PEOPLE affected by dementia, professionals and volunteers gathered at Cwmbran Library on Friday, January 30 for the launch of Torfaen Dementia Hub – one of five Hubs opened by Alzheimer’s Society across Gwent. They enjoyed cake and explored the support available at the centre.
The Dementia Hubs are spaces where people affected by dementia can find advice and support, along with information on keeping your brain healthy, from a range of organisations working in partnership with Alzheimer’s Society including Gwent Dementia Friendly Communities. The Hubs are funded by Gwent Regional Partnership Board. Since the pilot, which began in January last year, 1,300 people have visited the Dementia Hubs.
Following the successful pilot, Dementia Hubs have also launched in Ebbw Vale Institute, Caerphilly Library, Monmouth Library and The Riverfront Theatre & Arts Centre in Newport. The Hubs are open to those living with dementia, their carers, and anyone concerned about their memory or with questions about dementia. They are staffed weekdays 10am-2pm, and open outside these hours for those collecting information. One in three people born today will develop dementia in their lifetime and around 50,000 people in Wales are living with dementia.
Terry George, from Cwmbran, who accessed Torfaen Dementia Hub during the pilot, said: “Since my wife has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease we have been visiting the Hub at Cwmbran Library and speaking to Dementia Adviser Jane who has been very helpful and understanding.
“She has put us in touch with various organisations and given us advice on where to get help. The Dementia Hub is a really valuable asset to us as a person with dementia and carer.”
Alzheimer’s Society Wales Country Manager Rachel Nelson said: “The Dementia Hubs across Gwent are the place to go for a listening ear, a tissue or 10, a cup of tea and a biscuit, and a bucketload of understanding.
“You will be able to chat to Alzheimer’s Society’s brilliant Dementia Advisers, as well as experts from other organisations who will also be on hand to help.
“Through the Hubs we are providing help and hope to everyone across Gwent affected by dementia. We’re helping people make the most of life with dementia, supporting them through some of the hardest and most frightening times.”
Stephanie Morgan, Team Leader at Torfaen Library, said: “We’re proud to launch the new dementia hub at Cwmbran Library. It will provide accessible information, guidance and a compassionate environment for people living with dementia and those who care for them.
“Libraries are vital community spaces, and as Cwmbran Library continues to grow as a hub offering a wide range of services on site, this new support service is a natural extension of that role.”
Alzheimer’s Society Cymru is here for everyone affected by dementia. Pop into one of the new Dementia Hubs in Gwent, call their Support Line on 0333 150 3456, if you speak Welsh call the Welsh-speaking support line on 03300 947 400, or visit the Alzheimer’s Society’s website.
