A SITE that was once used by first century Romans and is now home to a state of the art community hub in Swansea is getting ready to welcome a new group.
RSPCA Llys Nini in Penllergaer will soon be housing social activities run by charity Re-engage, which supports lonely or isolated people aged 75 and over.
Many years after the Romans departed a Welsh long house dominated the site before Llys Nini – a local, separately registered charity, which runs the hub and an animal centre, took over in 1994.
Former First Minister, Mark Drakeford, opened the centre, called Yr Ysgubor (The Barn) last year. Funded through grant aid it boasts a modern activity space, classroom and café.
Rob Davies, who is running a gentle activity group at the centre for Re-engage, said: “This really is a great location with a lot of history. We’re close to the main routes and the hub is a perfect place for our activity group.
“We have a few older people who would like to come but we are looking for more who would benefit from a social gathering where they can chat, make friends and do a little gentle exercise. And it would be nice to have some volunteers who can help and make a big difference to the lives of the older people.
“We started a similar group in the Sketty district of Swansea a while back and at first there just two or three people coming alone. Now we have over twenty.
“The groups are really popular and the older people look forward to coming along once a month. We even have volunteer drivers who can pick them up and drop them off afterwards.”
Sally Hyman, Chair of Trustees of RSPCA Llys Nini said: “ We are delighted to offer facilities to Re-engage. Llys Nini is an important animal charity but we also aim to be a support to the community.”
If you know of an older person who would benefit from joining this activity group please contact Re-engage: charity supporting older people (reengage.org.uk) or you can call: 0800 716543
