ST Davids is set to become the first dementia friendly city in Wales.

Later this week the Secretary of State for Wales, Stephen Crabb MP, the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Sarah Rochira will launch an unique project aimed at making the community a welcoming place for those with the condition.

The project, which has been organised by Pembrokeshire County Council, St Davids City Council, Hywel Dda University Health Board and the Alzheimer’s Society will be launched at Ysgol Dewi Sant on September 27.

Voluntary organisations such as the Alzheimer’s Society, Care & Repair, Pembrokeshire Access Group, PAVS, Age Concern, PCC Good Neighbours and Carer’s Strategy Coordinator - as well as Health Board and Local Authority dementia services - will also be present at the launch to provide information on how they can help and support members of the local community.

Dementia Friends information sessions will be run throughout the event to help people become ‘Dementia Friends’ and give them a basic understanding about the condition.

“With a growing elderly population, dementia is an increasing condition about which there are many misunderstandings and myths,” said Councillor Simon Hancock, Cabinet Member for Adult Services and Health and Well-Being.

“This project aims to help communities deal with it by providing advice and information. But we would also like to hear from members of the public themselves about how they would like to further develop the Dementia & Age Friendly Community within St Davids.”

The Dementia Friendly Community project will be launched on Saturday, September 27 at Ysgol Dewi Sant, between 2pm and 4pm.

The event is open to anyone who wishes to find out more.

* Update to this article which appeared in the Western Telegraph edition of September 24th, page 25:

We have been asked to clarify that although TV presenter Fiona Phillips has expressed an interest in supporting the project aimed at making St Davids a welcoming place for those with dementia, she has not confirmed that she is attending the project’s launch on September 27th, as per information given to us and subsequently reported in the paper.