Caring for someone with dementia is a role rooted in love, but it often comes with immense practical and emotional challenges. In this episode, we turn our focus to the "unsung heroes"—the carers.

We are joined by Carol, Dawn, and Rebecca to discuss the essential tools and services designed to catch carers before they fall. From legal rights to emotional lifelines, we explore how the Gwent network ensures that no carer has to navigate this experience in isolation.

• The Carer’s Experience: Carol shares firsthand insights into the emotional and practical hurdles of supporting a loved one with dementia.

• MECS Explained: How the Memory and Early Care Support service provides a safety net for those in the early stages of their caring journey.

• The DAVID Document: A deep dive into this vital tool that ensures care remains personalized and honors the individual's history and preferences.

• Knowing Your Rights: Understanding the Carers Assessment—what it is, why it’s important, and how it unlocks specific support for your wellbeing.

• Power in Community: The role of local support groups and how being recognized as a "partner in care" changes the dynamic with healthcare professionals.

• Gwent Carers Hub: Adferiad Services – Information, advice, and a community for local carers.

• Health Board Support: ABUHB Carers Services – Resources and guidance from the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board.

A message for our carers: Your role is invaluable, but you cannot pour from an empty cup. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, please reach out to the services mentioned in this episode.

The diagnosis is just the beginning of the journey, not the end. While receiving a dementia diagnosis can feel overwhelming, there is a dedicated network of support across Gwent designed to ensure no one has to walk that path alone.

In this episode of the Dementia Friendly GwentTorfaen Talks CIC podcast, we sit down with a panel of experts—Amrita, Stephen, Mari, Jane, Sonya, and Sarah—to demystify the medical process and highlight the community resources available to you. We map out the transition from noticing memory concerns to accessing long-term support.

• The First Steps: What to do if you’re concerned about your memory and what the diagnostic process actually looks like.

• Clinical Support: The vital role of the Memory Assessment Services (MAS) in supporting families during the initial stages.

• Your Personal Guide: How Dementia Advisors act as a bridge, providing tailored guidance post-diagnosis.

• Community Anchors: Exploring Dementia Hubs—how they operate and the "open door" support they provide in your local area.

• Overcoming Challenges: A candid look at the hurdles faced after diagnosis and how services are evolving to provide better, more integrated care.

• Find a Local Hub: Dementia Hubs Gwent

• NHS Services: Aneurin Bevan University Health Board - Dementia Services

• Next Steps: If you are concerned about your memory, please contact your GP as a first point of call.

Listener Note: If you found this episode helpful, please consider rating the podcast on Spotify to help other families in Gwent find these resources.

Can we actually reduce our risk of dementia? In this debut episode of the Dementia Friendly GwentTorfaen Talks CIC, we dive deep into the science of brain health and the vital community work happening right here in Gwent.

Join guests Erin and Sonya as they break down the essential role of the Dementia Friendly (DF) Gwent Network. We move beyond the diagnosis to discuss the lifestyle factors within our control and how collective community action is dismantling the stigma surrounding dementia.

• The DF Gwent Network: What it is and why it’s a cornerstone for local support and education.

• The Science of Prevention: Identifying key risk factors and the lifestyle changes that can help protect your brain health.

• Breaking Barriers: How the network reaches "seldom heard" groups to ensure no one is left behind.

• Myth-Busting: We tackle common misconceptions and share the one thing our experts wish everyone understood about dementia.

Whether you are a healthcare professional, a carer, or someone interested in proactive health, this conversation offers practical insights into building a more dementia-friendly future.

• Learn more: Dementia Friendly Gwent Webpage

• Get involved: Email Erin Roche at erin.roche@torfaen.gov.uk

Take Action: Brain health starts with a single conversation. Share this episode with a friend or colleague to help raise awareness across Gwent.

Welcome to the Dementia Friendly Gwent podcast series! In this introductory episode, host Patrick Downes sets the stage for a deep and meaningful exploration of the support system dedicated to people living with dementia, their families, and carers across Gwent.

What you will hear:

• An overview of the dementia journey: We map out the key stages of care and support that will be covered throughout the series.

• Early Intervention & Brain Health: Discover the initial steps being taken in Gwent to promote brain health and provide crucial early intervention.

• Community Hubs and Advisors: Learn about the vital role of community-based dementia hubs and the essential support offered by Dementia Advisors from the Alzheimer’s Society.

• Holistic Support: Get a preview of future episodes that will shine a light on the incredible services available for carers, and the compassionate care provided through the dementia journey and at end of life.

Join us as we shine a light on the dedicated professionals, volunteers, and organisations making Gwent a more dementia-friendly community.