Make age an AdvantAGE
We discovered some startling facts when developing our programme for older people in Wales. For instance over one million people in the UK aged 65 plus say they always or often feel lonely and nearly half of all older people consider the television as their main form of company.
For the vast majority, old age is a positive experience. But for too many others, older age can bring with it a number of challenges such as retirement, bereavement and illness which, without support, can lead to social isolation and loneliness.
The Big Lottery Fund in Wales launched a new funding programme in June to address these two issues. Wales has a higher percentage of older people than any other part of the UK. The AdvantAGE programme will invest £20 million in advocacy and befriending projects and we think the programme will help to transform social support for older people in Wales.
Don’t take our word for it – Gavin and Stacey star Margaret John, the Older People’s Commission in Wales and our very own Ceri Doyle all agree….