New poems celebrate belonging and community in Gwynedd

In a special project with some of the county’s residents and local poets, Cyngor Gwynedd has arranged to co‑produce a series of poems that record the importance of friends, community and belonging.

The project was launched to note the International Day of Older Persons 2025, reflecting the theme of the year, of Building belonging. Celebrating the power of our social connections'. 

Through the 'Perthyn' project, four local poets were commissioned to create poems that would tie in with the theme.

Ten locations across Gwynedd were visited including residential homes and extra care homes, enriching opportunities to share experiences, share stories, share history and discuss connections.

Inspiration for the poems ranged from sharing stories of family and community celebrations and traditions, to using music, pictures and artefacts.

Sian Northey, one of the poets involved in the project, said:

"My role was to listen and record. I'd introduce an image, or a few objects, or another poem as inspiration, and I'd ask a few questions – that's all. But the important thing is that the listening and recording is proof to the residents that their memories, stories, imagination and ideas matter.

"Often, when working in a group, it also allowed them to listen to each other in a different way than usual – to laugh together and share a few profound things.

"In terms of poetry, it's somehow there on a plate – the vocabulary, the images, the emotions. It was a privilege to help them create these poems."

Councillor Dilwyn Morgan, Cyngor Gwynedd's Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing and Age-Friendly Champion, added:

"Hearing the voices of older people about their experiences of ageing is very important to us here in Gwynedd. We are proud of all the intergenerational work taking place across the county, and the opportunities to bring people of all ages together noting the importance of sharing stories to better understand each other and the world.

"These sessions were fun, full of conversation and laughter, and with a bit of motivation the conversation flowed freely, and everyone was grateful for the opportunity to share their history, experiences and interests.

"These poems are a record of people's stories about the importance of connections, friends, community and belonging, and have given individuals the opportunity to reflect, remember and celebrate their experiences in a warm and kind atmosphere."

A copy of the poems by Buddug Watcyn Roberts, Haf Llywelyn, Sioned Erin Hughes and Sian Northey will be displayed at the residential homes and extra care homes.

Some of the poems will also be featured on the Gwynedd yn Gwenu social media platforms – Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

For more information about Age Friendly Gwynedd visit the website: www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/oedgyfeillgar