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Shelter Cymru has launched its new Cyngor 50+ Advice service in Pembrokeshire.The event was held at the Queen’s Hall in Narberth and was attended by over 50 people representing various local community groups and charities as well as representatives of Pembrokeshire County Council. Director of Shelter Cymru, John Puzey, spoke of the fact that the event was a celebration of the success of the Carmarthenshire Cyngor 50+ Advice project as well as its official launch across Pembrokeshire.The project is funded by The Big Lottery Fund and is a service specifically for people over the age of 50 who are experiencing housing, benefit and debt issues. The scheme was awarded £498,496 and Shelter Cymru, via this project, will give free advice to anyone who are having trouble making ends meet, experiencing housing issues or are having difficulty understanding or accessing benefits.Kelly White, project manager for Cyngor 50+ Advice explains what the service offers to the people:“We will be holding drop-in sessions at community venues across Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire giving confidential and specialist advice. Home visits can also be arranged for those experiencing difficulties in accessing this service. Alongside this, we at Shelter Cymru can offer “financial health checks” for individuals and a new support officer will provide support and guidance to all individuals who come to us seeking advice”.Other key speakers included Councillor Simon Hancock, Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Health and Well-being and Equalities for Pembrokeshire County Council. He welcomed the launch of this new service for the older people of the county emphasising that 45% of the population of Pembrokeshire fall into the fifty plus age bracket.He said that “being able to maintain their home and being able to stay independent and comfortable without housing financial restraints is fundamental in promoting the health and well-being of all individuals”. He added that the Cyngor 50+ Advice is pivotal in realising this goal.A call was also made for volunteers to assist with this project. If anyone is interested in taking part in this project, training and support will be provided by Shelter Cymru.For further information in accessing this service in your area email fiftyplus@sheltercymru.org.uk or telephone 01554 899371