Dementia Friendly Volunteer scheme launched

A new scheme to encourage people to give their time to help Cardiff on its journey to becoming a more dementia friendly city has been launched today on World Alzheimer’s Day.

Dementia Friendly Cardiff, a partnership movement within the city comprising the Council,Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and Alzheimer’s Society Cymru – which encourages and support organisations, local businesses and community groups to make small changes to help provide better support for people living with dementia and their families – is calling on individuals to becomeDementia Friendly Ambassador Volunteers.

Volunteers will supportlocal shops, businesses, and organisations across the city to raise awareness of how they can become more dementia friendly to enhance the experience of people living with dementia using their services.

World Alzheimer’s Day takes place on September 21 every year and is part of World Alzheimer’s Month – a global opportunity to raise awareness around, educate, encourage support of and demystify dementia.

With the number of people living with dementia in Cardiff estimated to increase by 30.1% by 2030 and 41.1% for advanced dementia, the scheme is the latest initiative from Dementia Friendly Cardiff to ensure people with dementia can live better, more fulfilled lives, remaining active and part of their community, and supports Welsh Government’s commitment to building Dementia Friendly Communities across Wales.

Volunteers will help support local shops, businesses, and organisations to pledge to become dementia friendly, make changes to be more welcoming and accessible for people living with dementia and their carers and to achieveofficial recognition from Alzheimer’s Society.

The role is flexible and would suit anyone who is willing to connect with the community and is passionate about making Cardiff a Dementia Friendly City.

Cabinet Member for Social Services (Adult Services) and Cardiff’s Older Person’s Champion, Cllr Norma Mackie, said: “We know that often it’s the small things that individuals, and businesses and organisations, do that can have the greatest impact on a person living with dementia. Having an awareness of the changing customer needs and making small adaptations to support those affected by dementia can make such a huge difference.

“We need Dementia Friendly Ambassador Volunteers to champion these changes for us and to work with shops and businesses across the city on their own Dementia Friendly journeys.

“We recognise the important and valuable role volunteers play by giving up their time and are extremely grateful for their contribution.”

Appropriate training, support, and supervision will be provided to all Ambassador Volunteers. To apply or for further information please visit:Become a Dementia Friendly Ambassador Volunteer – Dementia Friendly CardiffOr contact

Chloe Gifford, Dementia Friendly Volunteer Coordinator

Tel: 07855980955  Email:chloe.gifford2@cardiff.gov.uk

 For more information about the work of Dementia Friendly Cardiff and for information and services to support people living with dementia and their families, visitwww.dementiafriendlycardiff.co.uk