It’s one year since the launch of our in-person Welsh activity groups in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan, Llanelli and Newport.

To celebrate the anniversary around 30 of our older guests enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour of Rodney Parade, home of Newport County AFC and Dragons Rugby, followed by refreshments and the opportunity to take part in some gentle exercise, carpet curling, cornhole and a quiz. Gavin Stewart, Re-engage project manager for South Wales, said:

“Our activity groups have been a great success, providing much-needed social events for older people who might otherwise have very solitary and lonely lives. We have a dedicated team of volunteers, including our class leads, group coordinators, and drivers who take the older people to and from the venues. We have plans to grow so that groups can continue to flourish and we welcome new volunteers to help us. If you are interested, please apply here, I can guarantee you’ll find it rewarding."

During the pandemic we introduced on-line activity sessions for older people in Wales, thanks to the support of the Welsh government. With the easing of restrictions we were able to offer in-person exercise sessions which included dance, chair yoga and tai chi, followed by a cup of tea and the chance to have a natter.

‘Emily’, benefits from these activity groups, telling us:

"It's honestly been a lifeline being able to see people in the flesh. Attending the group has pushed me to get out of my comfort zone. This has been important to me. I feel there has been a lasting benefit to both my physical and mental health. As I was looking after my late husband for some time before he passed away, I naturally became quite isolated. After he died, I felt useless. I was raw and worried I would become a burden."

Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Heléna Herklots CBE, said, “Activities like these are crucial for our health and well-being and play a vital role in supporting us to age well, and it’s great to see the ways that partnership working at a community level is making a positive difference to the lives of older people.

If you’d like to join a Re-engage activity group, please contact Gavin Stewart gavin.stewart@reengage.org.uk or call 02922 801 802.