A support group for people with dementia and their carers in Cwmbran has grown from eight members to around 30.
They meet every Friday from 1pm to 3pm in the town’s library. They held their Christmas party on Friday 20 December 2024.
Emma Rees, a community connector with Torfaen Council said: “The group was formed between the community connectors and the library to provide a nice safe space for people who’ve got dementia and their loved ones and carers. We have services coming in that will offer advice and support. we play quizzes, have games, do some reminiscing. We’re nearly at capacity.
“We’ve got two volunteers, our lovely Cameron and Dawn. The group wouldn’t be what it is today without them. They turn up every week looking after all of our guests, making them teas and coffees, and chatting.
The Christmas session also had a special guest. They invited 105-year-old Owen Filer along to meet members.
Hannah Brown, a community connector, said: “We started with about eight members and now we’ve had 30 here today. And they come every week, unless they’re ill, no matter how bad the weather. Neither of our volunteers drive so they rely on public transport. They get here off their own steam. They’re as good as gold.”
Dawn Tattershall, a volunteer said: “I love it because it gives people happiness for two hours and it gives the carers the chance to meet with other cares. I was a carer myself before my husband passed away.
“These make it so much easier. We are all a team. Everyone says we’re a welcoming group. The carers go off on their own which is what they need. It gives them happiness as you can see. We do that every week.”
Andrea Willams, a community connector, said: “At the sessions, they split into two. The carers go off together and share their own stories and then we’ll do an activity for the people with dementia.
“A lot of the people didn’t know there was people like them who were caring for their loved ones so it’s support for everybody and the people with dementia feel safe.
“A lot of the people didn’t now there was people like them who were caring for their loved ones so it’s support for everybody and the people with dementia feel safe.”