OLDER people across Wales are being encouraged to make their voices heard through a new consultation launched by the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales. The initiative, titled ‘Have Your Say’, aims to gather insights from older individuals and organisations to inform the Commissioner’s strategy and work plan for delivering meaningful change.

Speaking about the consultation, Commissioner Rhian Bowen-Davies said:
“I want Wales to lead the way in empowering older people, tackling inequality, and enabling everyone to live and age well. As Commissioner, it’s crucial that my work is guided by the voices and experiences of older people.”

The consultation invites older people from diverse backgrounds and communities to share their concerns, challenges, and ideas. It also welcomes positive examples of initiatives that are working well and could be replicated across Wales to improve the lives of older people.

Focus on key issues

The consultation focuses on four key areas critical to quality of life:

• Access to services and support
• Feeling safe
• Fair treatment
• Voice, choice, and control

Older people, their families, and organisations supporting them can share their views by completing a short questionnaire. The survey is available both online at www.olderpeople.wales/haveyoursay and in paper format, distributed through organisations across Wales. Paper copies can be returned via freepost.

For those preferring a personal touch, the Commissioner’s team is available to discuss experiences by phone at 03442 640 670.

A call for collaboration

The Commissioner is also reaching out to groups and organisations working with older people to identify pressing issues and priorities.

“Any information shared will be invaluable as I develop my strategy and work plan,” Bowen-Davies added. “It will help my team take action to transform policy and practice, delivering positive change in key areas that matter most to older people.”

The consultation is open until 28 February 2025, giving participants ample time to contribute.

By participating in the ‘Have Your Say’ consultation, older people and those supporting them have a unique opportunity to influence the future and ensure Wales becomes a leader in creating an inclusive, age-friendly society.

MILFORD ATHLETIC’S under-11 football team traded their boots for litter pickers on Saturday (Dec 2) to give back to the community that has supported them throughout the year.

Despite the wet and windy weather, the young footballers took to the streets of Milford Haven for a litter-picking event, cleaning up the town and setting a great example for their peers. In addition to the cleanup, the team delivered a food hamper to the residents of Canterbury House, a care home on Priory Road, as part of their Christmas giving initiative.

Team coach Liam Duffield said: “We didn’t have a game this weekend, so we decided to do something worthwhile for the community. The kids had fun while doing something meaningful, and we hope it brightened someone’s day.”

The initiative highlights the team’s values of teamwork and community spirit, demonstrating that sports go beyond the field. The boys were thrilled to be involved in an activity that gave back to the town that has shown them unwavering support.

The team invites local businesses and individuals to reach out if they would like assistance or to partner with them in future community projects. For more information, you can contact Liam Duffield at 07971 979 546.

ALL eight Welsh universities have now cut ties with the fossil fuel industry, following a landmark decision by the University of South Wales (USW). This move cements Wales as a leader in the global push for ethical investment in education.

USW’s announcement to exclude fossil fuel companies from its investment portfolio makes it the final Welsh institution to join the initiative. The university has also pledged to divest from companies involved in border security, detention, surveillance, and migrant deportation, setting a benchmark for ethical practices.

A major milestone
This development is part of a wider trend, with over 75% of UK universities now divesting from fossil fuels, according to student-led environmental justice network People & Planet.

Laura Clayson, Campaign Manager for Climate Justice at People & Planet, praised the decision:
“This news is incredibly significant, particularly for a nation where fossil fuels have played a major role in shaping its history and landscape. It stands as an act of solidarity with frontline communities globally and in Wales, such as those affected by the now-closed Ffos-y-Fran open cast coal mine.”

Student-led change
Students have been at the forefront of this shift, securing 116 victories through the Fossil Free campaign and six in the Divest Borders campaign. These successes underscore the link between climate justice, social justice, and institutional responsibility.

André Dallas, Co-Director of Migrant Justice at People & Planet, applauded Welsh universities’ leadership:
“Students are clear that universities must stand for justice and progress, not only in their prospectuses but in their policies. Wales has turned its back on the fossil fuel industry—an extraordinary achievement.”

Sustainability commitment
Rachel Elias-Lee, Chief Finance Officer at USW, emphasized the university’s commitment to a sustainable future:
“Our Ethical Investment Policy ensures we avoid investments in fossil fuels, arms, tobacco, and unethical industries. We are dedicated to achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2040, supporting renewable energy, and driving a low-carbon, sustainable future for all.”

This move reflects growing societal pressure for institutions to align their investments with principles of sustainability and justice.

A UK-wide shift
The divestment aligns with a broader UK movement, as universities increasingly take responsibility for tackling climate change and social injustice. Navid Sharif, Vice-President Activities at USW Students’ Union, highlighted the significance of the announcement:
“This milestone showcases what can be achieved when institutions listen to their communities. USW is leading the way, and we hope this inspires further progress across Wales and beyond.”

Ethical investment: the future
With campaigns like Fossil Free and Divest Borders achieving success, the focus now shifts to sustaining momentum and encouraging other sectors to adopt similar measures. Welsh universities have shown that ethical investment is both achievable and crucial in addressing global challenges.