The funding allowed them to buy ingredients to continue to provide home cooked meals and buy containers to ensure the food remained hot, as well as covering delivery costs. Emma Wootten, development co-ordinator for Age Connects Torfaen, said: “Before the pandemic hit, our lunch club would attract up to 200 local over-50s each week, providing them with a hot meal in social surroundings. “Of course, by the end of March all that changed, and we needed to adapt so that all those who benefitted from our services could continue to do so. Chef Jade Davies preparing meals to be distributed across the area. Picture: Age Connects Torfaen.
LEAH POWELL looks at the work of Age Connects Torfaen during the pandemic as part of our We’re in it Together campaign. AGE Connects Wales is a social enterprise, made up of six independent organisations, which includes Age Connects Torfaen. The aim of all Age Connects branches is to provide people in Wales aged 50+ with the support and services needed to live healthy, active, independent lives. Age Connects Torfaen has been operating for 30 years under the leadership of Angela Reed. Emma Wootten, the branch’s development coordinator officer, said: “Our aim is to help older people remain independent, safe and secure, and to offer support for their families and carers.