Wales' 'Coming of Age'

02/10/2008

Ruth Marks, Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, has just published "Coming of Age" - the first report to come from the groundbreaking new body.

 

Ruth Marks formally took up the role of Older People’s Commissioner for Wales on the 21st April 2008, giving Wales the lead in the affairs of older people as this is the first such Commission in the world. The Older People’s Commissioner is independent of Government and is tasked with being an advocate for the over 60s in the Principality.

 

October 1st saw the Commission submit its first report to the Welsh Assembly Government at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay. Ruth Marks said: 

“During my first few months of consultation events around Wales I have been impressed with the passion and determination of the people I have met. It is obvious to me that whilst there are many instances of good practice, the services delivered to older people is patchy.

 

"In my first report I state that one of the strongest messages I am receiving from Older People in Wales is 'involve us don’t ignore us'.

 

"I want to ensure that the voices of older people across the country are heard by all those who can make their lives better. One of my greatest challenges is to ensure that I reach the most vulnerable in our society – those people who are seldom or never heard. I am determined that the Older People’s Commission will be a just and robust champion for older people across Wales and will ensure that they are treated with dignity and respect by those in authority."