new people, information about services available and revive interest in hobbies or find new ones.
“The project aims to help people to come out of loneliness and isolation and be a part of their community and improve their general well-being,” she said.
Those taking part in local community halls or centres can be guaranteed a friendly welcome, and support from experienced assistants.
Activities can include talks from local experts in history or safety with medicines or in the home, to craft works such as jewellery making, or exercise like Nordic Walking.
Sessions have been taking place in Ynysybwl and start in Pontyclun in the New Year, both supported by Taff Ely primary care.
Meirig Gilbert, who has been attending sessions in Ynysybwl, said: “I’ve met a lot of people and I’ve learned new things.
“I would be sitting on my own in the flat watching TV. I look forward to a Friday morning as it’s the only time I see other people to talk about everyday things. The only other time I go out is to Job Club on a Monday and a Tuesday.”
Jenkin Jenkins, 87, known as ‘Shenks’ had attended sessions originally with his wife who had Alzheimer’s disease before she died.
“I don’t know what I would be doing if I didn’t come down here. Watching television or getting bored at home, I suppose,” he said.
