West Wales Veterans’ Archive

Helping Veterans Share Their Stories

About

The West Wales Veterans’ Archive was established to collect and preserve accounts of military service from veterans, aged 50 or older and living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire. The collection features written accounts, oral histories and photographs documenting veterans’ experiences as well as artwork and poetry created by them.

This pioneering Armed Forces archive is designed to be authoritative and sustainable as well as publicly accessible. It is hoped that it will, therefore, become an invaluable learning resource for schools, family historians and independent researchers, among others.

In addition, the project seeks to train veterans in conducting social history research and collecting oral histories.

The project is managed by Age Cymru Dyfed and supported by grants from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust and the Veterans’ Foundation. It is being overseen by a Project Board with representation from archive bodies, veterans and mental health charities, academia and veterans themselves.

The collection can also be viewed on the People’s Collection Wales.

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Services

Age Cymru Dyfed offers a range of vital services which help older veterans in Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire stay independent and in their own homes for as long as possible. They also offer free and confidential information and advice to support older people, their families and carers.

West Wales Veterans Archive Award

We are delighted to announce that our West Wales Veterans Archive project is the winner of the Contribution to Wellbeing award for the Community Archives and Heritage Group award 2021.

“Age Cymru Dyfed is delighted and grateful to receive this national recognition from CAHG. The West Wales Veterans Archive has become an increasingly powerful source of mainly older veterans memories, providing enormous satisfaction to those veterans and their families who have shared their often hidden and understated stories. But this Archive also establishes a legacy which will inform generations for decades to come.” – Hugh Morgan OBE Veterans Coordinator Age Cymru Dyfed.

Befriending Life Links

Many people in later life face loneliness and isolation on a daily basis. Our Befriending Life Links project supports and empowers individuals to build social connections, engage with their community and do the things they enjoy!

We offer telephone befriending and online groups to keep people connected and supported during these challenging times.

Byw Adref/Living at Home (50+)

Promotes independence in the home through help with: household chores, laundry, ironing and shopping.

Staff are DBS checked and insured to work in your home.

Available in Ceredigion.

Money and Welfare Benefits Advice

Do you want to make your money go a little further? Do you have financial concerns or worry about how to pay for the things you need and enjoy? We provide clear, expert advice on what you’re entitled to after a lifetime of work. We will tell you about the benefits you might not have heard about and help make sense of the forms and documents that you need to apply. Many older people across the country fail to claim what they are entitled to – so make sure you get what you deserve!

Based on your personal circumstances, we will check you are receiving all the income you should be, or any discounts or savings you may be eligible for. We will need to understand your health, housing and financial situation so we can give you advice.

Our goal is to help you live safely and independently.

Care and Health

If it’s difficult to do the things you used to, we can help you understand the different ways you can make life a little easier. There are lots of options that will help you look after yourself or a loved one.

Legal Advice and Wills

Most of us will need some help with legal matters at some point in our lives. We help you plan. Around 54% of adults do not have a will, or have one that is out of date meaning their assets may not be managed in the way they want!

Keep Well, Keep Warm

Every winter we know people in Wales don’t survive the cold weather, and this year, months of shielding or reduced contact has taken its toll.

The vital services we provide are needed now more than ever. We can help you, or someone you know, stay well throughout the colder months by:

Offering financial support and advice for winter bills or heating repairs
Giving information on how to make your home winter-ready
Helping to stay active at home with activity instructors who provide online class
Offering group outdoor walking groups
Offering friending through our Better Life Links Telephone Befriending service
Help getting online and digitally connected with loved ones
Helping finding shopping or prescription delivery services

Learn More at Age Cymru Dyfed

News

In Memoriam: Jean McKay

The West Wales Veterans’ Archive is saddened to learn of the death of World War Two veteran Jean McKay at the age of 99 years.

We Need Your Help!

Can you help us identify the two soldiers in this photo? The two men are thought to be Welsh Guards who fought to liberate the Dutch city of Eindhoven during World War Two.

See All News

Do you have a story to tell?

If you would like to contribute your own story of military service or help us collect accounts, we would love to hear from you!

Get Involved