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Welcoming the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales

During Mental Health Awareness Week, Rhian Bowen-Davies, the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, visited our Penarth Club to learn more about the impact of the session and our work across the region. 

Taking place at their weekly session, held at Penarth Rugby Club every Wednesday, Rhian joined our Club to learn more about some of the issues faced by our members and older people in their daily lives and the positive support our sessions provide.

Discussing the modern world

Part of Rhian’s time with the Penarth Club members saw her discuss some of the key issues being faced by older people in their local communities. Topics included the difficulty of getting GP appointments, the challenges of the modern world through digital exclusion, and other matters such as public transport and the increasing closure of banks and amenities locally.

The commissioner was grateful for the members honesty and their feedback on what they would like to see improved across their local area in Penarth, but also across Wales for older people.

Onto the Sporting Memories session

It was then time to move the chat onto sport, as the Commissioner joined our members in sharing some of her sporting highlights, with members also sharing their cherished moments in a warm and good humoured conversation.

This was followed by a sporting quiz, organised by our Penath Club volunteers Peter and Paul. Rhian was assigned a team of Club members for the inter-club competition, with her team coming out as winners! All the members impressed with the Commissioner’s sporting knowledge.

Finally to wrap up a busy but enjoyable session, everyone got stuck into a game of Boccia!

Reflecting on the Commissioner’s visit

Rhian reflected on her time at the Penarth Club by saying: “It was a real pleasure to meet everyone and to hear about their own cherished recollections and to learn more about Sporting Memories in Wales.

“The energy, fun and laughter that the Club provides is clear to me, but also the support network that is provided not only to members but their wider families is something invaluable. A big thank you again to everyone who made my visit so memorable and I would welcome the opportunity to visit other Clubs in the future.”

Rob Baker, our Project Coordinator for Wales, was delighted that Rhian had such an enjoyable time with our Penarth Club.

“The session was a great opportunity to highlight how our Clubs in Wales can something positive for those that come along regular to Sporting Memories.

“The Penarth members showed themselves in a brilliant light, sharing real experiences from their daily lives as well as enjoying the usual games and sporting chat of a Sporting Memories session with Rhian.”