Big Lottery Fund boost for older people in Carmarthenshire

A successful project in Carmarthenshire has been awarded nearly half a million pounds to continue its work helping older people to deal with housing and debt problems.
The grant from the Big Lottery Fund will allow Shelter Cymru’s Cyngor 50+ Advice project to continue for a further three years and expand its work into Pembrokeshire.
Established in 2012, Cyngor 50+ Advice works to reduce homelessness by assisting people to address issues before they reach crisis point. Over the last three years the project has helped almost 500 people with issues such as rent arrears, debt management, and the effects of welfare reform.
Project Co-ordinator Kelly White said: “People can be affected by changes to their circumstances at any time in their life, but we’ve found that older people are often less aware of the support that is available if they have problems or perhaps more reluctant to ask for help.

“Also, as people get older, they often start to look at their housing needs and whether their homes will be suitable, affordable and sustainable in the future – we can help to address these concerns and support people through any changes they need to make.

“We can provide financial healthchecks so people can understand if and where savings can be made to improve their financial situation, as well as ensuring that they are receiving any benefits or other support that they are entitled to.”

To assist them in delivering the service across the two counties, the project will be recruiting volunteers who will receive comprehensive training and support to develop their skills, increase their confidence and expand their knowledge.

The service currently has surgeries running in Ammanford and Carmarthen and also a ‘drop in’ service at the Un Sir Gar Hub in Llanelli every Thursday 10am – 1pm.

Contact the service on 01267 225936 / fiftyplus@sheltercymru.org.uk