Community

Significant inequalities preventing people in Wales from ageing well, warns Commissioner

Published

9 months ago

September 29, 2025

SIGNIFICANT inequalities are limiting the health, well-being and independence of older people across Wales, according to a new report published today (Sept 30) by the Older People’s Commissioner, Rhian Bowen-Davies.

The report, Growing older in Wales: A snapshot of older people’s experiences, marks one year since Ms Bowen-Davies took up her post. It examines available data and research to provide an overview of the challenges facing older people in key areas of their lives.

While many people in later life feel fulfilled and empowered, the findings reveal widespread barriers that put others at risk of being excluded or left behind.

Key concerns raised

The report highlights that:

Two-thirds of older people struggle to get a GP appointment.
Dissatisfaction with social care services is higher in Wales than in other parts of the UK.
Around a third of those aged 75 and over have no internet access.
A third feel unsafe walking, travelling locally, or using public transport.
Older people are at greater risk of abuse than younger age groups.
Many face employment discrimination, despite their significant contribution to the Welsh economy as workers, volunteers and carers.

The data also shows a stark gap in life expectancy. People in Wales’s poorest areas can expect to live in poor health for almost a decade longer than those in more affluent communities. Nearly a third of older people also reported struggling with their mental and emotional health in the past year.

Call for change

The Commissioner said the evidence will be shared with Welsh Government and other public bodies, with a clear call for action to tackle the inequalities identified.

Rhian Bowen-Davies said:
“Today marks a year since I took up post as Commissioner, which provides a good opportunity to examine people’s experiences of growing older in Wales, the issues and challenges affecting older people’s lives and the action needed to address these.

“It’s positive that many older people feel fulfilled and empowered, but others face significant inequalities that create barriers to living and ageing well. These issues undermine people’s health, well-being and independence, all of which play a key role in our quality of life as we grow older.

“I will be sharing my findings with the Welsh Government and key public bodies, setting out the action that must be taken to tackle the issues I have identified, and calling for the change and improvements older people want and need to see.”

Community

Man found dead near Carmarthen railway line died from hypothermia

Published

7 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Court Reporter

A 32-YEAR-OLD man found dead near Carmarthen Train Station died after taking shelter on a bitterly cold night, an inquest has heard.

Edward Mark Owen, originally from Birmingham but living in Ystradgynlais, was discovered in a field beside the railway line on the approach to Carmarthen station on Saturday, January 10.

A Transport for Wales train driver had spotted what appeared to be a body lying face down near the track shortly after 8:30am.

Police and railway staff attended and found Mr Owen lying face down and topless in the field. His coat, T-shirt, phone and cigarettes were found nearby.

Police initially treated the death as unexplained.

Movements traced

The inquest heard that officers later traced Mr Owen’s movements from his home in Ystradgynlais to Carmarthen.

He had nowhere to stay in the town and had taken shelter under a bridge near the railway station during a particularly cold night.

The coroner said Mr Owen had “sadly succumbed to the effects of hypothermia”.

The fact that he had removed his T-shirt and coat was said to be consistent with a confused state brought on by hypothermia.

A conclusion of misadventure was recorded.

The coroner found that Mr Owen died sometime on January 10, 2026.

Community

Milford Haven firefighters prepare for key assessments

Published

7 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

ON-CALL firefighters at Milford Haven Fire Station have been put through their paces as part of their weekly drill night.

The crew’s development firefighters were pictured carrying out a “drill by numbers” squad exercise ahead of upcoming assessments.

New firefighters spend their first 24 months in a development period, which is split into four stages and focuses on different operational skills and competencies.

At the end of each stage, firefighters attend a divisional training centre where their progress is assessed against the standards required by Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

Over the next two weeks, members of the Milford Haven crew will take part in a Stage 2 interim assessment and a Stage 4 final assessment.

One firefighter is hoping to complete the final stage and qualify as a fully competent firefighter.

The station said Wednesday nights remain an important part of training for the on-call crew, helping firefighters maintain the skills needed to respond to emergencies across the Milford Haven area.

Community

Armed Forces Day exhibition opens at VC Gallery’s new Riverside home

Published

13 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A UNIQUE exhibition bringing together military history, art and veterans’ stories will open to the public in Haverfordwest as part of Armed Forces Day celebrations later this month.

The VC Gallery will host a special open day at its new Riverside Gallery on Saturday, June 27, inviting the community to explore an exhibition featuring works from the Imperial War Museum alongside historic wartime artefacts, trench art and pieces connected to celebrated Welsh artist Augustus John.

The event will also showcase contemporary artwork created by Armed Forces veterans who served in conflicts including Korea, Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Organisers say the exhibition highlights not only military history and remembrance, but also the role creativity can play in supporting mental health, wellbeing and recovery.

Throughout the day, visitors will be able to meet members of the VC Gallery team and learn more about an ambitious new project aimed at supporting veterans, families and the wider community.

The exhibition combines nationally significant historical works with personal stories of service and resilience, offering a rare opportunity to view military history through the eyes of those who experienced it.

Families are particularly welcome, with guided family art tours available by advance booking.

The event begins at 10:00am and takes place at the VC Riverside Gallery in Haverfordwest.

Anyone wishing to reserve a place on a guided family tour should email [email protected].

The VC Gallery said it is looking forward to welcoming visitors as it commemorates Armed Forces Day while celebrating the power of art, heritage and community to bring people together.