News and Opportunities
News, Consultations and Opportunities to Get Involved.
We’ll keep this page updated with relevant information from trusted partners, as well as opportunities to have your say on issues that affect older people in Ceredigion and beyond.
The most recent and current consultations from Ceredigion County Council can be found on our Open Campaigns Consultations page.
Check back regularly to see what’s happening and how you can take part.
Older People's Commissioner for Wales’ Newsletter: May 2026
Please find a link to the Commissioner’s latest newsletter below, which provides an update on her work to deliver positive change for older people over the past few months.
Commissioner's Newsletter: May 2026
Gwanwyn 2026: Climate - Bringing the boldness of older age to climate conversations
Are you running an age-friendly creative activity in May? Age Cymru would love to promote it as part of Gwanwyn 2026, their annual celebration of creativity in older age. Whether your activity runs throughout the year, or you’re doing something special in May - they would love to hear more.
You can email gwanwyn@agecymru.org.uk, or you can call 029 2043 1555. Or to upload an event to their Festival Events calendar, simply fill in their online form.
To find out more, visit the Gwanwyn calendar on the Age Cymru website.
Understanding LPAs and deputyships: Carers Week information session
To mark Carers Week 2026, the Office of the Public Guardian is hosting a free online information session on lasting power of attorneys (LPAs) and deputyship orders on June the 9th at 12:30 pm.
The session is for anyone who supports someone with their finances or health, or for unpaid carers who want to plan ahead for future decision-making.
Book here: Understanding LPAs and deputyships
Report: 'Fragile budgets, difficult choices: The cost of living for pensioners in 2026'
Age UK has published a new report, Fragile budgets, difficult choices: The cost of living for pensioners in 2026. The report presents the latest evidence on cost-of-living pressures facing older people across Great Britain, based on January 2026 polling of people aged 66+ and direct engagement through discussions and a workshop.
Tackling Digital Ageism In Wales: Protecting Rights, Access and Inclusion
Join the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales and other expert speakers for a webinar to explore the impact of digital ageism and the action needed to address this rapidly growing issue.
Date: Thursday 02 July 2026
Time: 10.30 – 12.00
The webinar is open to all interested individuals but is targeted at those working in the public sector in Wales.
Register: Tackling Digital Ageism In Wales
Free webinars
Online banking for beginners (10 June 2026)
AbilityNet is hosting a free 45-minute session for older people who want to build confidence using online banking. The webinar covers the basics, staying safe online, spotting scams, and managing money securely in a simple, friendly way.
Register here: Free webinar: Online banking for beginners
All you need to know about the UK landline switchover (29 July 2026)
AbilityNet is hosting a free lunchtime webinar in partnership with BT Group to explain the UK landline switch to digital services. The session will cover what is changing, who is affected (including customers of EE and Plusnet), and how people are being supported through the transition, including vulnerable customers.
It will also outline key milestones and what customers need to do to avoid disruption.
Register here: Free webinar: All you need to know about the UK landline switchover
Cymru Older People’s Alliance
Cymru Older People’s Alliance wants to hear what matters most to older people across Wales, and how experiences and priorities may change over the coming year. The closing date for responses is 31st May 2026.
Cymru Older People's Alliance survey
Ceredigion Disability Forum
The Ceredigion Disability Forum is open to disabled people, carers, families, and anyone with personal experience of disability across Ceredigion.
The forum provides an opportunity to discuss local issues, share experiences, and work together to help make Ceredigion more accessible and inclusive. Meetings take place every three months, both online and in person, and are accessible, friendly, and open to everyone. Upcoming meeting dates are 20 May, 19 August, 18 November, and 17 February, from 2–4pm.
For more information or to join, please contact emily.evans2@ceredigion.gov.uk or follow ‘Forwm Anabledd Ceredigion Disability Forum’ on Facebook.
Time to Adapt: Examining Waiting Times for Disabled Facilities Grants in Wales
The Older People’s Commissioner for Wales has recently published the report Time to Adapt: Examining Waiting Times for Disabled Facilities Grants in Wales.
The report responds to concerns raised by older people across Wales about delays in making adaptations to their homes, particularly when funded through Disabled Facilities Grants.
You can download the full report here: Time to Adapt: Examining waiting times for Disabled Facilities Grants in Wales - Older People’s Commissioner for Wales
Strategy for an Ageing Society
Dawn Bowden MS, Minister for Children and Social Care, has issued a written statement on creating an age-friendly Wales.
You can read her statement and explore the Strategy for an Ageing Society to see how Wales is supporting people to live and age well.
Claim what’s yours
Over £1 billion in benefits goes unclaimed in Wales each year. You could be missing out on extra money to help with everyday living costs - even if you already receive benefits.
Advicelink Cymru can help you check what you’re entitled to and support you to make a claim.
You may be able to receive:
- Pension Credit (average £1800 a year)
- Council Tax discounts (average £800 a year)
- Additional support if you care for someone or are studying
They can also help with debt and personal advice. Call free on 0800 702 2020 from Monday-Friday: 8am-7pm and on Saturday: 9am-1pm. Welsh language calls welcome.
Future Care Planning: Take action today to plan for your future
The Older People’s Commissioner for Wales is encouraging everyone to think ahead and make plans for the future, ensuring that their preferences are known and respected if they ever need care or support, or are unable to make decisions for themselves.
To help with this, the Commissioner has published a new guide, Future Care Planning: Planning for your future today, which offers practical advice on how to consider, discuss, and document your wishes. You can read the full guide on the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales website.
New women’s health hubs rolling out across Wales
The Welsh Government has announced the launch of women’s health hubs across Wales, designed with women to make key health services easier to access. These hubs bring together support for menopause, menstrual health, contraception and other essential care in community settings and online — tailored to fit around women’s lives. By March, there will be a hub in every health board area, improving access to vital services closer to home.
Read the full press release: New health hubs designed by women for women rollout across Wales (Welsh Government)
Older People's Commissioner for Wales Report
The Older People’s Commissioner for Wales has warned that many older people across Wales will find it difficult to get out and about into their communities during the Christmas period due to concerns about being unable to pay for car parking and the risk of fines.
Older People's Commissioner for Wales Report
A new report published by the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales lays bare the scale and impact of poverty amongst older people, and calls for action at both a Wales and UK level to provide greater support to individuals who are struggling financially.
Mature Drivers' Course
The Road Safety Team at Ceredigion County Council regularly arrange Mature Drivers’ Courses across the county to help people maintain their independence, confidence, and mobility on the road.
The courses are led by road safety professionals and are designed to support mature drivers. Sessions are classroom-based and focus on group discussions, practical advice, and safer driving awareness.
There may also be an opportunity to arrange a private driving lesson with an approved driving instructor, subject to instructor availability.
For more information, contact clic@ceredigion.gov.uk or call 01545 570881.
Public Toilets in Wales
In 2024, in response to calls from the membership, Wales Seniors Forum submitted a petition to Welsh Government calling for funding and support for public toilet provision. Following on from the petition, Wales Seniors Forum and Age Cymru organised a round table event, involving a number of interested organisations. The discussions proposed that a loose alliance be formed to research the issues around public toilets and to produce a report on the current situation. The research was carried out between May and July 2025.
The report below is a result of the research and further discussion events with interested groups and organisations.
Public Toilets in Wales - August 2025
Older People's Commissioner for Wales Report
The Older People’s Commissioner for Wales has published a new report, Exploring Digital Ageism, which examines how ageism in the digital world is creating barriers for older people.
Based on a wide range of research, evidence, and literature, the report highlights how ‘digital ageism’ affects access to health and social care services, employment, lifelong learning, social participation, and leisure activities.
Download a copy of Exploring Digital Ageism from the Older People's Commissioner for Wales website.
Older People's Commissioner for Wales Report
Growing Older in Wales: A snapshot of older people's experiences
Age Cymru - What matters to you?
Research into people’s experiences of growing older without children
Older People’s Commissioner for Wales has published a report exploring people’s experiences of growing older without children, and the actions needed to ensure policies, planning, and public services better reflect the needs of all older people.
You can read the report here: Research into people’s experiences of growing older without children - Older People’s Commissioner for Wales.