Ceredigion MP Mark Williams has congratulated Age Cymru Ceredigion who have launched a telephone befriending service – which provides a one to one service for elderly people in the local area.

Commenting on this scheme Mark Williams said:

‘Once again Age Cymru Ceredigion are leading the way in providing services to combat isolation – isolation due to old age, and rurality – both of which are unacceptable.’

However, whilst this news is welcome, Mr Williams has raised concerns to the Hywel Dda Heath Board their withdrawal of funding to Age Cymru Ceredigion for their specialist falls prevention exercise classes.

Commenting, Mark Williams MP said:

‘I was disappointed to hear at my recent meeting with Age Ceredigion that the service has been closed due to Hywel Dda’s decision to pull £4000 of funding. This service has proved very helpful to elderly people across the county – and is essential in helping elderly people stay active. The Intermediate Care Services does not provide the focused service that Age Ceredigion need to provide.’

‘Once again my regret is that as our population in Ceredigion ages, as needs grow, we have a third sector willing to meet the challenge but are unable to carry out this task due to budget cuts from other statutory agents.’