Across Monmouthshire, community groups are uniting to provide opportunities for learning, discussion, and socialising.

To celebrate International Day of Older People on October 1, 2025, MCC’s Cabinet Member for Social Care, Safeguarding, and Accessible Health Services, Cllr Ian Chandler; Cabinet Member for Equalities and Engagement, Cllr Angela Sandles; and Cllr Jackie Strong, the MCC’s Older People’s Champion, visited three community groups across the county.

These community groups truly highlight the importance of social connections.

In Raglan, members of the Coffee & Computers group meet every Monday at the Fellowship Hall. The group’s goal is to offer a warm, social space where people can learn more about the digital world. Thanks to volunteers, members receive support and advice on topics such as online shopping, staying in touch with family and friends, online banking, and the importance of staying safe online.

Cllr Angela Sandles, the Cabinet Member for Equalities and Engagement, said, “The visit to Raglan was a wonderful experience. The friendships among the group’s members are evident. Along with the volunteers, we witnessed how they helped each other with their questions.”

At the Usk Community Hub & Library, the councillors were welcomed by the Cuppa and Connect group, which meets weekly to provide members with an opportunity to catch up and socialise over a warm cup of tea or coffee.

Cllr Jackie Strong, the council’s Older People’s Champion, stated, “Groups like these are a lifeline for so many people. They provide a regular time and place for individuals to get out of the house and socialise with friends, friends they may not have met if it weren’t for this group. 

“Our Community Hubs can play a key role in offering opportunities for people to meet in a warm and welcoming space.”

The final visit was to the Abergavenny Action 50+ group, which meets monthly to discuss local issues. Through these meetings, the group provides the council with valuable insights into what is working well in the community and what improvements could be made.

Cllr Ian Chandler, the Cabinet Member for Social Care, Safeguarding, and Accessible Health Services, remarked, “Visiting these groups has provided us with genuine insight into the fantastic work happening across our county each week. Thank you for allowing us to attend. 

“By talking to the members of these groups, we have witnessed the power of the social connections being forged within the community. Members are socialising, building relationships, and acquiring new skills all across the county.”

In July 2025, Monmouthshire joined a growing global movement aimed at better serving its older residents. By becoming a member of The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities, Monmouthshire commits to promoting and upholding the values and principles central to the WHO’s Age-friendly approach. More information can be found at: www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/2025/07/monmouthshire-becomes-a-member-of-the-global-network-for-age-friendly-cities-and-communities/.