Set up by the Alzheimer’s Society, Dementia Action Week is a regional and annual campaign that runs from Monday, 13 May to Sunday, 19 May and aims to raise awareness of dementia by working with individuals and organisations across the UK to encourage people to act on dementia.
It has been projected that over a million people will be living with dementia in the UK by 2025. 1 in 3 people in the UK living with dementia do not have a diagnosis, while 91% of people affected by dementia say there are benefits to getting a diagnosis.
It is therefore so important to raise awareness around the symptoms and effects of dementia, as well as ensuring that people know where they can seek help and support.
To mark the occasion, there are several events taking place throughout the week as part of the ‘Turning Ponty Blue’ campaign. The campaign has been set up in partnership with RCT Council and the Dementia Friendly Pontypridd Steering Group — together with many local community groups and organisations including those from Pontyclun & Llanharan — and will see buildings lit up blue throughout the County Borough.
Councillor Gareth Caple, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care and Older Persons Champion at RCT Council, said: “Dementia is one of the biggest health and social care issues we are facing today, and it can have life changing impacts on those affected as well as those closest to them.
“As part of Dementia Action Week 2024, I am pleased to say that RCT Council — in partnership with numerous Dementia Friendly organisations and community groups — are hosting several events to raise awareness and highlight the activities on offer to support those living with dementia.
“I am also pleased to say that we have a number of organisations who will be lighting up buildings and monuments in solidarity with this year’s Dementia Action Week campaign.
“By working closely with key partners, we can continue to make RCT a dementia-friendly community, drive forward the work towards raising awareness, and ensure that those affected by dementia can access vital support to improve their mental health and wellbeing.”
Local Events
Weeklong
- In partnership with Love Treorchy, Rhondda Rotary is proposing to hold a competition to 'find the Dementia flower' in the shop windows of Treorchy during Dementia Action week.
Monday, 13 May
- 50+ Forum afternoon tea, Pontyclun Athletic Club, 2-4pm
Wednesday, 15 May
- YMa - Shelley Hall
- 11am opening speech - Cllr. Caple
- Harp performance from Bethan (thanks to Trac Cymru)
- Information stands and activities, including tabletop activities from interlink / 50+Forums and Growing Space Pontypridd CIC (throughout the day)
- Memory Tree and Time for Reflection (throughout the day)
- Tenovus Choir 2.20pm
- YMa - Other Rooms
- Crochet Club 10am-Noon
- Nostalgia/Memories/Blue Collage 10.30am–noon
- Dwbl Denim Embroidery Workshop 12-2pm
- Pottery Session with Still Me (craft room) 12.15-2pm
- YMa – Moon Theatre
- Harp Performance/ Workshop with Bethan (thanks to Trac Cymru) 11.30am-2.30pm
- Pontypridd Library
- Old photos and Information Stands – Frailty team from Taf Ely GP Cluster 10am – 2pm
- Pontypridd Museum
- Activities including Indoor Kurling and Indoor Golf 11.30am-12.30pm
- Harp Performance / Workshop with Bethan (1.15-2pm
- Ynysangharad War Memorial park and Calon Taf
- Tea Dance and Step Movement 1950s style with Park and Taff Memory Service Team 10am-2pm
- Calon Taf Heritage Walk 11am
Thursday, 16 May
- Dementia Friends Session Bethel Baptist Church, 6.30pm
- Singing for the Brain, meeting in the Community Centre and singing outside the Deli/Chemist (weather permitting), 10-11.30am
Friday, 17 May
- YMa
- Musical Seated Movement Session 12.30-1pm
- Dementia Friendly Movie Screening | Mamma Mia 2-4pm
If you would like to learn more about dementia, there is an online bitesize digital Dementia Friends session that you can access for FREE.
To find out more about Dementia Action Week, please visit: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-involved/dementia-action-week
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Posted on 13/05/2024