Our digital story on dementia focuses on Llanfaes Primary School in Brecon.
Karen Lawrence, Headteacher, explains her own experience of the illness with her nan, and the work the school is doing to support the local community and Trenewydd Residential Home that is just a stone’s throw away.
Karen explains the impact that Joan Brown, a local Dementia Champion had on the school staff and pupils, and how it has empowered them not only to become dementia friends, but to become young ambassadors at other schools.
Working closely with the residential home the pupils have built and planted a sensory garden with the residents, and formed many friendships in doing so with residents.
Within Powys it is estimated that there are currently approximately 2500 people living with dementia, and, because of our ageing population, this figure is set to rise 44% within the next 8 years.
In Powys today, communities are pulling together to tackle the stigma around the disease by raising awareness through Dementia Friends and Champions.
Working closely with the Alzheimer’s Society, communities are working toward Becoming Dementia Friendly. A Dementia Friendly Community is made up of the whole community - shop assistants, public service workers, faith groups, businesses, police, fire and ambulance staff, bus drivers, school pupils, clubs and societies, and community leaders - people who are committed to working together to help those living with dementia to remain part of their community.
Brecon’s challenge was to increase awareness and understanding, support and promote social inclusion, and most importantly give a voice to people with dementia and their carers so their needs can be fully recognized and the appropriate support offered. This involves everyone having a greater awareness and understanding of dementia and doing very simple and practical things to accommodate it in everyday life. In turn, this then gives people with dementia as much independence and dignity as possible whilst supporting them and their carers to live well and contribute to the community.
On 14th August 2014, Brecon received official 'Working to become Dementia Friendly' recognition from Alzheimer's Society. Brecon is the first community in Wales to achieve this status and reflects just how caring a community we are.