Cardiff church becomes first to gain Alzheimer's recognition since Covid
Christ Church Cardiff has become the first church community in Cardiff since Covid to gain Working to Become Dementia Friendly recognition by Alzheimer's Society.
By signing up to Alzheimer's Society's Dementia Friends programme, Christ Church hopes to play its part in changing people's attitudes towards Alzheimer's and transform the way the condition is spoken about.
"Having cared for my husband who had Alzheimer's, I am fully aware of the toll it takes on the person living with dementia, their carers, family and friends," says Sylvia McCarty, Dementia Friendly Coordinator at Christ Church.
"I also recognise just how much misunderstanding there is of dementia and how little we know about how to support those affected by the disease."
Becoming a dementia friendly church means being a place where people with dementia are understood, respected and supported.
Launching a new initiative during the pandemic wasn't easy but with help from church volunteer Alison Peters and Ingrid Patterson, Cardiff and Vale Dementia Friendly Communities Coordinator, Christ Church hosted a Zoom training session for members of their church community.
"It was user friendly and very clear. Misunderstandings were corrected and people's knowledge increased. The training brought clarity to some of the situations the community actually face," says Sylvia.
"It soon became obvious that very small steps were necessary to begin to make a difference and become a dementia friend."
The church has now committed to work with Cardiff Council and Alzheimer's Society Cymru to improve the lives of people affected by the condition.
At first we thought that this was a daunting task but as the webinar made clear some small steps taken one at a time can make an enormous difference.
Become a Dementia Friendly church
Church communities can play a vital role in the lives and wellbeing of people living with and affected by dementia.
- Read more about Dementia Friendly communities.
- Discoverpractical support for churches who wish to become dementia friendly.
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