OLDER people living at independent living schemes in the Vale had a party following a £2,000 contribution from the Big Lottery Fund Celebrate programme.

More than 60 people, living at Newydd Housing Association homes for people aged over 55, went to the Barry Memorial Hall to enjoy a Welsh heritage themed party that included Welsh produce, live music and an award ceremony.

The event took place on Thursday, September 14.

Vale AM Jane Hutt presented tenants with their awards.

She said: “I was delighted to join this wonderful celebration which has brought tenants together and created a real sense of community which can help combat loneliness and isolation amongst older people.”

Newydd gained £2000 from the Big Lottery Fund Celebrate programme last year to organise a celebration event to thank tenants for their hard work in bringing together their close-knit communities at the housing schemes.

Following research by YouGov for the Big Lottery it was found that 6 out of 10 people could not remember ever coming together to celebrate with their community, the fund aimed to change this.

Maud Mackowiak a tenant at Elis Fisher Court, an independent living scheme owned by Newydd in Barry, said: “This Lottery funding has meant that we have been able to get together and meet up with our great bunch of friends, I don’t go outside that often so this event has been wonderful allowing us to do what we love. Tenants from all schemes have put in so much effort in organising the event from making table decorations to favours, it looks fabulous. We have loved every minute celebrating.”