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In 2008 the BME Communities First Partnership began in Newport, hosted jointly between GAVO (Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations) and Newport City Council, with line management involvement from SEWREC. The BME Partnership was set up to bring communities together, to act as a voice for the BME community in Newport, and to work with partners to tackle poverty.
Roy Grant BEM became Chair in 2008 and started the process to transform the network. In 2012, the Age Alive brand was adopted as it became necessary for the network to gain its own identity. For over 10 years, Roy Grant has been the driving force behind the charity’s growth and impact. His tireless commitment to both the organisation and the wider community has earned him widespread recognition, including the prestigious St David’s Award, the Windrush 75 Certificate, the MTM Unsung Hero Award, and most notably, a British Empire Medal (BEM) from the Crown.
Roy Grant BEM resigned his position as Chair at the beginning of 2025, leaving an undisputable legacy behind, which lead to Rahila Hamid being appointed Chair of Age Alive in February 2025. Rahila has spent over 30 years championing inclusion and support for underrepresented communities in Newport. Originally from Pakistan, Rahila has worked with organisations including Age Concern (now Age Cymru), Newport Mind, South East Wales Racial Equality Council, EYST, Newport Yemeni Community Association, and BAWSO. Despite personal health challenges, she has tirelessly supported the elderly, asylum seekers, and victims of domestic abuse, building trust across diverse communities. Rahila continues to inspire through her advocacy, community leadership, and work with the Ethnic Minority Research Advisory Group at the University of South Wales.
Age Alive is a registered charity which aims to provide activities and opportunities in particular, but not exclusively for, BME 50+ people in Newport, Wales.
Age Alive is a charity
registered in England &
Wales (1172561)
Registered in 2017