To celebrate St Davids day we’re happy to announce that we now have 108,000 Dementia Friends in Wales! That's over 100,000 people taking action on dementia in communities across Wales. Here are just a few examples of the fantastic actions people have been taking:

  • Ysgol Bryn Elian has been working hard to create a new generation of Dementia Friends! Sixth formers Charlotte Gough, Lara Williams and Harriet Marshall have all taken time out to become Dementia Friends Champions, following on from the Dementia Friends Info Session. They are using their new titles to share the knowledge on dementia with teachers and pupils in the lower part of the school.
 
  • The Welsh Ambulance Service has developed a three year plan to improve the service they provide for people affected by dementia. Sue Phelps, country director for Alzheimer's Society Cymru said: 'As a front-line service, the Welsh Ambulance Service plays a pivotal and direct role in helping to support people affected by dementia and supporting the creation of a dementia-friendly Wales.
 
  • Project Aunti Glenda is an innovative, collaborative, community focused project involving Bangor University’s School of Healthcare Sciences, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Anni Llyn, Welsh Children’s Bard (2015-2017), Dementia Friends, Social Services and two North Wales Primary Schools (Ysgol Pentreuchaf and Ysgol Llywelyn). Glenda Roberts who is living with dementia has visited and spoke to the children about her experiences and increase awareness. The children have jointly created multimedia (films, poems & art work) to express their understanding and to help improve dementia awareness. 
 
  • Brecon Leisure Centre offering a range of sports activities for PLWD and carers get a break too.  Freedom Leisure and the Brecon Area DFC (BADFC) have worked together to achieve this.  It has involved students from Neath Port Talbot College supporting the leisure centre staff in the sessions.
 
  • Newport Dragons and Newport County AFC are doing lots of work to become more dementia-friendly work, including helping people living with dementia to attend football and rugby games. 

Hannah Piekarski, Dementia Friends National Operations Manager, said: 'I’m absolutely over the moon that we’ve reached over 100,000 Dementia Friends in Wales.  Dementia Friends is all about turning understand into action. 100,000 Dementia Friends across Wales are uniting to making real change for people affected by dementia, reducing fear, stigma and ultimately creating more dementia-friendly communities.  Happy Saint David’s Day everyone! Here’s to the next 100,000!'