Engagement with older people has identified access to information is a priority. Older people need access to information on a variety of topics, but in particular, information about groups and social activities is important for maintaining independence and wellbeing and feeling part of their local community.
Working with Older People’s groups, we have developed a ‘What’s on Guide’ listing the established groups, social activities and events for older people across Flintshire. The guide is a great way of sharing information on activities in Flintshire’s local communities.
The ‘What’s on Guide’ is distributed electronically through our Older People’s network which currently has more than 120 registered individuals/group contacts. It is also shared with partners offering advice and support to older people in Flintshire e.g. Single Point of Access (SPoA), statutory and voluntary sector service providers. The Ageing Well team in Social Services are able to provide a paper copy of the guide to community groups and venues (e.g. community centres, libraries, leisure centres, Connects offices) ensuring those who are digitally excluded are not disadvantaged.
The guide helps to ensure older people are better informed about what’s on near them, providing opportunities to meet with others, make new friends or try something new. With the growing level of interest in the guide, we have no doubt it is having a positive impact on wellbeing and is helping to tackle loneliness and isolation.