The North Wales Regional Partnership Board are pleased to announce the launch of our North Wales Dementia Friendly Communities Scheme on 1st January 2024.
Alzheimer’s Society will end their Dementia Friendly Communities recognition scheme and direct involvement in this work from 31st December 2023. The scheme was set up to inspire and support community-led groups. As dementia-friendliness has grown into a wider social movement, so too have Dementia Friendly Community groups flourished. These groups have been leading and delivering their own plans to improve things for people living with dementia locally, with the aim to continue this work in the future.
Dementia Friendly Communities support individuals living with dementia, their friends, family, and carers, by raising awareness of dementia to increase understanding and reduce stigma. They empower individuals living with dementia to remain an active part of their community, reducing isolation and loneliness.
Everyone can play an active role in making their community more dementia friendly and the North Wales Regional Partnership Board are passionate about supporting active and emerging communities in their journey.
To support communities in continuing their dementia friendly work, the North Wales Regional Partnership Board Business Support Team have worked closely alongside the 6 County Voluntary Councils, 6 Local Authorities and other identified partners to develop and establish a North Wales Dementia Friendly Communities Scheme.
Two phase approach
The North Wales Dementia Friendly Communities Scheme was developed using a 2-phase approach. Phase 1 has included the launch of a new Dementia Friendly Communities scheme, reaccrediting active communities that have previously received accreditation from Alzheimer’s Society and accessing for accreditation, any communities who have been waiting some time to apply for official recognition.
However, the voices of those living with dementia, their friends, family, and carers are central to development of a North Wales Dementia Friendly Communities Scheme that recognises and meets the needs of communities. During phase 2, due to begin in spring 2024, we will commence with consultation events, engaging with people living with dementia, to review the scheme and co-produce an enhanced scheme that promotes best practise and shared learning from lived experiences.
How to take part
Please visit our Dementia Friendly Communities webpage to find out more information about the scheme. You will find a step-by-step guide to the recognition process as well as all the resources you will need to begin your journey to becoming a Dementia Friendly Community.
Keep an eye on our social media page, as we will be sharing news and updates regarding the scheme and are encouraging communities to share this information.
For any advice and support please contact: DFCNorthWales@denbighshire.gov.uk
