THE Welsh champion for Older People paid a visit to Pembrokeshire last week.

Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Sarah Rochira, visited a Good Neighbour Scheme run by Pembrokeshire County Council, and met 25 members of Cosheston and Dinas Cross Good Neighbours Schemes.

The visit was part of the Commissioner’s Engagement Roadshow, where she is meeting with older people’s groups and organisations across Wales.

“It was an absolute pleasure to meet members of the Good Neighbour Scheme, who gave me such a warm welcome,” she said.

“The work they are doing is invaluable to prevent social isolation and reduce the impact of declining local services, such as public transport, shops, post offices and surgeries.”

The Good Neighbour Scheme was first piloted in Dinas Cross seven years ago and now covers 12 communities in the county.

It’s aimed at helping older people continue to live independently but also acts as a safety net for those who may feel isolated in their communities.

Councillor Mike James, Pembrokeshire’s Carers’ champion and a member of St Dogmaels GNS said many people in Pembrokeshire already supported their neighbours.

“However, with changing times we are unfortunately discovering that gaps have been developed creating some isolation and loneliness in our communities,” he said.

“The Good Neighbours Scheme aims to bridge this gap.”

Under the scheme a central contact number provides access to volunteers willing to help out from simple jobs such as changing a lightbulb or cooking meals to carrying out minor home repairs.

For more information contact Rachel Gibby, Good Neighbour Scheme Coordinator, 01437 764551 or email goodneighbours@pembrokeshire.gov.uk.

Sarah Rochira and Rachel Gibby will be at the Full of Life event at Bloomfield in Narberth on October 24, 11am to 4pm.