10. 9. Short Debate: Tackling Loneliness and Isolation in Wales, a Partnership Approach

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:54 pm on 15 February 2017.

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Photo of Joyce Watson Joyce Watson Labour 6:54, 15 February 2017

I want to also pay some tribute to Pembrokeshire Disabled Bowlers Club. They actually run a scheme for all disabled people, whatever your disability. I spent some time there, in Milford Haven leisure centre, with them last Monday. What was absolutely clear about it was that people who had previously been absolutely isolated were now coming together as a collective group. I want to pay tribute here to Stephen and his wife, Olwen Whitmore, who run that club and have done for four years to make sure that those people, whatever their disability, actually have an opportunity to group together—and these are the words of the people I spoke to—to feel human again, to feel part of society again, and it has improved their mental health, but also their physical health as well. And I just want to ask you, Cabinet Secretary, to recognise those volunteers, who sometimes are lonely or would be lonely, themselves, in helping to reduce loneliness, isolation and all that goes with that.