Value in the Vale Team working to become Dementia Friendly

The Council’s Value in the Vale Team is working towards gaining Dementia Friendly Status to help boost understanding and make its work more inclusive.

Value in the Vale is a project funded by Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and Welsh Government that offers people the chance to earn rewards for giving up their time to help with community projects. It is delivered by Vale Homes, the Council’s housing tenant service.

By becoming Dementia Friendly, organisations recognise the importance of creating a supportive environment for individuals affected by dementia.

They also commit to raising awareness about this prevalent and challenging condition.

Dementia is a collective term for a range of progressive neurological disorders that affect memory, cognitive function, and the ability to perform everyday activities.

It is estimated that millions of people worldwide, and a significant number within our local community, are living with dementia. As the population ages, the proportion of people with dementia is expected to rise, making it crucial for projects like Value in the Vale to take proactive steps to become more Dementia Friendly.

Digital Inclusion and Engagement Officer Lianne Young has been the driving force behind the Vale in The Vale’s teams efforts in this area.

This work compliments the Council’s age friendly agenda, set by Jo Beynon and Sian Clement Davies, and dementia work carried out by Older Persons Day Centre Manager Miles Utting.

Lance Carver, Director of Social Services, said: “I’d like to thank Value in The Vale for raising awareness around dementia and would encourage other departments throughout the Council to follow in their footsteps.

“This move clearly demonstrates the team’s commitment to learn about dementia and turn their understanding into action.

“They have taken a huge step to help increase the profile of dementia and tackle stigma, action that will make a big difference to people’s lives.”

Working to become Dementia Friendly involves gaining an understanding of individuals living with the condition and implementing communication strategies to achieve positive interactions.

By embracing Dementia-Friendly initiatives, Value in the Vale aims to create an environment where individuals with dementia feel supported, understood, and included.

This not only enhances the wellbeing of those directly affected by dementia but also contributes to the overall health and vibrancy of the community. It sends a powerful message that everyone, regardless of cognitive abilities, has a place and value within the community.

Value in the Vale will be actively engaging in community outreach programs and awareness campaigns to ensure that residents, employees, and partners are well informed about dementia.

Residents are encouraged to participate in these awareness campaigns, attend workshops, and join hands with Value in the Vale in fostering a Dementia-Friendly community.

Understanding the challenges faced by individuals with dementia and their families not only promotes empathy but also encourages the development of a more compassionate and supportive community.

Value in the Vale's commitment to becoming Dementia Friendly aims to set a positive example for others to follow in pursuit of a more inclusive society, where every individual is valued and supported.

This approach also contributes towards the Vale Public Services Board Age Friendly Vale Charter which sets out how partners across the county will work together to ensure people in the Vale are ageing well.

The Charter and commitment to becoming an age friendly community was recognised by the World Health Organisation when age friendly status was awarded to the Vale at the end of last year.

For more information on how you and your team could work toward becoming Dementia Friendly please contact Lianne or Miles.