Down load this months activities
This week at our Porthcawl Dementia Hub, we were treated to a beautiful, sunny morning filled with warmth, companionship, and essential support for our community. Hosted at the YMCA Porthcawl, the session brought together individuals living with dementia, caregivers, and support teams for a meaningful and engaging experience.
Bringing Joy Through Pet Therapy with Pets as Therapy
One of the most anticipated moments of the morning was the visit from Baxter and Alan, our much-loved therapy dogs, in partnership with Pets as Therapy. Animal-assisted therapy has been proven to have a profoundly positive impact on people living with dementia. From reducing stress and anxiety to improving mood and even stimulating social interaction, therapy animals provide unconditional comfort in ways words often cannot.
Many attendees visibly relaxed and smiled with joy as they spent time with our furry friends. The calming presence of Baxter and Alan helped ease agitation, providing a sense of connection and emotional uplift that resonated throughout the session. Our ongoing collaboration with Pets as Therapy ensures that people living with dementia can regularly benefit from these interactions, supporting emotional well-being and social engagement.
Practical Support: Stay Warm This Winter
With the colder months still upon us, we made sure to provide essential winter warmth packs to help attendees stay comfortable and safe at home. Our Stay Warm This Winter initiative distributed hot water bottles, blankets, and winter essentials, ensuring that everyone had access to resources to combat the dropping temperatures. Keeping warm isn’t just about comfort—it’s crucial for preventing cold-related illnesses such as hypothermia and respiratory infections, which can pose significant risks for older adults.
We also shared simple but effective winter wellness tips, such as layering clothing, keeping active indoors, and eating warm, nutritious meals. For those concerned about heating costs, we provided information on local schemes and financial assistance available to help manage energy bills. For more information, visit Welsh Government Winter Fuel Support.
Welsh Water Collaboration: Ensuring Essential Support
Our session also featured important guidance from Welsh Water, highlighting our ongoing collaboration to ensure that individuals, particularly older adults and those living with dementia, can access vital financial assistance and priority support services.
Some key highlights of the Welsh Water support programs included:
HelpU Tariff – reducing bills for low-income households. More details at HelpU Tariff.
WaterSure Wales – limiting charges for those with medical conditions requiring high water usage. Learn more at WaterSure Wales.
Priority Services Register – ensuring vulnerable individuals receive priority support during water supply issues, as well as accessible billing and security measures to protect against scams. Sign up at Priority Services.
Leak repair and water-saving schemes – helping individuals reduce costs and improve efficiency at home. Get free advice at Welsh Water Save Water.
Through this partnership, we are committed to helping individuals living with dementia and their families access critical resources, ensuring that no one is left struggling with essential utilities. Welsh Water's commitment to prioritising vulnerable customers aligns with our mission to provide holistic, community-based support for those in need.
Alignment with the Future Generations Act and the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Dementia Strategy
Our work at the Porthcawl Dementia Hub is closely aligned with The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, which sets out the goal of creating healthier, more resilient, and supportive communities. By establishing partnerships with Pets as Therapy and Welsh Water, we ensure that dementia-friendly spaces are accessible and inclusive, promoting well-being, social connectedness, and practical support for future generations.
Additionally, this initiative supports the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Dementia Strategy, which focuses on early intervention, community-based care, and enhancing the quality of life for those living with dementia. Through collaborative efforts, we are delivering compassionate, sustainable solutions that uphold the strategy’s core principles of empowerment, dignity, and independence for individuals and their families.
A Hub for Connection and Wellbeing
Sessions like these demonstrate why the Porthcawl Dementia Hub is such a crucial space. Beyond the practical support, the hub encourages connection, engagement, and a sense of community. Whether it’s through therapy animals, winter wellness support, or expert advice, every aspect of the session was designed to enhance the quality of life for those living with dementia and their families.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended and contributed to this wonderful morning. A special thank you to Baxter and Alan, Pets as Therapy, and Welsh Water for their invaluable contributions in making this session possible.
If you or a loved one could benefit from our Dementia Hub services, we welcome you to join us at our next session. For more details, get in touch with Mental Health Matters Wales at MHM Wales Website or connect with us https://linktr.ee/mhmwales
Together, we continue to build a caring, supportive community for individuals living with dementia.
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