Community
Public transport issues could affect thousands of older people in Wales
THOUSANDS of older people across Wales may find it difficult to get out and about and do the things they want to do this bank holiday weekend due to difficulties accessing public transport, according to the findings of a new poll undertaken by the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales.1
A third of older people who responded to the Commissioner’s poll said they find it difficult to access public transport in their area, while the Commissioner’s findings also highlight that 1 in 5 people aged 70+, and nearly 1 in 4 older people living with health issues or disabilities, are now using their bus pass less compared to two years ago.
Reasons shared by older people as to why they were using public transport less frequently included fewer buses, unreliable or delayed services, changes to routes or the location of bus stops and difficulties finding information about routes or timetables.
Older people using their bus pass less frequently told the Commissioner they had less freedom and independence, and found it more difficult to access appointments and services. They also said they had become more reliant on others, or had no option but to use a car or taxi rather than greener public transport options.
The Commissioner is concerned that any further cuts to bus services would make it even more difficult for older people to use public transport, leaving people unable to get out and about and do the things that matter to them, and at greater risk of loneliness and isolation.
She says that where changes to services are unavoidable, it is crucial that older people’s voices and experiences are used to guide decisions and shape future plans, and that community transport services should be supported to fill gaps in provision.
Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Heléna Herklots CBE, said: “Transport plays a crucial role in supporting us to be independent and do the things that matter to us regardless of our age, whether it’s enjoying ourselves on a bank holiday or doing other things such as attending health appointments, caring for loved ones, volunteering, meeting up with family or friends, or going shopping on the high street.
“And as we get older, we may come to rely on public transport more often to do these things.”
“My poll findings suggest that a third of older people in Wales – nearly 300,000 people – find it difficult to access public transport in their communities, and that use of the concessionary bus pass has fallen over the past two years, particularly amongst people over the age of 70, and those living with long-term health conditions or disabilities.
“Without access to public transport, a growing number of older people will find themselves with less independence, less active and engaged with their communities, and at greater risk of loneliness and isolation.
“Many of the issues highlighted by older people that make it more difficult to use public transport – such as the distance of bus stops from key facilities such as GP surgeries – could be tackled through ensuring that older people are involved in planning and decision-making, so their voices can shape bus services in a meaningful way, particularly where changes to services cannot be avoided.
“It’s also crucial that in areas where public transport provision is lacking, community transport services are supported, via longer-term, more sustainable funding, to fill gaps and help ensure older people can get where they need to go.”
Charity
Annual 80s themed charity 5km Night Run returns to Milford Waterfront in support of RNLI
FOLLOWING last year’s spectacular event, the Waterfront Community Runners are excited to announce the highly anticipated return of their 5K Charity Night Run on Milford Waterfront on Saturday 9 November 2024, in support of the RNLI.
This year’s run promises an unforgettable evening of fun, community spirit, and nostalgia, bringing back the best of the 80s to Milford Haven.
The evening’s festivities kick off at 6pm with an array of activities and entertainment creating an electric atmosphere from start to finish. Runners and supporters alike can look forward to live performances by the Samba DOC Band, a raffle stall with exciting prizes, and a selection of hot drinks and homemade cakes. The 80s-themed event encourages all participants to dress in neon, sparkles, or fancy dress, and get ready to run, dance, and celebrate for an important cause.
In line with the event’s night run theme, all participants are required to bring a head or chest torch to light their path along the route. Registration is open on the night from 4pm to 5:30pm with only 250 spots available on a first-come, first-served basis. To save time, runners can download the registration form in advance; however, early form submission does not guarantee entry. Due to safety concerns, dogs and pushchairs are not permitted, and children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
The registration form can be downloaded here. This event is a “fun run” and will not feature official timing, allowing participants to fully enjoy the unique atmosphere. Guests are encouraged to bring cash for on-site donations to the RNLI, as well as to enjoy treats and warm drinks at the event stalls.
Volunteers from Milford Haven’s Lifeboat Station are preparing to participate in the upcoming event, proudly wearing their helmets, life jackets and high-visibility gear. Their involvement not only demonstrates their dedication to the local community but also emphasises the crucial role the RNLI plays in ensuring safety at sea, all while raising funds for the organisation’s essential operations.
Community
First Minister attends community transport operator workshop
PEMBROKESHIRE Association of Community Transport Organisations (PACTO) held a successful community transport operator workshop event at Letterston Memorial Hall on Friday 25 October, which was attended by the First Minister for Wales, Eluned Morgan.
The event, titled ‘Building Tomorrow: Our Pembrokeshire Community Transport Model’, enabled PACTO to update their partners and key stakeholders on the progress the sector has made since October 2023, when they launched their three-year Pembrokeshire community transport transformation project- which has been funded by the Motability Foundation and UK Government.
The day got underway with a welcome address by the First Minister to representatives from PRTA Green Dragon, Narberth Bloomfield NDCSA, Pembrokeshire Voluntary Transport, Royal Voluntary Service, and PIVOT. Eluned outlined the importance of community transport – particularly in a rural county like Pembrokeshire – before thanking the army of dedicated volunteers and employees who work tirelessly to provide a vital service to so many people right across the county, as well as focusing on the challenges and opportunities which lie ahead.
The fantastic work that the PACTO community transport connector team do was a key focus of the event. Having completed over 215 referrals in 2024, the connector service is vital to ensuring that those in need of transport are pointed in the right direction.
John Evans, the county director for Pembrokeshire for Hywel Dda University Health Board, gave a speech which highlighted the crucial role that the PACTO transport connector team plays in ensuring that people are able to attend hospital appointments, as he shared the story of how they were instrumental in helping a member of the public who had previously been unable to find a transport solution.
Transport was provided through the Pembrokeshire Integrated Voluntary Organisation Team (PIVOT) CT service, allowing them to receive treatment for a very complex medical matter which was potentially at risk of life-threatening complication. This resolution enabled them to attend their appointment. Evans also revealed that there have been over 6,200 hospital and non-hospital trips carried out since September 2023, an average of 27 trips per operational day (Monday-Friday).
Also in attendance was Jayne Kendall, the Wales project manager for the Cranfield Trust, which provides free management support for charities. Jayne gave a presentation that outlined how PACTO and the Cranfield Trust have been working together this year and the many ways in which the organisation helps charities across the UK.
Facilitated by Sachá Petrie, the sustainable transport community development officer for Awel Aman Tawe, the workshop provided the county’s community transport operators with the opportunity to come together for further engagement, discussion and collaboration on key issues, building on the overwhelming response PACTO received from their recent face-to-face consultations and online survey, which had more than 700 responses.
The event also gave PACTO and the operators a chance to work together towards an agreed Pembrokeshire CT delivery model, which will focus on passengers’ needs as one sector which is united, robust and future-proof.
PACTO are now embarking on Year Two of the project, which will primarily consist of data analysis and volunteer recruitment to ensure the operators are able to continue offering a lifeline to those who need transport.
Speaking about the event, Wyndham Williams, PACTO’s community transport transformation project manager, said: “It was great to see everyone coming together to reflect on all of our achievements during the project’s first year.
“We have seen a 13% increase in the number of trips using community transport services in the last 12 months, with 50,855 completed since September 2023.
“It was interesting to see the figures for all the different journey purposes, from hospital to non-hospital, shopping, social, leisure, education, employment, and personal business.
“This was also the perfect opportunity to officially thank our community transport operators for the lifeline they continue to provide for people in Pembrokeshire, particularly passengers with mobility needs.
“There was brilliant attendance from our community transport operators, as we came together for the first time to discuss how we can work together effectively to continue providing a lifeline service to the people of Pembrokeshire, and we’re extremely thankful for the opportunity that the Motability Foundation’s funding has given us.”
If you would be interested in becoming a community driver, please contact Damian Golden, PACTO’s accessible vehicle coordinator, by emailing [email protected] or by calling 07767 539740.
Charity
RNLI offers winter safety advice as lifeguard patrols end in Wales
THE RNLI are offering lifesaving beach safety advice as lifeguard patrols come to an end in Wales for the 2024 season.
This weekend (2-3 November, 2024) RNLI lifeguards will conclude their patrols at Whitesands Beach, St Davids. Lifeguards will be patrolling from 10am-6pm on Saturday and Sunday.
The RNLI are offering safety advice to help keep beach users safe during the winter months. Chris Cousens RNLI Water Safety Lead for the region said: “As the lifeguard season ends in Wales and wintery conditions have begun to hit our coastline, we’re asking people to take care and be aware of the dangers.
“If you visit a beach, never go alone. It’s vital that you have company who could get help, in the event of an emergency. Take note of safety signage at the entrance to the beach which will warn of the local risks and hazards, and if possibly speak to someone who might be local who might be able to also provide advice.
“Always check the weather and conditions and consider your capabilities, if in doubt it is better to stay dry and watch the sea than take the risk.
“Strong winds and big waves pose a great risk to those visiting the coast. In these conditions, stay clear of beachfronts, cliff edges and piers.
“You should always carry a means of contact such as a mobile phone, if you get into trouble or see anyone else in difficulty call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
“We’re aware that cold water dipping is becoming increasingly popular. We strongly advise that you should never do this alone. As we get further into the winter months, and the temperature continues to drop, the risk of cold-water shock will increase. Make sure you understand the effects of cold water and that you have means of warming up afterwards.
“If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live. Tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing. Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then call for help or swim to safety if you can.”
Bigger waves and stronger winds increase the likelihood and strength of rip currents.
Should you find yourself stuck in a rip current:
- Don’t try to swim against it or you’ll get exhausted.
- If you can stand, wade don’t swim.
- If you can, swim parallel to the shore until free of the rip and then head for shore.
- Always raise your hand and shout for help.
Despite the coming absence of RNLI lifeguards on the beaches, the RNLI would like to remind the public that RNLI lifeboats are a 24-hour search and rescue service with 238 stations situated around the British Isles. When you call 999 and ask for the Coastguard, they dispatch the nearest lifeboat which will come to your aid.
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