Bilingual project launches to prevent homelessness amongst older people
A new service to prevent homelessness amongst older people has become available in North Wales through Grwp Cynefin housing association’s Gorwel business unit.
The Môn Older People Project was commissioned by Anglesey Council to provide bilingual support seven days a week for people aged 55 years and over who are facing challenges with their living arrangements or experiencing issues which if left unresolved could cause them to become homeless.
The service is particularly important as communities face the economic and social impact of the post-pandemic world. Welsh Government research quoted in The Older People’s Commissioner for Wales State of the Nation 2021 Report suggests that one in five older people in Wales now live in income poverty and since the pandemic there has been a 98% increase in Wales of people over 60 receiving Universal Credit.
“Having a stable and secure base is essential to seeing the people of Wales thrive – everybody should have access to a good quality, affordable and settled home.
“We know there are many who can sometimes find it difficult to maintain a home, whether through illness or financial hardship, which can make them vulnerable to homelessness.
“I’m thrilled to see the support being offered to such people in Ynys Môn by Gorwel. Older people should feel safe, comfortable and connected to their local community. This is exactly the kind of preventative approach we’re focused on, as set out in our Ending Homelessness Action Plan.”
This new project builds on the work Gorwel carried out previously in the area. They will be able to help in a range of ways including providing assistance around financial matters such as managing rent, mortgage or other debts, budgeting and accessing benefits; making a person’s home more suitable to their needs for example by organising adaptations; and helping people have a better quality of life by strengthening community connections and supporting people to access education, training, volunteering and employment opportunities.
“It’s fitting that this service is being launched on the International Day of Older People. The importance of providing bilingual services in our communities that enable older people to remain in their own homes and connected with their own communities for as long as possible cannot be underestimated.”
“We are really pleased to be working with the Council to support older people on the island. It’s difficult to imagine how daunting it must be to be looking at a future without a home at any age, but having to face this possibility when you are older is particularly frightening. We know from our work in this area previously that there are some serious barriers for older people today, so we’re looking forward to providing real help and solutions.
“Gorwel has delivered bilingual housing related support and other services on the island for many years. This service will build on that expertise, local knowledge and connections.”
If you would like any further information on the project or you or someone you know might benefit from talking to someone at Gorwel, you can call their office on 0300 111 0226 or email poblhyn@gorwel.org