Pwllheli Dementia Friendly community’s second meeting at St Peter’s Church was deemed a success.

Plans to make Pwllheli a Dementia Friendly Community are gaining momentum following a recent meeting in the town.

The World Health Organisation declared dementia “a public health priority”, with over 850,000 people in the UK now affected. There is stigma associated to the disease often instigated through lack of knowledge.

Creating dementia friendly communities will play a significant role in eradicating this stigma.

Dementia Friendly Communities is an Alzheimer’s Society initiative, active within many communities worldwide.

Created so that people diagnosed with the condition can “live well with dementia” in their own villages and towns.

Aspiring to raise awareness and educate people about dementia and its effect on individuals, their families, friends and the wider community.

Everyone can get involved by making small changes that have a big impact on the lives of those diagnosed with dementia.

This includes local governments, churches, transport services, shops, hairdressers, post offices… any business who provides a service to customers locally.

Mari Ireland and Donna Jones, both members of BCUHB South Gwynedd Older Persons Community Mental Health Team were eager to form a steering group to help them drive the initiative forward in Pwllheli.

This was successfully achieved at the second meeting.

Mari, chair for the group, specialises in Early Onset Dementia, and wants to make services more accessible to those diagnosed.

Donna secretary for the group added that everyone should feel a valued part of their community.

She said: “We want to make Pwllheli a nicer place to live not just for those diagnosed with dementia, but for everyone.”

Theresa Ryan, who works at BCUHB’s Hafod Hedd day assessment centre, and Karen Hughes, who is supporting her husband following a recent diagnosis, were appointed to share treasurer duties.

PC Liz Williams and PC Sophie Roberts of North Wales police are also supporting Pwllheli dementia Friendly Communities.

Both police women, along with Mari, Donna and Theresa have completed the Dementia Champions induction training and can now offer local businesses and organisations the opportunity to become dementia friends.

More information will be provided for businesses that want to get involved along with organising public dementia friends’ sessions for anyone who wants to make a difference in the lives of those diagnosed with dementia.

The group are planning to involve local schools by providing dementia friends sessions and helping to create dementia friendly communities for the future.

Care homes will be invited to join and help to bridge the generation gap, building positive relationships to aid wellbeing.

Relaxed screenings at Neuadd Dwyfor and inclusive hour every Tuesday at Asda Pwllheli are already in place thanks to the groups combined efforts.

Many more events and initiatives still in the planning process, are set to enable the local people of Pwllheli diagnosed with dementia to live well with the condition.