The Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has joined residents of Cartrefi Conwy on International Day of Older Persons, by introducing the virtual quiz and bingo session.
In her opening remarks, Janet spoke of the fantastic and selfless work undertaken by Registered Social Landlords in Wales, underlining that they remain a cornerstone for employment. According to Community Housing Cymru, in 2019/20, associations spent £1.3bn directly in the Welsh economy, and for every one of the around 10,000 full time staff, another 1.5 jobs were supported elsewhere – a fact highlighted in Janet’s recent Senedd Plenary speech.
Remarking on Cartrefi’s community efforts, Janet said:
“During this year’s Volunteers Week, I learnt of some fantastic acts of selflessness including that over 100 staff at the housing association walked, cycled, ran and even hopped 25,000 miles on a Round the World Challenge in aid of St David’s Hospice, raising £4,137.
“I should like to commend those staff for their tremendous and morale boosting efforts after such a serious period of hardship, once again proving that our 59 RSLs are delivering for our communities.”
Janet also used the occasion to underline her campaign work calling for older people’s rights to be protected in law. Speaking on the issue after the event, Janet remarked:
“We all have a right to be treated with dignity and respect. However, older people’s experiences during this pandemic has only strengthened the case for further protection of their rights in law and improved knowledge and recognition of these rights.
“Just imagine the difference it would make if Welsh Government Ministers, local authorities, health boards and other Welsh authorities had to have due regard to the need for older people to have access to adequate healthcare and housing.
“More can be done to empower older people, which is something that I will continue to make clear in Cardiff Bay.”
ENDS
Photo: Janet Finch-Saunders MS/AS
