Charity

Age Cymru urges action on hidden crisis facing older people ahead of Senedd election

Published

5 months ago

February 4, 2026

Charity warns one in three over-50s struggling with costs, healthcare delays and digital exclusion

AGE CYMRU has launched a manifesto calling on political parties to tackle what it describes as “the crisis people don’t see” facing older people across Wales ahead of the Senedd elections in May.

The national charity for older people says rising living costs, pressure on NHS and care services, poor transport links and digital exclusion are leaving many pensioners struggling day-to-day and feeling increasingly isolated.

By 2030, more than 1.3 million people in Wales will be aged over fifty – around forty per cent of the population.

But despite making up a growing share of the country, the charity says too many older people are being “pushed to the margins”.

Age Cymru’s annual survey found nearly half (46%) of older people struggled with the cost of living in the past year, with sixty-two per cent cutting back on essentials such as heating and food.

Access to healthcare is also deteriorating. Half of respondents said they had difficulty securing GP appointments, with waits of four weeks or more now common. More than half of those seeking social care described the process as difficult or very difficult.

Digital exclusion is another growing concern. Thirty-one per cent of people aged over seventy-five in Wales have no internet access at home – roughly double the UK average – meaning many cannot easily access services that have moved online.

Manifesto demands

The charity is calling on the next Welsh Government to deliver seven key changes:

• Easier access to health services
• Timely, quality social care
• Action on pensioner poverty
• Reliable public transport
• Stronger community connections and Equality Act compliance
• Offline access to services for those without digital skills
• Support to keep homes warm

Real lives affected

For Terry Lemington, 72, from South Wales, the problems are personal.

While caring for his late wife, he said he was unaware of support he could have received until just ten weeks before she died.

“It wasn’t until ten weeks before my wife passed away that I was told I could have had additional support to help me care for her,” he said.

“That included a stairlift, which in the end was due to be fitted on the day she passed away. I just wasn’t aware of the support that was available.”

Terry, who does not drive, says limited bus services leave him cut off.

“There are hourly buses to larger towns and a small village bus, but they finish at mid-day on Saturday and there is nothing on Sunday. I’m completely cut off,” he added.

“Right now it feels like older people are pushed to the margins. But we still have so much to contribute.”

Economic impact

Victoria Lloyd, Chief Executive of Age Cymru, said the issue was not only moral but economic.

“These stories are sadly all too common,” she said.

“Older people contribute around £2 billion a year to the Welsh economy, whether through paid work, childcare for families or volunteering.

“Investing in the health and wellbeing of older people is an investment in Wales as a whole.”

She added that while the Welsh Government’s Age Friendly Wales strategy had made progress, more decisive action was needed.

“We’re calling on all parties seeking votes this year to read our manifesto and ensure older people are properly considered in their policies and promises.”

Charity

Dog owners urged to keep pets indoors as extreme heat hits Wales

Published

1 hour ago

June 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

RSPCA warns missing a walk is safer than risking heatstroke

DOG owners are being urged to keep their pets indoors and avoid normal walking routines as extreme heat affects Wales and England.

The RSPCA has called for “lockdown-style caution” for dogs over the next 24 to 48 hours, warning that walks, ball games and energetic exercise could put pets at serious risk.

The charity says owners should change routines immediately, keeping dogs cool, calm and comfortable indoors until temperatures ease.

Lauren Bennett, dog welfare expert at the RSPCA and a former veterinary nurse, said: “During a red weather warning, dog owners should think of it like a temporary lockdown for their pets.

“For the next 24 to 48 hours, routines need to immediately change. This isn’t the time for walks, chasing the ball or playing fetch, or exposing pooches to energetic exercise.

“It’s far better for dogs to miss a few walks completely than to suffer the potentially fatal consequences of overheating, or heatstroke.”

The warning comes as the peak of the current heatwave is forecast for today and tomorrow, with temperatures potentially reaching 39C in some areas.

The RSPCA says dogs should only be taken outside briefly for toilet breaks, ideally to the nearest grassy area, before being brought straight back indoors.

Owners are advised to provide fresh water in several places, close curtains in sunny rooms, use fans safely, and allow dogs to rest on cooler floors, cooling mats or damp towels.

Mental stimulation, such as puzzle feeders, snuffle mats and gentle indoor training games, can be used instead of exercise.

Ms Bennett added: “These temperatures won’t last forever, but the decisions owners make over the next couple of days could have a lasting impact on their pets.

“For now, the message is simple: pause normal routines, prioritise keeping pets cool and comfortable, and wait until temperatures ease before returning to business as usual.”

The charity is also reminding owners to watch for signs of heatstroke, which can include heavy panting, drooling, confusion, weakness, vomiting, collapse or seizures.

The RSPCA said vets dealt with 355 suspected heatstroke cases in 2025, with two thirds recorded during the summer months.

Anyone concerned about a dog showing signs of heatstroke should move the animal to a cool area, offer small amounts of water, begin cooling with cool—not ice-cold—water, and contact a vet immediately.

Charity

Sea shanties and street food bring crowds to Cardigan RNLI festival

Published

2 days ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SUNSHINE, sea shanties and street food helped draw hundreds of visitors to Cardigan RNLI Lifeboat Station on Saturday (Jun 20).

The station’s Sea Shanty and Street Food Festival brought together families, supporters and visitors from across the region for a day of maritime music, food and community spirit.

Traditional sea shanty groups performed throughout the event, with songs echoing around the lifeboat station, while street food vendors served a range of refreshments.

The event also gave visitors the chance to learn more about the lifesaving work carried out by the RNLI and its volunteer crews.

Cardigan RNLI thanked the performers, food vendors, volunteers, sponsors and supporters who helped make the day a success.

Bruce Harris, Launch Authority and event organiser, said: “It was wonderful to see so many people come together to support the station, enjoy the entertainment, and celebrate our maritime heritage.

“The atmosphere throughout the day was fantastic, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who attended, performed, volunteered, and contributed to such a memorable event.”

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts.

The charity operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands.

Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved more than 146,700 lives.

Charity

Mum takes on half marathon to give back to NHS

Published

2 days ago

June 22, 2026

Cerys Lafferty

KATE DAVIES is taking on the Wales Half Marathon to say thank you to the NHS services that supported her during a difficult time.

Kate, a mother of one who works in operational workforce at Withybush Hospital, is heading to Tenby on June 28 to take on the Wales Half Marathon at Long Course Weekend Wales to raise funds for Cilgerran Ward at Glangwili Hospital.

Having been in good health for much of her life, Kate has been fortunate to not need many Hywel Dda University Health Board services until recent years.

Kate said: “The journey to becoming a parent wasn’t straightforward, and I experienced several difficult and emotional setbacks along the way. Throughout this time, I was supported with great care, kindness and compassion by various services across the health board, for which I will always be grateful.

“In December 2023, under the care of Glangwili consultants, I gave birth to a healthy baby girl. I’m incredibly grateful and fortunate that I have a fantastic, healthy and happy two-year-old daughter.

“To celebrate, I have signed up to take part in the Long Course Wales Half Marathon! I would love to raise money to give back to the health board that was there when I needed it.

“I can think of nothing better than reaching the finish line in good health, with my daughter waiting for me, knowing I have raised funds and given back to say thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who has donated.”

Tara Nickerson, Fundraising Manager, said: “What a heartfelt story. A huge thanks to Kate for taking on the Wales Half Marathon to support a service so close to her heart. We look forward to cheering her on!

“The generous charitable donations we receive don’t replace NHS funding. Instead, they are used to provide items and activities above and beyond core NHS expenditure, such as more welcoming surroundings for patients, families and staff, and research into, and the development of, treatments.”

You can donate to Kate’s fundraiser here: https://hyweldda.enthuse.com/pf/kate-davies