The West Wales Care & Repair team recently came together for their Annual General Meeting (AGM), marking a special milestone – 10 years of supporting older and vulnerable people to live safely and independently at home.

The day was both a celebration of achievements and a chance to look ahead. Conversations centred on how the service will evolve over the next six years, with customer needs, digital innovation, and environmental goals high on the agenda. From exploring the use of electric vans in rural areas to nurturing apprenticeships and ensuring competitive pay, the team emphasised the importance of balancing growth with maintaining the strong ethos that has always set West Wales Care & Repair apart.

Guest speaker and Chair of the Board, Elaine, reflected on her time with the organisation, recalling the positive energy that’s been embedded from the very beginning. She highlighted the importance of consistency across Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion, the challenges faced during the pandemic, and the way the team worked in partnership with the NHS and other organisations to respond quickly to community needs.

Since then, the service has continued to grow, with an 18% increase in demand. Strong partnerships with local authorities, health organisations, and charities such as PAVs have also helped to reach more people in need.

But behind the numbers are the real stories of people whose lives have been transformed. One recent example is Meinir, who was referred to West Wales Care & Repair by Ceredigion Council’s Carers and Community Support Team in 2024.

Meinir has lived in her detached stone property for more than 28 years, and remaining safe and independent at home was hugely important to her. However, various health conditions were beginning to make daily activities more difficult. That’s when she was introduced to Heulwen, a caseworker who carried out a full Home Safety Assessment.

The assessment led to a number of practical improvements, including grab rails, handrails, half steps, and a specialist hard-of-hearing doorbell with a vibrating pager. Heulwen also supported Meinir with an Attendance Allowance application, resulting in a higher award and an increase to her weekly income.

Following a referral to the Older Not Colder service, Iwan was able to secure grant funding to repair Meinir’s Rayburn, her main source of heating. He also carried out checks with a damp moisture meter, reassuring Meinir that her concerns were caused by condensation and nothing more serious.

The difference in Meinir’s quality of life has been significant. As she herself said: “If it wasn’t for Heulwen, I don’t know where I’d be now.”

As West Wales Care & Repair looks to the future, its focus remains clear: to continue building partnerships, supporting customers, and holding on to the positivity and teamwork that have defined the past decade.

Because, as the team agreed, the most important thing is ensuring that in another five years’ time, people are still saying the same good things.

For more information on West Wales Care & Repair and the services we offer please visit their website.

Published 24/09/2025