Vale Council 50+ Forum Radio Show Highlighted by WHO as a Leading Age-Friendly Initiative
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has published a case-study feature recognising the Vale 50+ Forum’s monthly radio show on Bro Radio as an outstanding age-friendly practice as the first and only 50+ forum radio show in Wales.
The programme is celebrated as a standout example of community engagement and inclusion for older adults, showcasing how local partnership and innovative communication can strengthen community ties and support active ageing.
Hosted on Bro Radio, the radio show was launched in 2023 by the Vale 50+ Strategy Forum, supported by the Vale of Glamorgan Public Services Board’s Age Friendly Vale Programme.
The show provides a dedicated platform for older residents to share their views, hear from local leaders - including the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales - and learn about community events, all while listeners enjoy a carefully curated mix of classic tracks, bringing together information, entertainment, and connection.
Cllr Eddie Williams, Cabinet Member for Social Care and Health, said: “The recognition from the World Health Organization is a tremendous honour and reflects our community’s commitment to ensuring older people’s voices are heard and valued.
“This radio show demonstrates how meaningful engagement, creativity and partnership can enrich lives and make our Vale an even more inclusive place to grow older.”
Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Rhian Bowen-Davies, said: “The Vale 50+ Forum’s radio show is a really innovative way of reaching out to and engaging with older people, particularly those who are not online, and I’m delighted that this has been recognised by the WHO.
“Access to information, as well as opportunities to make our voices heard are crucial to support us to age well, and I hope that this model can be rolled out more widely in other areas of Wales.”
Since its launch, the initiative has grown beyond its original pilot phase and continues to thrive as a valued part of the Forum’s work programme and the Vale’s ongoing age-friendly strategy.
Age Friendly Vale Officer Sian Clemett-Davies said: “The Forum’s radio programme shows how the Vale of Glamorgan is putting the Age Friendly Communities movement into action by valuing and amplifying the voices of people aged 50+. It ensures vital information reaches older residents who are housebound or offline and is a credit to the Forum volunteers who have developed new skills to create a valuable community resource.
“The programme is designed by and for older people, with forum members taking an active role in selecting topics, conducting interviews and co-producing content. Its inclusive approach helps reach listeners who may be socially isolated, bringing important information and connection directly into homes across the Vale.”
The programme is live on the second Tuesday of every month at 7pm (98.1 – 106.1FM – DAB – Online) and people can also listen back through the ‘Listen Again’ feature on Bro Radio’s website in its 'Monthly Programming' Section - on Listen Again - Bro Radio.
About Age Friendly Vale and the Vale 50+ Strategy Forum
The Vale of Glamorgan Public Services Board, including the Council and its partners, is committed to creating an age-friendly community where people of all ages can live well and age with dignity and opportunity.
The Vale 50+ Strategy Forum brings together residents aged 50 and over to influence local policy, support wellbeing, and champion the voices of older adults in the Vale.