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Background
The ‘UK Inquiry into Mental Health and Well-Being in Later Life’ (Age UK, 2007) identified that
participation in meaningful activity, staying active and having a sense of purpose are just as
important for the mental health and well-being of older people as is physical health.
In response, Cadwyn Môn was a five year Big Lottery funded befriending project lead by Age
Cymru Gwynedd a Môn which began in November 2011. It aimes to enable older people living
on Anglesey to live fuller lives, by providing a bridge between older people, community activities
and local Age Well centres.
The project targets people over the age of 50 living on Anglesey who are especially at risk of
social isolation and loneliness. Volunteers are trained to provide one-to-one support to deliver
the Cadwyn Môn programme over a 10-15 week period. The volunteer makes contact with
the individual and visits them in their own home to engender confidence and provide support
during the period of initial interaction. In time, when the individual feels confident to venture by
themselves, the volunteer will introduce and accompany the individual to existing community
support networks, offering the next step, encouraging them to become more independent.
These support networks include; good turn schemes, carers and other support groups, local over
50s groups, Age Well centres and much more.
