THE Older People’s Commissioner for Wales recently joined celebrations for the Swansea Dementia Hwb’s second birthday to find out more about the vital support being provided, which has helped over 4,500 individuals since the hub was established.
The Dementia Hwb, run by Dementia Friendly Swansea, is staffed by volunteers, individuals and professionals from local organisations who offer support to people living with dementia (and their loved ones). The Hwb provides a wide range of information about dementia, including how to get a diagnosis and how to find practical help for those impacted by a dementia diagnosis.
The Commissioner spoke with staff about how the Hwb works, hearing about the different ways people living with dementia have been supported since 2022, and the positive difference this has made. The Commissioner also heard about the ways the Hwb is providing advice and support to a range of local organisations, which is helping to reach even more older people and their families throughout the community.
The event took place at the Hwb in Swansea city centre, where the Commissioner was joined by Cllr Graham Thomas, Lord Mayor of Swansea, Cllr Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, and Sioned Williams MS, alongside many organisations providing information about dementia in Wales.
Dementia affects thousands of people across Wales and the latest projections indicate that by 2025 over 55,000 people will be living with dementia, a figure that is expected to rise to around 80,000 by 2040 .
Speaking after the event, the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Heléna Herklots CBE, said:
“I was pleased to attend the second birthday of Swansea’s Dementia Hwb to hear from staff about the important work they do to support people affected by dementia.
“I was also pleased to speak to many of the organisations who joined the celebrations about the wide range of invaluable projects and initiatives being delivered to help people living with dementia.
“Receiving a dementia diagnosis can be daunting, but the support offered by services like the Swansea Dementia Hwb provide crucial help and can make a positive difference during very difficult times.”
If you or a family member are living with dementia and would find information, advice or support helpful, you can visit the Hwb in The Quadrant in Swansea City Centre (open 7 days a week between 11am and 3pm) – for more information please follow this link or call 01792 304519.
