Age Cymru’s HOPE project (Helping others participate and engage) helps older people (50+) and carers be supported and able to live their lives to the fullest.

HOPE will help people with getting information and support with issues including housing, accessing services, dealing with loneliness and isolation and getting financial help and other entitlements they may need or benefit from. Alongside this, it will help older people to take part in community activities, understand their rights, engage with professionals and have their voices heard.

The project aims to help people to get the help and support they need at the earliest point to stop them slipping into crisis. Undeniably, the current COVID-19 pandemic will have had a big impact on the lives of older people so they might need more support than ever to reengage with their communities and to get access to services as restrictions are lifted. HOPE will deliver advocacy support at a community level by recruiting and then fully training and supporting project volunteers.

This is a Wales-wide project but HOPE will be working across regions with regional staff in place. These regions are:

• Bridgend, Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, Rhondda Cynon Taff and the Vale of Glamorgan
• Dyfed Powys
• Gwent
• North Wales
• Swansea and Neath Port Talbot

As we all continue to stay at home to stop the spread of Covid-19, loneliness and isolation are more prevalent than ever, particularly amongst older people. This is why Traveline Cymru are particularly passionate about supporting this campaign, to help people stay connected and supported even when we cannot travel to be physically together.

For more information on the support you could receive from HOPE or if you’re interested in becoming a volunteer advocate please email advocacy@agecymru.org.uk

Information Source: Age Cymru