National conference providing a platform for older people’s voices in Wales

The Cymru Older People’s Alliance (COPA)’s summer conference will give older people a chance to have their voices heard by some of the most important decision makers in Wales. 

The conference, which takes place at the Future Inn in Cardiff Bay on 11 June 2019, will feature presentations by Deputy Minister for Health and Social Care Julie Morgan and Helena Herklots CBE, Commissioner for Older People in Wales. 

Following the presentations, delegates will have an opportunity to question an expert panel consisting of Dr Malcolm Fisk, Chair of Age Cymru; Matt Jenkins, Deputy Director for Partnership and Cooperation at Welsh Government, as well as Helena Herklots. In the afternoon, delegates will participate in a workshop to identify how Welsh Government and local authorities can improve their engagement with older people across Wales.

COPA chair Steve Milsom says: “We are committed to opening a new debate about better engagement, participation and quality of life for older people of all ages in Wales and this conference will go a long way towards helping us to achieve that goal. With the significant changes in society and politics it is vital that the voice of older people is heard and that their interests are fairly represented and not neglected.

“I am delighted that we have such an array of experts at the conference who will not only share their experiences and knowledge but will also improve their own understanding of the concerns, ambitions and aspirations of older people.”

Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services, Julie Morgan, said: “The Welsh Government introduced the first Strategy for Older People in 2003 and established the world’s first Older People’s Commissioner in 2008, our commitment to older people is still as strong today as it was during these landmark initiatives. Older people must have the opportunity to participate in shaping the decisions that impact on their lives. We will continue to work together with key organisations like COPA to ensure we deliver for everyone in our communities.”

The conference is open to anyone belonging to an older people's forum or one of the national older people's organisations, for details on booking a place please contact Amanda O’Shea on 029 2043 1555.

Further information on COPA can be found on their website www.copacharity.com/

Ends.

Notes to editors

• COPA is a new charity run by older people for older people which is funded by Welsh Government to enable older people across Wales to have an independent voice. Our specific role is ensuring Older People’s 50+ forums and groups across Wales have access to and can influence the national debates about issues that affect their lives.

•The membership model involves each of the 22 Local Authority area’s Older People’s Forum or Group appointing 2 voting members to be their representatives - a total of 44.  These 44 voting members will in due course, form 6 Regional Committees and will attend national meetings and vote at the AGM. Currently 16 Forums have COPA Voting Members.

News Release Issued by:

Michael Phillips

Age Cymru

On Behalf of COPA