A CENTRE for older people in Barry can continue for another year thanks to a donation by local employer, Admiral.

The Age Connects Cardiff & the Vale (formally Age Concern) Senior Health Shop in Barry received £400 from the company after Ashley Cummings, who works in Admiral’s Claims department, applied for funding from the company’s Community Chest scheme. The scheme provides funding for charities, sport teams and organisations in which staff members or their families are involved.

The Senior Health Shop is part of the Ageing Well programme which aims to improve health and wellbeing of older people (50+) in the Barry area. The shop provides its users with a wealth of resources including tax and benefit support, information days, health and diet advice, falls prevention classes and fire safety advice. It also provides blood pressure checks, gentle exercise classes, a nail cutting service, a food bank as well as a cafe and afternoon tea clubs to socialise.

Ashley Cummings explains why he applied for the funding, “My nan attends the shop and was really concerned when she heard it may not be open next year. I knew Admiral had a scheme where I could request funding for local community groups my family were involved in and this seemed like the perfect opportunity. I’m really pleased for my nan as I know how much she enjoys visiting the shop on a regular basis.”

Nona Hexter, Ageing Well co-ordinator from local charity Age Connects Cardiff and the Vale said, “We were seeking funding to support the Senior Health Shop in the future, which included rent and staff costs which underpin every bit of work we do. We have worked in Barry for 22 years and the funding from Admiral has enabled to us to continue to support many vulnerable older people in the area.

“We provide older people not only with a place for tea and cake but a place where concerns and worries can be addressed, a place to have a conversation, a place where ongoing support can be found and a place to be understood. The volunteers and staff work hard but without this funding we would not survive and many people would find life more difficult without us.”

The funding from Admiral will be used to run the shop for another year and continue providing essential support for older people in the area. The Senior Health Shop is situated on Holton Road in Barry. The cafe is open from 9am-12.30pm on weekday. To find out more about the Senior Health Shop's activities contact Nona Hexter on 01446 732385 or email shs@ageconnectscardiff.org.uk.