Holywell woman nominated for Wale Care Awards

Oct 15 2009 by Dave Goodban, Flintshire Chronicle

PIONEERING projects devised to help older people lead full and active lives have earned a Holywell woman a nomination for a national award.

Sandra Jones from Trelawnyd has been shortlisted in the Promoting Fulfilled Lives category at the Wales Care Awards.

Sandra has been Denbighshire County Council’s older people’s development officer for four years, during which time her enthusiasm and dedication has opened up new opportunities for the county’s elderly people.

One of her most popular programmes involves children visiting older people’s day centres and playing Nintendo Wii computer games, which use handheld wireless controls and encourage active participation.

Sandra also established the ‘Night Rider’ scheme, which provides safe, reliable and inexpensive transport to allow pensioners to go out in the evening.

Sue Wright, who nominated Sandra her for the award, said her enthusiasm is “infectious”.

“So much of what she achieves is down to her personality, her enthusiasm and commitment,” said Sue.

“Sandra is not driven by her job description but rather by her passion to engage, empower and enthuse others in her campaign to promote the skills and values of older people.”

Sandra has worked in Denbighshire for 20 years and believes the experience she gained in other departments, including the libraries, has helped her in her current role.

She said: “It’s important to remember that older people have made such a massive contribution to society, and continue to do so.”

The Wales Care Awards take place at Cardiff City Hall on October 30.