Carmarthenshire residents aged over 50 and at risk of being isolated by the pandemic will receive additional care as a partnership between ND Care & Support and Age Cymru Dyfed has been extended.

The initiative, funded by Hywel Dda University Health Board (HDUHB), began in December 2020 to provide support for vulnerable older residents for at least two hours a week. It has proved such a success that it has now been extended until September at least.

Andrew Downey, Registered Manager for ND Care & Support said: “Since partnering with Age Cymru Dyfed in February, we have delivered over 200 hours of support to people who have been isolated during the pandemic, and it’s been incredible to see just how much of a difference our visits have made to them.

“Whatever their individual needs have been, whether it’s involved more in depth support or something as simple, yet so effective, as putting the kettle on and having a much-needed chat, we’ve created and delivered bespoke support packages that are vital to suit differing requirements at such a difficult time.

“The whole project has gone really well, and we’re delighted that the service has now been extended further for the benefit of those over the age of 50 and living alone in the Carmarthenshire area.” he added.

ND Care & Support supports people across Wales with differing care needs including those with a learning disability and mental health needs, to others requiring personal or palliative care.

Its partnership with Age Cymru Dyfed has been funded by HDUHB’s Community Mental Health Service and enabled carers to provide support services to older people living locally.

Chloe Stewart, Third Sector Mental Health Service Project Officer with Age Cymru Dyfed, said: “Through this initiative, ND Care & Support has been able to work with Age Cymru Dyfed to provide support services to vulnerable older people who are struggling with the effects of isolation during this difficult period.”

“All the ND Care & Support staff involved have been very accommodating to client requests, and those residents supported have reported really positive experiences of the assistance they have received."

A registered member of Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW), ND Care supports more than 450 individuals and their families, with over 350 care workers working across Abertillery, Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Newport, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Torfaen, and Vale of Glamorgan.

For more information on ND Care & Support visit www.ndcare.co.uk