News from Dementia Friendly Communities North Powys

Dementia Friendly Newtown have held a successful launch event and continue raising awareness through public dementia friends sessions and fund raising events.

Their excellent website offers information on local events and links to information sources on dementiafriendlynewtown.org.uk

Anyone in the area who would like to be kept up to date should send an email to info@dementiafriendlynewtown.org.uk or join the Facebook group Dementia Friendly Newtown.

Dementia Friendly Welshpool (DFW) have also held a successful launch. It all began with a coffee morning on Friday 14 June where Ann Tudor, High Sheriff of Powys presented 27 town centre shops, businesses and organisations with certificates and information on becoming dementia friendly. Those presented had all pledged to take at least three actions to become dementia friendly organisations. A raffle was held and a children’s colouring competition was launched.

The following day, DFW group members held an activity day in and around Tescos in Welshpool. A tombola, continuation of the colouring competition and guess the sweets in the jar competition took place. In addition to the activities, the Alzheimer’s Society’s roadshow vehicle was parked in the car parked for the day, enabling people from the community to drop by for information or a chat.

The two days were hailed as a success in terms of awareness and fund raising. If any communities in north and mid Powys would like to talk about setting up something similar, please do contact Karen Rodenburg on Karen.rodenburg@alzheimers.org.uk or by calling 07736 125884.

Y Plas in Machynlleth kindly hosted a half day networking session for dementia friendly and dementia supportive communities, ran by Ageing Well in Wales’ Steve Huxton, together with Karen Rodenburg of Alzheimer’s Society. A good mix of people attended and were rewarded by inspiring talks from Rhiannon Davies of Dementia Matters in Powys; Nigel Iskander of Dementia Friendly Newtown and Teresa Davies, guest speaker from North Wales. Feedback on the event was positive and it is hoped the event will encourage more people from the area to get involved with local dementia friendly initiatives.

Don’t forget you can get involved by becoming a dementia friend or champion. Dementia Friends sessions can be arranged in any area, in Welsh or English. The next Dementia Champions induction will take place in Newtown on Tuesday 1 November. Go to www.dementiafriends.org.uk to book a place or a session.