Swansea's Dementia Hwb has been recognised for its exceptional
dementia-friendly environment following a £140,000 Welsh
Government-funded transformation.
Located in Swansea's Quadrant Shopping Centre, the hwb is now
gold accredited by Stirling University Dementia Services
Development Centre.
The Welsh Government's Integration and Rebalancing Capital Fund
(IRCF) helped create a bespoke dementia-friendly space designed
to meet the needs of those affected by dementia.
, Minister for Mental Health
and Wellbeing, who visited the hwb said:
"Having a welcoming, purpose-designed space like the Swansea
Dementia Hwb makes a real difference to people navigating what
can be really challenging circumstances.
"As we prepare to mark Dementia Action Week this month, it was
great to see how our investment has helped create a dementia
friendly accessible environment, where hundreds of people can
receive vital information and services all in a space
specifically designed to meet their needs.”
The hwb has helped more than 7,000 people access information,
providing crucial support to people concerned about their memory,
those diagnosed with dementia, and their families.
Visitors can also access a range of services including diet and
nutrition advice, respite activities, pet therapy sessions and
Blue Badge applications.
Julie Samuel, 61, is a carer for her sister-in-law who has early
onset dementia.
Speaking about the impact the hwb has had on her family,
Julie said:
“The hwb has been marvelous for us. When my sister-in-law got her
diagnosis, we didn't know where to go for information. We walked
in one day, and the level of support we've had ever since has
been great.
“My sister-in-law was given information on the stages of
dementia, and we've all had emotional support through counselling
and wellbeing breaks like yoga and pottery.”
Project Lead of the Dementia Hwb and founder of Dementia
Friendly Swansea, Hannah Davies said:
“We're incredibly proud to have achieved gold status. This
recognition reflects the hard work and passion of everyone
involved. Our upgraded hwb is not just a space — it's a lifeline
for people living with dementia, their families, and carers.
“We are committed to ensuring that everyone who walks through our
doors feels supported, understood, and valued.”
Notes to editors
- For more information about Dementia Hwb and its services,
please contact Hannah Davies:
Hannah.Davies@DementiaFriendlySwansea.org
- The Dementia Hwb is supported by Dementia Friendly Swansea,
Alzheimer's Society Cymru, Age Cymru West Glamorgan, and other
local organisations.
- The Dementia Services Development Centre at Stirling
University is a world leader in dementia design and research. It
provides guidance and accreditation to organisations committed to
creating dementia-friendly environments.
- The West Glamorgan Regional Partnership Board continue to
provide ongoing support to the hwb team.
- The IRCF supports the development of integrated health and
social care hubs across Wales. Launched in 2022, the IRCF funding
has been approved for 33 projects totaling over £99million to
date. IRCF has also supported the development of a number of
adult residential care homes across Wales.
- The Integrated Health and Social Care Hubs (IHSCH) Programme
was established to deliver the Programme for Government
commitments to 'Invest in a new generation of integrated health
and social care centres across Wales' and 'Develop more than 50
local community hubs to co-locate front-line health and social
care and other services.'
