Age Cymru to host winter information day in Rhyl

Wales suffered 3,400 excess winter deaths amongst older people during the winter of 2018-19, many of which were preventable

Age Cymru is to host a winter information day in Rhyl as part of its response to the high numbers of excess winter deaths that occur in Wales each year. This event will see the launch of Age Cymru's winter health and resilience campaign 'Spread the warmth' by Ann Jones AM.

The event, which is free of charge, will take place at the Rhyl Rugby Club on Friday 11 October 2019 between 10am and 2pm.

As well as Age Cymru there will be a number of other organisations offering a range of advice and support to help older people cope with the challenges of winter with each sharing practical solutions on how to keep warm, safe and well.

The Nurse Immunisation Coordinator for the area will be offering reassuring advice about having a flu jab as part of the Beat Flu campaign. Community Safety Charity – OWL Cymru, will be on hand to give home safety advice against doorstep crime with their 'Sneaky Blinders' campaign, while the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service will provide information about their smoke alarm installation and home safety check services to keep people safe from fire.

Burns and scalds are a common form of injury during winter with more than 2,500 older people being burned by kettles, tea cups, hot baths and radiators each year in a bid to keep themselves warm. So The Welsh Centre for Burns will be on hand to provide practical tips on how to keep warm safely, avoid burns and how to treat injuries effectively should they occur.

Age Cymru's Health Initiatives Officer Angharad Phillips said: "Winter can be a particularly challenging time for many older people as evidenced by the unacceptable number of excess winter deaths that occur in Wales each year, many of which are preventable.

"While the cold weather and its effects on older people's health poses the biggest danger, other factors such as poor diet, inactivity and fuel poverty can lead to social isolation and loneliness, which can make the winter months a dismal period.

"So I would urge older people, and their families, throughout Denbighshire and the surrounding areas to come along and find out how we can make winter a warmer, safer and a more enjoyable time. There will be a warm welcome for everyone."

Ends.

Notes to Editors

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Age Cymru is the national charity for older people in WalesWe are the force combining Age Concern Cymru and Help the Aged in WalesWe work with local Age Cymru Partners across Wales to improve life for older peopleAge Cymru is a registered charity 1128436

5. Company limited by guarantee and registered by in England and Wales 6837284

6. Age Cymru is funded by donations from the public, corporate partners, our trading enterprises and the Welsh Government