AN innovative project aimed to celebrate the wisdom and experience of the older generation is being piloted in Carmarthenshire.

Dewis Choice, working at Aberystwyth University, has been awarded competitive funding from the Big Lottery UK and chose Carmarthenshire to experiment the project.

The project requires help in gathering information to champion the cause of the older generation with their research project on increasing choices for people in difficult family circumstances, including looking for families with stories to tell who might help their cause.

Dewis Choice project lead Sarah Wydall said: “Society tells us that younger is better. We at the Choice project reject this view.

“The golden years can be just as rewarding and exciting as the teenage years.

“We promote a positive attitude towards ageing and highlight the contribution older people make to society and the value and fun they bring to their extended families.”

Graham Davies, from Betws, told Dewis Choice: “My mother is 87. Although she is no longer physically as able, she is as sharp as a button.

“The whole family, even the local community, seek guidance and support from her.

“She is full of wisdom, good values and generosity. She truly is the pillar of the family and the community. I am proud to call her my mum.”

Dewis Choice would be interested to hear what you think makes a healthy relationship with your partner and extended family and how this can change over time.

This could be either by speaking with them individually or as part of a group setting.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s executive board member for social care and health, Cllr Jane Tremlett said: “I am very pleased to support the valuable work the Dewis Choice project is carrying out across Carmarthenshire by helping older people and their families who are experiencing difficulties in their relationships.

“Appreciating what makes for positive and healthy relationship within families as we grow older will help the project team with their work so I encourage people to contact them and share their experiences.”

Anyone interested in sharing their thoughts or finding out more can contact Jeremy Newman by email at choice@aber.ac.uk or telephone 01970 622516 by August 31.