DementiaRoadmap Wales

Promoting living well with dementia across Wales
Living well with dementia → Involvement

Involvement

Getting involved in reviewing and planning services is an important way in which individuals and carers can contribute to improving services. Experiences and views are valuable in shaping future services.

Dementia Advisors or the local Healthwatch office can advise on opportunities and contacts. The Alzheimer’s Society offers a range of involvement opportunities for people with all types of dementia.

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Resources
Groups

Resources

  • Fulfilled Lives, Supportive Communities: A Strategy for Social Services in Wales over the next decadeFebruary 21 2007This strategy describes how modern accessible and responsive social services, delivered flexibly, consistently and sustainably across organisational boundaries will contribute to a better Wales and to improving the lives of its citizens.
  • National Dementia Vision for WalesSeptember 25 2011The National Dementia Vision for Wales sets the Welsh governmnet's vision to strengthen communities, creating a key resource for people affected by dementia at local and national level. The objective being that over time, building on local improvements from the grass roots up, a network of local dementia supportive communities will create a national dementia supportive community.
  • Tailored resource for carers and care providers on supporting people to live well with dementiaSeptember 16 2015This resource published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) highlights the key messages from 10 quality statements which form the quality standard for supporting people to live well with dementia and shows what they mean for carers and care providers.
  • Peer Support for People with Dementia: A social return on investment studyThis report published by the Health Innovation Network South London, the Academic Health Science Network for South London, outlines the findings of a study which demonstrated that the positive social value of peer support groups for people with dementia, their carers and volunteers can be far greater than the investment.
  • Evaluation of the Bradford Dementia Friendly Communities ProgrammeThis report published by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation identifies the distinctive features of the Bradford Dementia Friendly Communities programme, and examines how people with dementia can influence what a Dementia Friendly Bradford should be like.
  • How can we make our cities dementia friendly?September 3 2015This briefing paper published by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation contributes to the emerging evidence base for Dementia friendly communities by drawing out the key messages from independent evaluations of their work programmes in Bradford and York.
  • Evaluation of the York Dementia Friendly Communities ProgrammeThis report published by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation identifies the distinctive features of the York Dementia Friendly Communities programme, which promotes a range of innovative projects. It looks at how people with dementia have been involved in shaping the programme.
  • Developing a national user movement of people with dementiaThis report published by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation explores the learning from the Dementia Engagement and Empowerment Project (DEEP), a national network that engages and empowers people with dementia to influence the services and policies that affect them.
  • Prime Minister’s challenge on dementia 2020February 21 2015The Prime Minister recently launched the government’s five year vision for the future of dementia care, support and research, which follows on from the existing Prime Minister’s Challenge on Dementia, launched in March 2012.
  • Dementia DiariesJune 4 2015Dementia Diaries is a national project that brings together people’s diverse experiences of living with dementia as a series of audio diaries.
  • Reading well books on prescription for dementiaFebruary 4 2015The Reading well books on prescription for dementia scheme is available in public libraries as part of a national library strategy to support the development of dementia-friendly communities and build understanding and awareness of the condition.
  • Building on the National Dementia Strategy: Change, progress and prioritiesJuly 27 2014This report published by the All Party Parliamentary Party Group on Dementia (APPG) calls for a new long term strategy for dementia to be a worthy successor to the National Dementia Strategy for Dementia in England and the Prime Minister's challenge on dementia.
  • Dementia Peer Support Resource PackApril 24 2015This resource pack, published by the Health Innovation Network, the Academic Health Science Network for South London, aims to promote and encourage more peer support opportunities for people with dementia.
  • Direct PaymentsMarch 7 2019If you have had an assessment that shows you are eligible for social care services, you may prefer to organise your services yourself rather than have the Council do this for you. This is called ‘Direct Payments’. 
  • Dementia: A state of the nation report on dementia care and support in EnglandNovember 29 2013This report, published by the Department of Health, sets out what is known about dementia care, support and research. It highlights where improvements are being made and where improvements are needed.
  • Social Support for People with Memory Problems Living in TorfaenDecember 10 2019Torfaen Memory Service have compiled a list of social support available for people with memory problems who live in Torfaen. These include day centres, groups, keeping you company at home, helping you get out, 1 to 1 befriending, and direct payments scheme.
  • QS30: Supporting people to live well with dementiaApril 3 2013This quality standard, published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), covers the care and support of people with dementia.
  • Better care for older peopleJuly 11 2014This online resource published by the General Medical Council aims to help doctors challenge the stereotypes associated with older people and tackle the most common concerns older people have about their care.
  • Dementia FriendsFebruary 21 2013Dementia Friends is an Alzheimer’s Society initiative that aims to give a million people a better understanding of dementia by 2015.
  • Participation in dementia researchMay 19 2013This short film aims to encourage more patients and carers to take part in ground-breaking research into dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases.
  • Dewis CymruApril 27 2018Dewis Cymru is a website that provides information and advice about well-being. In addition to health information, Dewis Cymru provides information about people and services in your area that can help you with the things that matter to you.
  • Women’s experiences of dementiaJune 1 2015The 'Women's experiences of dementia' website contains a wealth of stories which highlight the experiences of women affected by dementia.
  • Making involvement countOctober 7 2011The Making involvement count resource pack is made up 18 cards each aimed at giving specific information, advice and top tips to support people with dementia to get involved in activities whilst recognising their current abilities.
  • Supporting a person with dementiaOctober 16 2014This Easy Read factsheet published by the the Alzheimer's Society provides advice for someone with learning disabilities who may have a friend or relative with dementia.
  • Collaborative Care and Support Planning: an introductionJanuary 19 2015This animation, commissioned by the Royal College of General Practitioners, sets out the collaborative care and support planning process in a short, easy to understand way.
  • Memory BagsSeptember 25 2019Memory bags are FREE to borrow from Torfaen libraries and are loaned for 3 weeks. There are ten themes to choose from. Memory bags contain a variety of items to be shared and enjoyed. For instance, listen to music or watch a film together; look ...
  • Focus on dementia researchMay 10 2014The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) website Focus on Dementia showcases some of the cutting-edge clinical research that could bring new hope to dementia patients and their families.
  • Torfaen Technology CoachJanuary 22 2020Torfaen Technology Coach is a service funded by Welsh government that provides free technology advice, through free one-to-one support and free group support.
  • Turning up the volume: unheard voices of people with dementiaJanuary 23 2018This report published by the Alzheimer’s Society brings together views of more than 3,500 people with dementia, carers and the public on what it is like to live with dementia. It provides an insight into the gap between the things that people living with dementia need to live well and their day-to-day reality.
  • Library Carers Card & Library at Home ServiceSeptember 25 2019If you are a carer for someone who loves to read but is unable to visit the library due to ill health or disability, you can apply for a carers card to enable you to borrow a total of 50 items for yourself and the ...
  • CEA Cinema CardMarch 7 2019The CEA Card is a national card scheme developed for UK cinemas by the UK Cinema Association (UKCA). The Card enables a disabled cinema guest to receive a complimentary ticket for someone to go with them when they visit a participating cinema.  
  • Living with early-stage dementiaNovember 20 2019Living with early-stage dementia is a comprehensive guide published by Age UK, also known as Age Cymru in Wales.
  • Living with Dementia – 51 Tips to Help You With Daily LivingJune 26 2019In this in-depth infographic and article UK Care Guide offers a range of tips of advice to help people to live well with dementia.
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Groups

  • Torfaen Community TransportTorfaen Community Transport provides door-to-door transport from people's homes in Torfaen to destinations of their choice.32 Gwent Square, Cwmbran, NP44 1PL01633 874686
  • Widdershins Lunch ClubWiddershins Lunch Club is one of six community hubs in Torfaen run as part of Age Connects Torfaen's Friends For Life befriending project.Age Connects Torfaen, Widdershins Centre, East Avenue, Griffithstown, Pontypool, Torfaen, NP4 5AB01495 769264https://www.ageconnectstorfaen.org/
  • Llanyravon dementia cafeThe Llanyravon dementia cafe provides information about living with dementia and other services available locally in an informal and comfortable environment.Llanyravon Methodist Church, Llanyravon Way, Llanyravon, Cwmbran, NP44 8RA01495 768744
  • Pontnewynydd Lunch ClubPontnewynydd Lunch Club is one of six community hubs in Torfaen run as part of Age Connects Torfaen's Friends For Life befriending project.Pontnewynydd Community Centre, Zion Hill, Pontnewynydd, Torfaen, NP4 6SA01495 769264https://www.ageconnectstorfaen.org.uk
  • Torfaen men’s clubAge Connects Torfaen run a dedicated men only group who meet the second Wednesday of the month. The group meet for a home cooked meal and then take part in a range of activities.Age Connects Torfaen, Widdershins Centre, East Avenue, Griffithstown, Pontypool, Torfaen, NP4 5AB01495 769264https://www.ageconnectstorfaen.org/
  • Torfaen befriending serviceTorfaen befriending service offers companionship and support and helps people carry on doing the things they enjoy or to try new activities.Ty Siriol County Hospital, Coed Y Gric Road, Griffithstown, Pontypool, Torfaen, NP4 5YA01633 665110
  • Griffithstown dementia cafeThe Griffithstown dementia cafe provides information about living with dementia and other services available locally in an informal and comfortable environmentSt Hilda's Church, 2 Kemys Street, Griffithstown, Pontypool, Torfaen, NP4 5DT01495 768627
  • Help at HomeAge Connects Torfaen Help at Home service can offer help around the home such as cleaning, shopping and accompanying people to appointments.Age Connects Torfaen, Widdershins Centre, East Avenue, Griffithstown, Pontypool, Torfaen, NP4 5AB01495 774455https://www.ageconnectstorfaen.org/
  • Croesyceiliog Lunch ClubCroesyceiliog Lunch Club is one of six community hubs in Torfaen run as part of Age Connects Torfaen's Friends For Life befriending project.St Mary's Church, Bryn Eglwys Croesyceiliog, Cwmbran, NP44 2LF01495 769264https://www.ageconnectstorfaen.org/
  • SewingAge Connects Torfaen run a weekly sewing class suitable for all abilities.Age Connects Torfaen, Widdershins Centre, East Avenue, Griffithstown, Pontypool, Torfaen, NP4 5AB01495 769264https://www.ageconnectstorfaen.org/
  • Torfaen social group for younger people living with dementiaTorfaen social group gives younger people living with dementia the opportunity to take part in structured activities.The Little Crown Inn, Elled Road, Wainfelin, Pontypool, NP4 6DR01495 768744
  • Torfaen friendship groupTorfaen friendship group offers people the opportunity to meet up with friends or meet new people with an morning of chat refreshments and activities.Age Connects Torfaen, Widdershins Centre, East Avenue, Griffithstown, Pontypool, Torfaen, NP4 5AB01495 774455https://www.ageconnectstorfaen.org/
  • New Inn Lunch ClubNew Inn Lunch Club is one of six community hubs in Torfaen run as part of Age Connects Torfaen's Friends For Life befriending project.The Hwy New Inn, Pontypool, Torfaen, NP4 0PH01495 769264https://www.ageconnectstorfaen.org/
  • Abersychan Lunch ClubAbersychan Lunch Club is one of six community hubs in Torfaen run as part of Age Connects Torfaen's Friends For Life befriending project.Age Connects Torfaen, Widdershins Centre, East Avenue, Griffithstown, Pontypool, Torfaen, NP4 5AB01495 769264https://www.ageconnectstorfaen.org/
  • Community support serviceThe community support service provided by the Alzheimer's Society Torfaen is for people with dementia who need support to carry on doing the things they enjoy or to try new activities.Ty Siriol County Hospital, Coed Y Gric Road, Griffithstown, Pontypool, Torfaen, NP4 5YA01495 768627
  • Arts and crafts groupAge Connects Torfaen run a weekly arts and crafts class suitable for people of all abilities.Age Connects Torfaen, Widdershins Centre, East Avenue, Griffithstown, Pontypool, Torfaen, NP4 5AB01495 769264https://www.ageconnectstorfaen.org/
  • Torfaen art groupAlzheimer's Society in Torfaen run a weekly art group for people living with dementia.Llantarnum Grange, St. Davids Road, Cwmbran, NP44 1PD01495 768744
  • Alzheimer’s Society WalesAlzheimer’s Society is the leading care and research charity for people with dementia their families and carers. The Alzheimer's Society Wales provides a wide range of services to support people living with dementia and their carers.S4C, Parc Ty Glas, Llanishen, Cardiff CF14 5DU, UK0333 150 3456https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/documents.php?categoryID=200139
  • RevitaliseRevitalise is a national charity providing short breaks and holidays (respite care) for disabled people and carers. We also offer inspirational opportunities for volunteers through one of the largest, most diverse volunteer programmes in the UK.212 Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, London, N1 0QH0303 303 0147https://revitalise.org.uk/
  • Dementia AdventureDementia Adventure is a charity dedicated to bringing the benefits of nature based activities and adventures into the lives of more people living with dementia. Unit 11, Old Park Farm, Main Road, Ford End, Essex, CM3 1LN01245 237548 https://www.dementiaadventure.co.uk/
  • Innovations in DementiaInnovations in Dementia is a community interest company that works nationally with people with dementia, partner organisations and professionals to develop and test projects that will enhance the lives of people with dementia.PO Box 616, Exeter, EX1 9JB01392 420076https://www.innovationsindementia.org.uk/
  • Dementia Engagement and Empowerment Project (DEEP)The Dementia Engagement and Empowerment Project (DEEP) brings together groups of people with dementia from across the UK. DEEP supports these groups to try to change services and policies that affect the lives of people with dementia.PO Box 616, Exeter, EX1 9JB01392 420076https://dementiavoices.org.uk/
  • Alzheimer’s SocietyAlzheimer's Society is a membership organisation, which works to improve the quality of life of people affected by dementia in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.Devon House, 58 St Katharine's Way, London, E1W 1LB020 7423 3500https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/
  • Bradford Dementia GroupBradford Dementia Group is a multi-disciplinary, multi-professional group committed to making a difference to policy and practice in dementia care, through excellence in research, education and training.School of Health Studies, Horton A Building, University of Bradford, Richmond Road, Bradford, BD7 1DP01274 233996https://www.brad.ac.uk/health/career-areas/bradford-dementia-group/
  • Dementia PathfindersDementia Pathfinders CIC is a social enterprise delivering therapeutic care and support for people with dementia and their families, and programmes of education and learning for people working in the dementia care field.Warstones Resource Centre, Warstones Drive, Wolverhampton, WV4 4PG0845 257 2250https://www.dementiapathfinders.org
  • The Reader OrganisationThe Reader Organisation is a charitable social enterprise working to connect people with literature through shared reading. The older people and dementia work programme uses shared reading to improve quality of life and care for people living with dementia and their carers.Calderstones Mansion House, Calderstones Park, Liverpool, L18 3JB0151 729 2200https://www.thereader.org.uk/
  • Dementia Research CentreThe Dementia Research Centre, based at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, is one of the UK's leading centres for clinical research into dementia.8-11 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3AR020 3448 4773https://www.ucl.ac.uk/drc/
  • Dementia Services Development CentreThe Dementia Services Development Centre is an international centre of knowledge and expertise dedicated to improving the lives of people with dementia.Iris Murdoch Building, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, Scotland01786 467740https://www.dementia.stir.ac.uk
  • The Reading AgencyThe Reading Agency is a charity working to inspire more people to read more, encourage them to share their enjoyment of reading and celebrate the difference that reading makes to all our lives. Free Word Centre, 60 Farringdon Road, London, EC1R 3GA0207 324 2544https://readingagency.org.uk/
  • YoungDementia UKYoungDementia UK is a charity based in Oxfordshire that aims to help people whose lives are affected by young onset dementia.PO Box 315, Witney, Oxfordshire, OX28 1ZN01993 776295https://www.youngdementiauk.org/
  • Arts 4 DementiaArts 4 Dementia helps develop activities at arts venues to re-energise and inspire people in the early stages of dementia and their carers. The Music Base, King's Place, 90 York Way, London, N1 9AG020 7520 1492https://www.arts4dementia.org.uk/
  • ThriveThrive is the leading charity in the UK using gardening to change the lives of disabled people. Thrive run structured programmes of activities for people with dementia which focus on positive reminiscence, re-connecting with others including friends and family and gentle appropriate exercise and cognitive stimulationThe Geoffrey Udall Centre, Beech Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG7 2AT0118 988 5688https://www.thrive.org.uk/
  • Goldies Cymru – Singing and Activity GroupsPutting smiles on hundreds of faces through our daytime singing and activity sessions. Many new sessions are specifically for People living with Dementia.The Methodist Church at Fairhill, Fairhill, Cwmbran, UK07796 714816https://www.goldiescymru.org.uk/eng/where/
  • Lunch Club – CwmbranThis is one of six community hubs in Torfaen, run as part of Age Concern Torfaen's Friends For Life befriending project. These are lunch clubs that also offer activities, such as card and board games, IT classes, arts & crafts, singalongs, knitting groups, pamper days, reading groups, guest speakers, cake decorating and summer trips.Court Farm and Oakfield Community Centre, Court Farm Estate, 21 Hogarth Close, Llantarnam, Cwmbran NP44 3DBtel: 01495 769264
  • “Zest for Life” – Young Onset Dementia ServiceWe are a supportive group for younger individuals. Suitable for those living with young onset dementia or cognitive impairment. We welcome individuals and carers across Gwent. Weekly Friday drop-in groupWiddershins Centre, East Ave, Griffithstown, Pontypool NP4 5AB01495 769264
  • Free Legal Advice and SupportQualia Law CIC provides free legal advice and support for people living with dementia. We also provide advice to families, carers or professionals in the social care and third sector. Our solicitors are specialists in the areas of: Mental Capacity, Financial Safeguarding, the Court of Protection and Lasting Powers of Attorney.39 Bessborough Drive, Cardiff CF11 8NE, UK07961507940https://www.Qualia-Law.org
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