The journey to creating dementia-friendly communities across North Wales is well underway.
The Dementia Friendly Communities Scheme is about helping to build communities that are compassionate, inclusive and resilient for people living with dementia, and also to support their friends, families and unpaid carers to stay connected, and live well within their local areas.
The North Wales Regional Partnership Board (RPB) launched the North Wales Dementia Friendly Communities Scheme on 1 January 2024. This initiative builds on the valuable work of the Alzheimer’s Society, whose scheme has now closed, and involves collaboration with six local councils, County Voluntary Councils, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, local businesses, and charities.
Anglesey's Adult Services and Community Safety Portfolio Holder, Councillor Alun Roberts, “We’re delighted that Anglesey county council was recognised last year as the first dementia-friendly council in North Wales. Our Dementia Actif Môn team is on hand to help those living with dementia as well as their families and carers. The scheme gives access to high quality, supervised exercise programmes that help to improve health and wellbeing.”
“Raising awareness of dementia across Anglesey has been a great way of empowering individuals and communities. It also allows us to take action in order to help people affected by dementia in their local communities. It is extremely rewarding to see people coming together to achieve their individual aims of wanting to support people so that everyone can continue to be included and play an active role within their community.”
Anglesey’s Dementia Officer, Eban Geal, added, “With an estimated 1,300 people living with dementia here on Anglesey, and only a 38.6% diagnostic rate. It is vitally important that we raise awareness about dementia, ensure that the communities that they live in are inclusive, ensure support for them and their families and allow access to groups, support and activities.”
Communities participating in the scheme can gain recognition for their efforts, which might include:
- staff training in local businesses
- clear and understandable signage around town
- dementia-friendly activities
There are currently 12 communities in North Wales recognised for their progress towards becoming dementia friendly, from Anglesey to Wrexham. It is anticipated that a further 12 communities will be looking to apply for dementia friendly status accreditation during 2025.
In the scheme’s first year:
- over 1,000 people living with dementia and their unpaid carers were supported through dementia groups
- more than 150 people attended dementia training sessions
- over 1,400 people reported improved knowledge of dementia services in their community
This is one of a number of schemes delivered by the North Wales Regional Partnership Board (RPB) and their partners, working to make communities more inclusive and empowering.
Learn more about the North Wales Dementia Friendly Communities Scheme and how to apply by visiting their website.
Ends 2 April 2025