OLDER people in Wales must not be left behind by the new Welsh Government, the Older People’s Commissioner has warned.

Rhian Bowen-Davies has written to First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth calling for urgent action to protect the rights, safety and well-being of older people across Wales.

The Commissioner said the new Government must use the momentum of the recent election to deliver practical change, particularly in health care, cost-of-living support, digital access and employment.

One of her key demands is an action plan to end so-called “corridor care”, where patients are treated in non-clinical areas because of pressure on hospitals.

The Commissioner said older people are disproportionately affected because they are the main users of hospital services, and warned that corridor care raises serious concerns around dignity, safety and patient rights.

She is also calling for more support for older people struggling financially, with living costs expected to rise sharply in the months ahead as a result of the conflict in the Middle East.

Ms Bowen-Davies wants the Welsh Government to establish a new Resilience Fund for older people who are in financial difficulty but do not qualify for other help, such as Pension Credit.

She has also urged ministers to do more to identify older people who are missing out on financial support they are entitled to.

It is estimated that more than £100m in support went unclaimed in Wales last year, remaining with the Treasury instead of reaching older people’s pockets.

Digital exclusion is another major concern raised in the letter. The Commissioner said public bodies must ensure services remain accessible and inclusive as more information and support moves online.

She is calling on the Welsh Government to examine whether public organisations have the guidance they need to design digital services that do not shut older people out.

The letter also highlights the contribution older people make to Wales through work, volunteering and unpaid care, which is worth billions of pounds each year.

The Commissioner said better support for older workers to remain in work, or return to employment, could boost the Welsh economy by around £1bn a year.

Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Rhian Bowen-Davies, said: “It’s vital we capitalise on the energy and momentum that’s been generated by a historic election and the formation of a new Government to deliver meaningful, positive change for older people.

“Growing older in Wales is a positive experience for many people and we have strong foundations from which to build progress and change, not least the invaluable strength, resilience and support within our communities.

“But there is still much to do to ensure older people can access the services and support they need to live and age well, and that their rights are protected and upheld.

“And while much of the change required to enable this will need to be delivered over the longer-term, it is my view that action must be prioritised in a number of key areas.

“That’s why I’m calling on the First Minister to take urgent action to end the corridor care crisis, ensure older people can access cost-of-living support if they need it and to prevent exclusion in an increasingly digital world.

“I have requested a meeting with him to discuss these issues and how to resolve them in more detail, and look forward to receiving a response from him soon.”

New research says 86 per cent feel they have fewer chances to connect and create than previous generations

YOUNG people in Wales are being left with “nowhere to go” as rising costs, poor transport and the decline of community spaces make it harder to meet, create and build confidence, new research suggests.

A study commissioned by the Roundhouse found that 86 per cent of 18-to-30-year-olds in Wales believe they have fewer in-person opportunities than previous generations to connect with others, be creative and build confidence outside school or work.

The findings point to growing concern over a generation increasingly pushed online, with fewer affordable places to meet, perform, volunteer, learn new skills or take part in creative activities.

More than a third of young people questioned cited a lack of safe spaces, including youth clubs, community centres and civic venues, as one of the biggest barriers to feeling connected to a community.

Financial pressures were also identified as a major issue, with 43 per cent pointing to the cost of activities, transport and participation.

More than half said they did not have enough access to creative opportunities and spaces such as music, performance, arts and dance, while one in five said most of their social interaction now takes place online.

For many young people in rural parts of Wales, those barriers can be even more pronounced, with limited public transport, fewer youth facilities and rising costs making it harder to access opportunities outside school, college or work.

The findings come amid growing concern about youth anxiety, loneliness and economic inactivity. Former Labour cabinet minister Alan Milburn recently warned of an “anxious generation” struggling to adapt to working life.

Marcus Davey CBE, Chief Executive and Artistic Director of the Roundhouse, said: “This research paints a worrying picture of life for many young people in Britain today.

“Too often, opportunities to build belonging, confidence and creativity are shaped by cost, postcode and access.

“Places like the Roundhouse are part of the solution, providing safe, affordable spaces where young people can connect, develop skills, improve wellbeing and access life-changing opportunities.

“No young person’s future should depend on where they grew up or what they can afford.”

The Roundhouse, a youth charity and multi-arts venue based in Camden, London, has also released its 20-year impact report, marking £50 million invested in more than 100,000 young people since it reopened as a youth arts charity in 2006.

It says it has delivered more than 35,000 creative sessions and provided 60,000 hours of studio time from £1 an hour.

The organisation has now launched a Young Creatives Commission with the Centre for Young Lives, aimed at exploring how access to arts and creative opportunities can be rebuilt.

The research was carried out online by Research Without Barriers between May 15 and May 18, 2026, and surveyed 1,002 UK adults aged between 18 and 30.

However, the Wales-only sample size was not disclosed, meaning the findings should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

RSPCA appeals for information as cats and wildlife targeted in Hakin area

A CAT has died after being shot twice with an air gun in Milford Haven, prompting a fresh appeal from RSPCA Cymru.

The animal welfare charity said concern is growing after a number of cats and a pigeon were shot in the Hakin area in recent weeks.

The latest case involves a cat which was taken to All Pets Vet Care on May 11 after being shot in the left hind leg. A pellet was found embedded in the bone and vets planned to remove it after treating the cat with antibiotics and anti-inflammatories.

But the same cat was brought back to the practice in a collapsed state on Tuesday (May 26), unable to use either of its hind legs.

Further X-rays showed a second pellet in the right thigh, which had caused a serious femoral fracture. A healing fracture was also visible in the left tibia. Sadly, the cat died overnight.

‘Really upsetting’

Dr Cethin Ravenhill, from All Pets Vet Care said: “This has been really upsetting to deal with and I am shocked that anyone would shoot an animal with an air gun, as the shot is very unlikely to kill the animal, but just maim and seriously wound them, leading to a slow and painful death and significant suffering.

“For this cat to have been shot twice is very upsetting. Also, sometime between May 11 and last night, a fracture of his tibia was sustained on the left hind leg, which showed evidence of healing on the X-ray.

“This means this fracture is at least twelve or so days old. The two pellets were visible from the latest X-rays along with a severe, fresh femoral fracture of the right hind leg.

“He was signed over to the practice and received emergency supportive care overnight including antibiotics, but unfortunately passed away in the early hours of the morning, most likely due to sepsis from the femoral fracture caused by the pellet.”

Previous attacks

The latest incident follows an appeal last month after a pigeon was found injured on Charles Street by a passer-by.

The bird was examined at All Pets Vet Care after the incident on April 21, and a pellet was found to have shattered through its wing bones. The pigeon was later put to sleep.

In March, the RSPCA also appealed for information after several cats were shot with an air gun in the area. At least one cat died and three others were injured.

RSPCA Cymru fears other cats and wildlife may also have been targeted and is urging the local community to help by reporting any information.

Inspector Keith Hogben, who is investigating the incidents, said: “The report of another cat being shot — and for a second time — is extremely concerning.

“It is heartbreaking to lose a pet, but it is devastating to find out that an air gun pellet had been the cause.

“There is a growing concern that cats and wildlife are being deliberately targeted and killed in this way — there is no excuse to harm a defenceless animal.”

Police informed

Dyfed-Powys Police have been informed.

Anyone deliberately using an air gun to injure an animal can face up to five years in prison and/or an unlimited fine if convicted under the Animal Welfare Act.

Deliberately injuring or killing wild birds is also a criminal offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Inspector Hogben added: “Anyone with any information is asked to contact the RSPCA appeals line on 0300 123 8018 and refer to incident number 01751732.

“We would also ask parents and carers to speak to and educate young people about this.”

The RSPCA says it receives almost 1,000 calls every year about air gun attacks, with cats and wildlife among the most vulnerable animals because they are often outside with no one to protect them.

Inspector Hogben said: “We want to see a world where every kind of animal is treated with compassion and respect, and deliberate and brutal acts of cruelty should be consigned to the past.

“We continue to call for tighter controls on air weapons. This, along with better education and explanation of the law when buying an air gun, and requirements that everyone must receive basic safety training before being allowed to walk out of the shop, could help relieve the problem.”

Anyone who witnesses animal cruelty or finds an injured animal can report it through the RSPCA website.