Marie Curie and Dementia Friendly Communities in Cardiff and the Vale
We're helping businesses and organisations across all sectors in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan to become dementia friendly.
The project is part of the Welsh Assembly Government's commitment to develop Dementia Friendly Communities throughout Wales.
We're working in partnership with Cardiff Council , Vale of Glamorgan Council , Alzheimer's Society Cymru and Cardiff and Vale University Health Board .
The challenge: people affected by dementia, and their carers, don't always feel that their local businesses and organisations are aware of or supportive of their needs
People living with dementia, and their carers, want to be treated with understanding, patience and respect. Noisy environments and unclear signage can cause confusion and be upsetting, and staff are often unaware of how to help.
As a result, many people living with dementia, and their carers, avoid visiting their local businesses and do not feel part of the community.
The solution: supporting businesses and organisations to adapt to the needs of people affected by dementia who are using their services
We support businesses with resources to take simple, low-cost actions that can make a significant difference to people living with dementia, and their carers, making their businesses more welcoming and accessible as a result. These actions could include:
- becoming a Dementia Friend with Alzheimer's Society by accessing a free information session
- reviewing the accessibility of business premises using a specially produced environment checklist
- signposting people affected by dementia to the resources and support available to them.
The outcome: a more inclusive society for people living with dementia, and their carers
More dementia-friendly businesses will mean more people affected by dementia can visit their local businesses in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan with confidence. The project is also building a better general understanding of the needs of people affected by dementia.
I felt very supported but not rushed along our dementia friendly journey. The pledge programme inspired us to have conversations and put small things in place that make a big difference. I passionately believe it is the duty of all organisations to do so.
Becoming a dementia friendly business has given us extra confidence to help assist people with dementia and their carers. It has also encouraged engagement from new clients.
I feel confident that we can make steps forward as individuals and as a faith community, but you have inspired us to dream bigger.
If you're based in Cardiff or the Vale of Glamorgan and want support to make your business dementia friendly, email our project team today.
You can also visit the Dementia Friendly Cardiff website or the Dementia Friendly Vale wesbite for more local information.
