Recognition for Clwb Iechyd Da

CLWB Iechyd Da, a health and wellbeing club for older people based at Pontyberem’s Nant Y Glo Sheltered Scheme, has been recognised at a prestigious national award ceremony.

The club was shortlisted for a Bloom Award, a scheme run by UK-wide organisation Lemos and Crane to acknowledge excellence in improving the quality of life, dignity and well-being of older people.

Although the club missed out on taking the top award, it was listed amongst 16 shortlisted entries chosen out of over 150.

Clwb Iechyd Da (Good Health club) provides activities for sheltered scheme residents and older members of the local community.

Amongst others, it offers a day club, luncheon club and gardening club.

It also hosts a wellbeing clinic in conjunction with the Local Health Board to offer advice on avoiding falls, various forms of exercise, and blood pressure testing, as well as providing reflexology, holistic therapies and foot care.

Police and community support officers and charities such as Age Concern also visit the club to give talks on various topics such as safety and benefits.

Bruce McLernon, Carmarthenshire County Council’s Director of Social Care, Health and Housing, said: “Clwb Iechyd Da was launched as a pioneering new service in May 2010. Since then it has gone from strength to strength with members of the community using it to meet, socialise, have lunch and take advantage of health and wellbeing services.

“We are very proud of what has been achieved, and that the service has now received recognition on a national level.”

Over 150 entries were submitted to the awards from sheltered housing schemes, care homes, extra care settings, retirement villages, floating support, and other services provided to older people in the community across the UK.

Entries demonstrated positive outcomes in promoting relationships, enhancing and sustaining identity and interests, and fostering independence.

Speaking on the Bloom Awards website, a spokesman said: “All the work was of a high standard and inspiring and we are grateful to everyone who took part.”