Age equality seminar

Swansea is hosting a special event to help public authorities develop ‘equality objectives’ for older people on Friday 21 October.

The ‘Seizing the moment – the age equality agenda for older people in Wales’ event is being organised by Age Cymru with support from Oxfam and the European Union Programme for Employment and Social Solidarity.

Martyn Jones, Age Cymru’s Equalities Policy Advisor says:

“Age discrimination is the most commonly reported form of prejudice and the Equality Act 2010 has put measures to combat it on the same footing as racism and other areas of discrimination. 

“The Welsh Public Sector Specific Duties, introduced by the Welsh Government, also mean that public authorities will have to demonstrate how they intend to deal with the equality and diversity needs of older people by April 2012.

“Age Cymru has organised this event to provide an opportunity for us to work with local public bodies and others across Wales to prepare for and deliver these changes.”

Age Cymru’s new publication ‘How to age-proof – a model to eliminate age discrimination and advance age equality’ was launched at the seminar.

It is a practical guide that explains how organisations can improve the way they deliver services for older people.

The seminar will also feature guest speakers and interactive workshops about the new law and age equality.

Martyn Jones says:

“We feel we are making great strides today in raising awareness of the diverse needs of older people and how improvements can be made to  the way services are provided and Age Cymru is looking forward to working with local authorities across South Wales to ensure that the needs of all older people’s are understood and catered for.”