Joyce backs over 50s return to work - “Helping older people helps Pembrokeshire”

Labour Assembly Member for Pembrokeshire JOYCE WATSON AM supported the launch of Prime Cymru’s volunteer mentor scheme at the Picton Community Centre in Haverfordwest last Friday 4th April.

Prime Cymru supports people over 50 who want to return to economic activity and the Volunteer Mentoring Scheme will recruit, induct and train a group of older mentors in Pembrokeshire to support them.

JOYCE WATSON AM said: “Pembrokeshire has one of the highest proportions of older people. People over 50 have a lot to offer but they can feel like they are on the scrap heap.

“This scheme will not only get people back into work but will also generate work for others. Pembrokeshire has the highest level of self-employment in Wales and new small businesses will help to grow our local economy.

“This will also help those volunteering. Giving something back develops your personal and professional skills and builds confidence.”

TERRY MILLS, Chief Executive of Prime Cymru said: “7,100 people in Pembrokeshire between fifty and state retirement age are economically inactive. Many of these people want and need to work. We are launching this scheme to recruit people who are willing and able to help older people return to work or start their own businesses. We have already recruited six new mentors for the county and are looking for more."

"If you are made redundant after the age of fifty in Wales, you stand more chance of dying than finding a job before retirement. It is time to address the age discrimination that is so evident in our society. Older people have vast experience that is being wasted. Help us make a difference in Pembrokeshire by supporting our cause and becoming a volunteer mentor."

The pilot for the Pembrokeshire project was launched by Prime Cymru's founder and President, HRH the Prince of Wales last summer. He said: “PRIME has recognised that we face throughout the UK a very great problem that large numbers of older people are not able to find work. I happen to believe that the experience and skills which people build up over a lifetime are an invaluable resource, and it is madness for society not to make use of this”.

Anybody over 50 who is seeking employment, wanting to become self-employed or is looking for a volunteering opportunity should contact Hugh Davies, Project Co-ordinator on freephone 0800 587 4085, 01550 721813 or email hugh@prime-cymru.co.uk