If you are over 50, live in the Borough of Rhondda Cynon Taf, and want to have your say about local and national policies which affect the health and well-being of older people then why not join a 50+ Forum. The Llantrisant and District 50+Forum is one of 5 that have been set up in RCT.  We are an independent, non-political group of people and have full control over our meeting agendas. Our chairperson, treasurer, secretary and committee are all volunteers, chosen by the members.

Normally we meet every other month in Pontyclun Athletic Club and invite speakers to inform members and seek views on a wide range of topics. Speakers include Senedd Members, Councillors, Health Professionals, Representatives of Fire and Ambulance Service, Interlink and many others.

It’s a social occasion where we have light refreshments and there’s always a good selection of raffle prizes to be won. We also arrange social events and the majority of these are at prices you wouldn’t get anywhere else! 

The Older People’s Advisory Group (OPAG) is consulted by RCT County Borough Council and Cwm Taf University Health Board on any significant changes to policies, strategies and new initiatives affecting the lives of older people. Our 50+ Forum has representation on this group and we are able to bring strategic issues back to our members. 

Obviously we have not had face to face meetings for some time because of COVID-19 restrictions but we have kept in touch with members through befriending phone calls and socially distanced visiting. We managed to get a grant to supply all our members with a Mindfulness Puzzle Book and a pack of face masks and 10 of our members were winners of a luxury Easter Egg in our virtual raffle. To keep our members in touch with one another we have produced newsletters and we know from the positive feedback that all this has been greatly appreciated.

You could join the Llantrisant and District 50+ Forum and get your voice heard about the things that matter to you and join a community of positive like-minded people. Currently the membership fee is just £5 a year Message us on our Facebook page or phone/email using the following contact details.

Liz Penwill   Chairperson   07504 906280 lizpenwill@outlook.com

Yvonne Peters   Secretary   07878 015744   ypeters@btinternet.com  

We hope to be able to safely arrange a meeting very soon and it would be brilliant if you could join us. The more we are the louder we speak and our voices make a difference.