DementiaGo, a physical activity programme for people affected by dementia that includes those who have had a diagnosis and carers, family and friends. The programme has been around since 2014 but because of the Covid-19 pandemic meant face-to-face sessions had to stop, as well as 13 exercises classes running throughout Gwynedd with over 150 people taking part each week.
Although exercise and physical activity is the main element of the project, the service has evolved to be more than just exercise classes. There are opportunities to take part in community sports events, one off outdoor adventures, dances and other one-off special events. The team deliver dementia awareness sessions in the community and bring people affected by dementia together to have their say in how to improve the service. Whilst these options are currently on hold, the team have responded to the pandemic with continued support for members and online activities.
In order to convey all the different aspects, the team, in consultation with their members, opted for a new name – Dementia Actif Gwynedd along with a new website.
The website has been funded through donations to the programme by families in memory of lost loved ones.
Emma Quaeck, Dementia Actif Gwynedd Manager said: “We really want the website to be a site which is easy to use and where people who have been diagnosed with dementia and their families can go to find not only the activities we put on, but other services and organisations in Gwynedd who are there to help and support them.
“The website is full of positive, happy and colourful images and we really hope that it will be a valuable resource to help people cope and live as well as possible with dementia.
“We are extremely grateful for all the kind donations we receive and hope that we have honoured the gesture by creating a valuable resource here in Gwynedd.”
Councillor Dafydd Meurig, Gwynedd Council Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing added: “This new website means that we can continue to offer services to people living with dementia despite the restrictions currently in place due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“It enables us to work with the health service to provide specialist care for people with conditions such as dementia within their communities, by offering not only exercise and physical activity, but also valuable resources to help people living with dementia and their families.”
The new website can be found at: https://www.dementiaactifgwynedd.cymru/en/
Photos: Some of the Dementia Actif Gwynedd staff members (Photo taken before Covid-19 restrictions)
