The Older People’s Commissioner for Wales recently spent the day in Aberystwyth, visiting Brew Buddies and Caffi Cofion, to gain a deeper understanding of the social and support groups available for older people across Ceredigion, which reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness and enable older people to live and age well.

The Commissioner began her morning with a visit to Brew Buddies, a fortnightly social group run by Age Cymru Dyfed, where people over the age of 50 can meet and socialise over a cuppa. In the afternoon, the Commissioner visited Caffi Cofion, which is run by Hospice At Home Aberystwyth Volunteering (HAHVA) Ceredigion. The group meet every Wednesday afternoon and provide free afternoon tea and support for people affected by dementia, and their carers.

Both Brew Buddies and Caffi Cofion provide a safe space for older people to form networks of friendship and support, tackle social isolation and loneliness, and to feel better connected with the local community. Caffi Cofion has also proved to be particularly valuable for unpaid carers, giving them an opportunity to meet other carers and form networks of peer-support.

The Commissioner spent time listening to the concerns raised older people in both groups, which were largely focused on their experiences of living in Aberystwyth. The infrequency of public transport was a key discussion point, with people often having to make long, time consuming journeys to access health appointments and services. This was compounded by reduced community transport services, due to a lack of volunteers. The ever-rising cost of living has also contributed to increased feelings of social isolation and loneliness, with many older people telling the Commissioner they have been re-evaluating whether they can attend social activities due to spending more on essential living costs.

Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Rhian Bowen-Davies, said: “My visit to Aberystwyth highlighted just how important local social groups are in fostering connections between older people, and reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.

“Members of Brew Buddies spoke to me about the strong sense of community that they feel in Aberystwyth, with there being a lot of groups and activities to get involved with. Members attending Caffi Cofion also told me how the group provides a focus for their week, and how they appreciate it being a part of their routine. Additionally, Caffi Cofion is volunteer-run, and without these dedicated individuals, groups like these would struggle to continue, and to provide the fantastic services that they do.

“During my time at Brew Buddies, we also discussed the experiences of growing older when you are LGBTQ+ or neurodiverse, and the additional barriers that this might impose. On thing I really valued was speaking with older people who come from a variety of backgrounds, and who have led such diverse lives. From midwifery to botany, it is important to be reminded of the vast skills and experiences that older people continue to contribute to society.

“I extend my deepest thanks to both Brew Buddies and Caffi Cofion for welcoming me with open arms, and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the great work they do to support older people across Aberystwyth.”