Age Cymru welcomes Helena Herklots’ appointment

Huge challenges and opportunities lie ahead for new commissioner says Age Cymru

Welcoming Helena Herklots to the role as the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Age Cymru’s Chief Executive Victoria Lloyd says “We very much look forward to working with Helena to help deliver an age friendly Wales, particularly as she has a great deal of experience and expertise in working with older people.

“Backed by statutory powers, this is a hugely important role that has to tackle many of the difficulties currently facing older people and is able to celebrate all the everyday contributions that older people make to life in Wales.”

Many older people are struggling to get the health and social care they need; worried about paying their bills; living a lonely and isolated life; and seeing community services such as day centres and lunch clubs being closed down.

Despite these difficulties, it is important that society is aware that older people provide thousands of hours of free care to loved ones; bring vast amounts of experience and expertise to the workforce; and help form the backbone of volunteering throughout Wales.

Victoria added: “The outgoing commissioner Sarah Rochira has provided a solid platform for the new commissioner. Through her energy and determination she has placed older people’s issues right at the centre of politics in Wales.

“Sarah also developed strong relationships between the Commissioner’s Office and ordinary older people throughout Wales so their views, needs and aspirations were reflected in the Commissioner’s own priorities.”

Ends

News Release issued by:
Michael Phillips (Communications Manager)