The movement, a partnership between Cardiff Council and Cardiff and Vale University Health Board working together to make Cardiff a Dementia Friendly City, is supporting Alzheimer's Society’sannual action week once again to encourage people to act on dementia.

Receiving a diagnosis is a vital step for individuals living with dementia, as it enables them to access essential care, treatment, and support services.

This week is a timely opportunity to highlight the information, advice and support available on the Dementia Friendly Cardiff website, which includes useful information for those concerned about their memory, practical advice and signposting to further resources and support, as well details about regular events and activities held across the city for individuals living with dementia and their families.

Cabinet Member for Adults Services, Cllr Leonora Thomson, said: “Dementia Action Week is a fitting reminder of the importance of early diagnosis and the difference it can make in people’s lives. Through Dementia Friendly Cardiff, we are committed to ensuring that everyone affected by dementia feels supported, understood and connected to their communities.

“From practical advice and inclusive events, to our growing network of dementia-friendly businesses, we are proud to be creating a city where people living with dementia and their carers can live well.”

Among the useful resources on the Dementia Friendly Cardiff website is a link to a guide about how to reduce the risk of developing dementia. The guide is also available in an easy read version.

With support from Dementia Friendly Cardiff, more than 700 businesses across the city and Vale of Glamorgan have pledged to become dementia friendly by taking steps to be more welcoming and accessible for people living with dementia and their carers. Details of many of the businesses are available here: (Become a Dementia Friendly Business or Organisation - Dementia Friendly Cardiff)

Titles in the refreshed Reading Well for Dementia reading list are available at hubs and libraries to help people living with dementia, carers and family members including younger children to understand more about dementia.  The booklist provides reliable information, advice and support as well as personal stories and age-appropriate books for children. 

The Caring Friends initiative supports and provides friendship for people in Cardiff with caring responsibilities, including carers of those with dementia. The scheme was created to provide unpaid carers with the opportunity to take a break and receive some emotional and practical support from a befriending volunteer.

Volunteers provide friendship phone calls, in-person support at home or in the community, help with light household or gardening tasks or shopping. They receive training around the experiences of carers, including awareness training about long-term health conditions such as Dementia.

Unpaid carers who would like to receive support from a befriending volunteer should contact Independent Living Services on 02920 234 234 Option 2. Anyone interested in using their skills to make a difference to an unpaid carer in the city can get in touch with the Wellbeing Support Service on 029 2087 1071 or email carersbefriending@cardiff.gov.uk

Hubs and Libraries across the city hold a variety of dementia friendly events and activities every week including dementia cafes, reminiscence activities, singalongs and low level exercise sessions. Details of what’s on are available here Events | Cardiff Hubs :Cardiff Hubs

Hubs for All is a new service that provides a safe, caring and engaging environment for people in the early stages of dementia. The sessions keep attendees socially active and connected to their community, whilst giving those looking after them an opportunity to take a break and recharge, knowing that their loved ones are safe.

Activities include crafts, quizzes and seated sports and focus on cognitive stimulation, staying mobile, social interaction and fostering positive emotions. The service is currently available in Rhiwbina Hub, St Mellons Hub, Grangetown Hub and Llandaff North Hub. Call 02920 234272 or email hubs4all@cardiff.gov.uk for more information.