Stay Connected, co-founded by lifelong Penarth friends Rachel Glover and Melanie Gape-Wood, offers bespoke practical support to seniors across the Vale of Glamorgan and Cardiff. Their mission is simple: to provide practical, personalised support that helps older people feel connected, confident and valued as part of their community.
Rachel and Mel each bring more than twenty years of experience working with people and supporting their wellbeing. Rachel’s background as a primary school teacher and deputy head has given her an instinct for building confidence and independence, while Mel’s work has centred on helping people with additional needs, particularly around mental health and emotional resilience. Together, they bring a thoughtful, grounded approach shaped by years of real-world experience.
Drawing on their professional backgrounds and their own experiences of supporting their grandparents, they saw a growing need for flexible, person-centred support for people in later life. Stay Connected grew from that realisation.
“Stay Connected was created to bridge the gap for people who need a little extra help with the practical parts of everyday life, as well as opportunities to stay connected and engaged with their community,” says Mel.
Tailored support
Stay Connected offers support that’s shaped around each person and what matters to them. That might mean friendly conversation, help with errands or general household support.
Whether it’s gentle home organisation or enjoyable moments like gardening or playing cards, the aim is always the same: to make everyday life feel easier, brighter, and more manageable.
Clients often speak about the difference this makes. One shared, “Mum looks forward to her visits. It’s not just the help with her tablet or the paperwork, it’s the confidence and reassurance that comes from having someone patient and reliable by her side.”
A little support that goes a long way
Rachel and Mel often see how small, steady support can make a real difference. One Penarth resident, “Margaret”, had begun to find everyday tasks harder to manage after a difficult period in her life.
When Stay Connected began visiting twice a week, they focused on simple, practical steps, such as setting up her online grocery account, organising her paperwork, decluttering and accompanying her to appointments. They also reintroduced small pleasures she enjoyed, like playing cards, short walks and a weekly coffee outing.
Over time, Margaret’s confidence began to return. She described the support as “a lifeline that helped me get my life back on track.” Her daughter added, “it was the companionship, the patience, and knowing Mum had someone reliable by her side.”
Professional, trusted and compassionate
Every member of the team is fully DBS-checked and comes from a background in education or healthcare. They are trained in dementia awareness, adult safeguarding and first aid, giving families real peace of mind.
“In setting up Stay Connected, we wanted every visit to feel focused, unhurried and genuinely supportive,” says Rachel. “Our team combines professional training with warmth and reliability, so the people we support feel truly valued.”
Looking ahead
Rachel and Mel are keen to build stronger links with local groups and community organisations, creating more opportunities for older people to connect, socialise and thrive. If you run a local group and would like to explore working together, they would love to hear from you.
As Stay Connected continues to grow, one thing remains central: ensuring that people in later life across Penarth, the Vale and Cardiff feel supported, respected and part of a vibrant community. With a blend of professional expertise, genuine care and friendship, Stay Connected is dedicated to making everyday life brighter, easier and more connected for those who need it most.
