The Cymru Older Peoples Alliance (COPA) is a national charity, supported by the Welsh Government, dedicated to making sure that the voices of older people’s forums and groups are heard across Wales. COPA acts as a bridge, bringing together the views, opinions, and concerns of local older people, and ensuring there is a two-way dialogue between local communities and national decision-makers.
Why Is This Important?
For the interests of older people to be properly represented and for national decisions to reflect their needs, it’s vital to have a dynamic process that allows local forums to have their say at the national level. COPA provides a conduit for issues affecting older people to be raised with Ministers, civil servants, the Commissioner for Older People, and a variety of other national bodies.
How We Amplify Local Voices
One of COPA’s key methods is the bi-monthly Forum Representatives Group meetings. This group brings together COPA Trustees, as well as Chairs, Vice Chairs, and members from local forums and groups from across Wales. Established in 2020, the group discusses a wide range of topics and hears from various guest speakers. The insights and outcomes from these meetings directly inform COPA’s campaigns, consultation responses, and national representation.
Making an Impact in 2025
In 2025, the Forum Representatives Group held several impactful meetings, influencing policy development and raising important issues, including:
- Discussions with the Deputy Minister for Social Care about the future of Age Friendly Communities in Wales and the importance of engaging older people.
- Engagement with the Commissioner for Older People in Wales on her Forward Work Programme and collaboration opportunities.
- Dialogue with the President of Care Forum Wales about challenges facing social care and the practical issues impacting older people who need care.
- Meeting with the Chief Social Care Officer for Wales about social care reform and concerns around access to care and support.
Minutes of these meetings are available on request
Get Involved
COPA is eager to strengthen the Forum Representatives Group and welcomes interest from members of forums and groups who would like to attend. Partner organisations are also invited to participate as observers.
COPA January 2026
Cymru.older.peoples.alliance@gmail.com