Our Dementia Matters project provides personalised support for people living with dementia and their carers. Through our Memory and Wellbeing Guide programme, we offer guidance, reassurance and practical help - ensuring no one faces dementia alone.

In 2024, Age Connects Morgannwg launched its Dementia Matters project, part of the national Dementia Connector Programme and funded by the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Regional Partnership Board. The project aims to improve the lives of people living with dementia, as well as their carers and families, by offering tailored, compassionate support that makes a genuine difference every day.

Dementia Matters is focused on meeting Standard 12 of the All Wales Dementia Pathway of Standards, which highlights the importance of providing consistent, person-centred support after a diagnosis. At the heart of this work is our Memory and Wellbeing Guide programme.

A Named Guide for Every Step of the Journey

Receiving a diagnosis of dementia can be life-changing — not just for the individual, but for their loved ones too. That’s why our project ensures everyone we work with has a named contact, known as a Memory and Wellbeing Guide. This guide offers ongoing advice, information, and signposting throughout the entire journey, from diagnosis through to end of life.

Our team works closely with those with lived experience of dementia to ensure the programme remains informed, responsive, and shaped by the people it serves. The focus is always on what matters most to the individual and their family.

Our Memory and Wellbeing Guides help by:

• Connecting individuals and carers to local support networks, including peer support opportunities.
• Providing access to practical and financial advice tailored to each person’s needs.
• Sharing guidance on lifestyle and environmental adjustments to maintain health and wellbeing for as long as possible.
• Making referrals to other trusted support organisations.

What Matters to You, Matters to Us

Navigating life after a diagnosis can bring uncertainty, questions, and a sense of vulnerability. Our role is to help people make sense of unfamiliar systems, providing information, emotional support, and a friendly, listening ear.

Support in Action

Our Dementia Matters team regularly meets people at turning points in their journey — often when they don’t know where to turn next.

Recently, Mr J contacted us for guidance about his mother’s upcoming Memory Services assessment. He was worried about what the appointment would involve and how best to support his parents, particularly as his father, now a full-time carer, was starting to feel the strain.

Our Programme Manager, Rachel, spoke with Mr J, arranging a follow-up call the next day. During the conversation, Rachel took time to explain the assessment process, describe what the family could expect, and share reassurance based on her close working relationship with local Memory Services teams. She was also able to correct common misconceptions about dementia and discuss additional support options such as benefit entitlements and carer support.

Mr J described feeling much more confident and prepared afterwards — and, importantly, his parents felt reassured too. A later call confirmed the assessment had gone smoothly, with the family meeting familiar faces and feeling well supported. This story illustrates the power of early intervention - how even one well-timed conversation can ease anxiety, create understanding, and strengthen trust. Sometimes, people don’t need all the answers; they just need to know someone is there to ask.

Contact Us

The Dementia Matters team supports individuals and families across Cwm Taf Morgannwg, including Bridgend, Rhondda Cynon Taf, and Merthyr Tydfil.

If you or a loved one has a diagnosis of dementia or mild cognitive impairment, please get in touch to find out how we can help.

Call us on 01443 490650 and ask for the Dementia Matters team.