Local authorities work in partnership with a range of other organisations in implementing the Strategy for Older People in Wales and moving this agenda forward.
In terms of working directly with older people, each local authority has also set up Local 50+ Forums which were established in to expand consultation and involvement with the growing number of older people in Wales, as well as providing a focus for the broad range of issues concerning them. The fora aim to ensure that the voices of people aged 50+ are heard on the issues that matter to them. All of this work reflects the importance of engagement and the opening of channels of communication leading to a strengthened collaborative role.
There are also a range of other bodies which local authorities work with to assist and challenge the different tiers of Government in Wales. The National Partnership Forum for Older People in Wales, which has WLGA representation, provides advice on the priority issues affecting older people. Age Alliance Wales is an alliance of voluntary organisations in Wales who disseminate information to the voluntary sector. Age Cymru also works closely with local authorities raising awareness across a variety of issues and working with them to deliver better services for older people. The Wales Centre for Intergenerational Practice promote greater understanding and respect across the generations. Better Government for Older People (BGOP) works on the basis of partnership between all level of government, different sectors and older people. They aim to ensure older people’s engagement and citizenship in all aspects of service delivery. Older People’s Action Group (OPAG) is an integral part of BGOP, is made up of two representatives of older people from each local authority area, as well as representatives of national pensioner organisations, and advises government through BGOP Cymru.
The Commissioner for Older People in Wales which was created in 2008, has a mandate to scrutinise the performance of national and local government and act as an advocate for older people representing their interests.