A celebration in Swansea.

Action For Elders Festive party has succeeded in its aim of bringing diverse communities together for a pre-Christmas celebration and a chance to reconnect socially.

The Festive Party event for 250 older people at Brangwyn Hall in Swansea, was organised in conjunction with the Older Person’s Partnership & Involvement team at Swansea City Council. The aim was to give people an opportunity to enjoy themselves and make the social connections that were so difficult to achieve last year.

The event was part of Action For Elders Getting Back Out There campaign and brought together a diverse range of older residents, including the Chinese in Wales Association (a befriending group for Chinese residents) and Sadie’s Butterflies (a group based in Swansea valley that supports the Trans community) together with a wide range of people from all over the Swansea area.

The sit-down lunch was a fun-filled afternoon of food, entertainment and even a visit from the real Santa Claus. Last year was a very tough one for members of Swansea’s older community, many of whom suffered from anxiety and loneliness. This event allowed people to celebrate Christmas properly with friends old and new; to share stories of their journey through lockdown and beyond. This will be something to remember and set people up for rest of the winter and into the New Year.

Our Getting Back Out There campaign is all about believing in people and in the power of social connection. We at Action For Elders firmly believe that putting people together in a safe environment and building strong bonds at the heart of the community can really help to rebuild lives.

We are hugely grateful for the support of Swansea City Council who partnered with us to make the party possible. The council were represented by Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Mike Day and other current Cabinet members responsible for vulnerable and older people.

Action For Elders social and exercise programmes take place all year round in local communities. Recent funding from the Welsh Government has enabled the charity to focus on Social Care Winter Pressures activity. Further information to follow.

It’s time for Getting Back Out There!