Carmarthenshire 50+ offers a real opportunity for the fifty plus generation to have a voice in developing the strategy and services to meet the needs of the twenty-first century.

It is free to join, with donations welcome and available to residents of Carmarthenshire who are 50 years and over, with the opportunity to become involved in local community projects as well as to have a key role in the services and opportunities available within the Carmarthenshire area.

Carmarthenshire 50+ was launched in 2003 (a scheme extended by the Welsh Government across all council areas in Wales) and became an independent voluntary organisation in 2010 with a view to “bring together individuals aged 50 and over living in Carmarthenshire to debate issues, promote solutions, and influence organisations which affect their lives.” They now have over 2000 members across Carmarthenshire and the organisation is managed by a steering group with broad representation and supported by a small secretary based in County Hall.

Treasurer of Carmarthenshire 50+ Sandra Llewelyn says,

“Many of our members are socially isolated, single people who may now be shielding during Covid 19. For them, the membership group is a lifeline.”

Carmarthenshire 50+ members have taken part in a number of local projects in the past which have proved beneficial to the communities involved.

The walking for wellbeing project was the first that Carmarthenshire 50+ set up. Walking Well Carmarthenshire is an initiative which aims to encourage people of all ages and abilities to take advantage of the physical, social and mental health benefits offered by walking in groups of like-minded people. It does this by setting up walking groups around the county.

 There are two walking groups and walks are designed to suit the particular abilities of the members and usually start as strolls, moving on to gentle walks as fitness levels improve.

Each Group is led by a Group Leader assisted by a number of fully trained walk leaders. All group and walk leaders are trained in leading health walks by Am Dro Am Glonc Sir Gâr Public Health Wales and also have completed an appropriate first aid course delivered by British Red Cross.

Walking Well Carmarthenshire is co-ordinated by a 50+ volunteer with the support of the Steering Group of the Forum and the group and walk leaders across the county. Three groups were set up in the first phase – in St Clears, Llanelli and Carmarthen. A wildlife group and a new group in Whitland were added in 2014.

The project continues to be developed and Life Seeker has recently joined forces with Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority to host wellbeing walks in Pembrokeshire. Read more about that here…

The Bytes and Bites project, planned to link over 50’s with young people in a cross generational project across the communities of Carmarthenshire to share learning and tech skills. The pilot of the project saw huge numbers, with a waiting list of 40+ for future events, noting the need for such a project. It was due to go ahead in March and unfortunately, due to covid 19, had to be cancelled.

Funding gratefully received from the WWCP connected communities and transformation programme, had to be redirected to a new online project, the Reconnect project,

Reconnect was designed to encourage generations and communities to reconnect with each other. The sessions have been taking place over zoom for 1-2 hours and cover a wide range of activities and interests.

Moving things online has been a learning curve for Sandra, who had to retrain in using platforms such as zoom and marketing through social media, as well as organising and financially sourcing events for the group. For each event, those taking part receive a free kit through the post to enable them to join in the activity.

Carmarthenshire 50+ have taken part in online wellbeing workshops, training courses and craft activities as well as Sunday weekly Zoom chats, thanks to funding and generous volunteers and service providers.

Sandra says the change in people attending the sessions online is noticeable,

“We now have people 50+ bringing their parents, mothers and children, older and young siblings, we are reaching out to every generation.”

There are more events planned throughout December including a murder mystery night, quiz and a well-being through art session.

Sandra is looking for new activities for the group during January to March time (see the current timetable here),

“We are looking for speakers, gardeners, writing workshop providers and maybe something different in arts and crafts.”

If you can help you can contact Sandra here.

In future, it is hoped that an application to the National Lottery Fund will allow some form of activities to continue after March 2021.

Find out more on the Carmarthenshire 50+ website.