Machynlleth Group Wins Funding For Senior Citizens' Luncheon Club
Thursday 1 November 2001
Community action group CAMAD (Community Action Machynlleth and District) will be holding its first luncheon club for senior citizens next week, thanks to funding from the Food Standards Agency Wales.
The group has successfully won a ¿605 grant to hold meetings on a fortnightly basis throughout the winter.
The first club meeting will be held next Thursday, 8 November at 12 noon in the Bro Dyfi Leisure Centre, Machynlleth. Mrs Dilwen Phillips, member of the FSA's Advisory Committee for Wales will mark the occasion by presenting CAMAD with its grant cheque.
CAMAD's successful bid follows a FSA request for community and volunteer groups to apply for funding towards healthy eating initiatives aimed at people aged 65 and over. Some 17 groups have been allocated a portion of a ¿10,000 pot set aside by the Agency as part of its contribution to the National Assembly for Wales' Keep Well This Winter campaign, which runs from October to February 2002.
CAMAD's luncheon club is run by Myra Francis and Heather Slade, who have also booked the Red Cross Dial a Ride bus for those who require transport to the centre. Anyone interested in attending the two course lunch must book in advance, as places are allocated on a first come, first served basis. CAMAD can be contacted on 01654 700071.
Jayne Griffiths determined the successful applications for funding. She said: "I am delighted that this first event is underway. CAMAD's application proved them worthy recipients of this funding, and I am sure that they will serve up a positive outlook towards healthy eating during the winter, as well as an enjoyable and nutritious lunch."
News contact: Kathryn Corcoran (029) 20 678915
- Healthy eating plays an important role in the health of older people. It can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and some cancers, aid recovery from illness maintain independence and lead to a better quality of life. A good diet is especially important during the winter, when people can be at their most vulnerable to illness.
- One of the Food Standards Agency's roles includes providing advice to the public and Government on nutrition and diet. In providing this advice, its aims it to achieve long term improvements in the diet and nutrition of the population and a reduction in inequalities by enabling and encouraging the disadvantaged and vulnerable to improve their diets.
- The National Assembly for Wales' key partners in the Keep Well This Winter campaign are: Age Concern Cymru; Care and Repair Cymru; the Food Standards Agency Wales; National Energy Action; the Royal National Institute for the Blind; Wales Council for the Blind and the Wales Youth Agency. The campaign is further supported by the National Association of Citizens' Advice Bureaux, the Welsh Local Government Association and NHW Direct Wales.