National Updates
Have your say and help deliver positive change for older people
The Older People’s Commissioner wants to hear from you about any issues or challenges that make growing older in Wales more difficult and about the changes and improvements you’d like see.
The Commissioner is developing her strategy and work plan and will use evidence shared by older people to determine the action she delivers and the key areas her work will focus on.
You may want to highlight something you are concerned or worried about or share an example of something that works well that could be introduced in other parts of Wales. What you share could be based on your own experiences or the experiences of your family and friends.
Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Rhian Bowen-Davies, said: “I want Wales to lead the way in empowering older people, tackling inequality and enabling everyone to live and age well and as Commissioner I have a key part to play in making this vision a reality.
“It’s crucial that the action I take as Commissioner is guided by older people’s voices and experiences, which is why I’m inviting older people to get in touch to highlight the issues affecting their lives and share their views and ideas about the changes and improvements that would make a positive difference.
“I want to hear from as many older people as possible from different backgrounds and communities across Wales so please do spend a few minutes completing my questionnaire if you can.
“Any information you share will be hugely valuable as I develop my strategy and work plan and take action with my team to transform policy and practice in a range of key areas.”
Make your voice heard:
You can respond to the Commissioner’s questionnaire in a number of ways.
You can download a copy of the questionnaire or complete it online:
Older People's Commissioner for Wales: Have Your Say
If you’d like a hard copy of the questionnaire, which can be returned via freepost, please call 03442 640 670 or email ask@olderpeople.wales.
Alternatively, if you’d prefer to talk about your experiences with a member of the Commissioner’s team over the phone, please call 03442 640 670.
Rhian Bowen-Davies,
Older People’s Commissioner for Wales (December 2024)
Message from Helena Herklots Older People’s Commissioner for Wales
I complete my term of office as the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales on 19 August. It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as the Commissioner and to have the opportunity to work with older people and organisations throughout Wales to protect and promote the rights of older people.
I am pleased to enclose a copy of my report giving an overview of the impact of the work over the last six years. The report shows that, despite the challenges of the Covid pandemic and the cost of living crisis we have made progress in tackling some deep-rooted and longstanding problems experienced by older people, as well as initiating new work to enable us to age well. Progress has been made by ensuring older people’s experiences and expertise is at the heart of the work, and through working with many organisations and individuals who have given their time and commitment to working in a common cause. I would like to place on record my heartfelt thanks to everyone I have worked with, and to my dedicated team.
As I step down, the Deputy Commissioner, Kelly Davies, will assume responsibility until the new Commissioner, Rhian Bowen-Davies starts in post on 30 September.