Age Cymru Powys is revving up to empower rural communities with the launch of an innovative mobile advice service – a brightly branded van packed with expert guidance for people aged 65 and over.
Transformed into a mobile office, the van will be crisscrossing Powys, offering free, confidential advice on everything from tackling the Cost-of-Living Crisis to loneliness to navigating social care options.
Living in rural Powys offers beautiful scenery and a peaceful atmosphere, but accessing essential services can be challenging for many older residents. Particularly those living with disabilities or mobility issues, due to the long journeys and limited transport.
The Powys Rural Advice Van offers a solution: face-to-face support from friendly, trained experts in your local area.
Gail Colbridge, Chief Officer of Age Cymru Powys, said:
“We are very excited to be able to support more older people, where they are. We have been listening to older people in our rural communities who are struggling to know where to get advice, and we are proud to introduce this new local offer. The Advice Van is kindly funded by Independent Age to enable Age Cymru Powys to meet the rising demand from local older people impacted by the increased costs of living.”
Age Cymru Powys holds the Welsh Government Advice Accreditation, and their staff are experts in matters that affect your quality of life, including:
- Maximising income
- Navigating social care
- Finding/funding help at home
- Housing issues and options
- Loneliness & social support
- Cost-savings
- Home Energy Advice
- Support for carers
- Health & wellbeing
- Local services across Powys
- And much more…
Gwynfor, 82, from Llanfyllin, Powys, praised the new service, saying:
“The Advice Van is a lifeline for older Powys residents living in the countryside.”
Many older people are missing out on money that is rightfully theirs. Every year, it’s estimated that more than £200m worth of Pension Credit and other state benefits goes unclaimed by older people in Wales.
Even if you own your home, have savings, or are claiming benefits, you may still qualify for additional financial support and entitlements.
Many services have moved online, but if you are unfamiliar with the internet, this can also leave you cut off from help.
The Rural Advice Van delivers a one-stop advice shop in your local community, including a free, confidential check to ensure you’re receiving all of the money and support that you are entitled to.
Steve Cadwallader-Jones, Rural Advice Officer at Age Cymru Powys, is taking the van on the road. Steve explains why it’s needed in Powys:
“Imagine living in a beautiful, remote village, but struggling to access essential support. That’s the reality for many older people in Powys. Our mobile advice service shatters this barrier, bringing a friendly face and expert advice directly to local communities. It’s about ensuring no one, especially our most vulnerable residents, feels isolated or left behind.”
Look out for the Rural Advice Van in your community or call Age Cymru Powys to see when they’re next in your area. Why not drop in for a chat and see how they can help you?
Age Cymru Powys, Old Warehouse, Parkers Lane, Newtown, Powys SY16 2LT
Call: 01686 623707 | Email: enquiries@acpowys.org.uk | Website: www.agecymru.org.uk/powys
