Standing Together officially launched

United Welsh is one of four housing associations taking part in the new ‘Standing Together Cymru’ project led by the Mental Health Foundation.

Standing Together is set to create 30 facilitated peer support groups to improve the wellbeing of 450 residents over the age of 55 in retirement housing across south east Wales.

The project aims to improve mental health, wellbeing and build community connections and will be held in various older persons’ accommodation, including two United Welsh schemes: Ifor Jones Court in Cardiff and Fitzroy Lodge in Blackwood.

Thanks to a Big Lottery Wales grant of over £350,000, we will be delivering the Standing Together project with the foundation as well as Derwen Cymru, Melin Homes and Newport City Homes to help boost emotional health and community connections for older people.

Jemma Browning, Thrive 50+ Team Leader for United Welsh said: “We fully support the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales in her desire to make Wales the best place in the world to grow older.

“Tackling isolation and building social connections among older people is so important. Our tenants are already really enjoying being involved in the Standing Together project and sharing their experiences in the weekly peer groups.”

The project will facilitate the weekly self-help groups to deepen the links between group participants, empowering people to develop supportive and meaningful relationships and to feel better able to cope.