ST DAVIDS officially became the first dementia friendly city in Wales on Saturday.

The community project, organised by Pembrokeshire County Council, St David’s City Council, Hywel Dda University Health Board and the Alzheimer’s Society, enjoyed a successful launch at Ysgol Dewi Sant.

In attendance were a number of voluntary organisations which were handing out information on the services they provide to help people and their families living with dementia.

Among the guest speakers were The Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Sarah Rochira.

She said: “The reality is 1 in 3 of us when we grow older will die with some form of dementia. It’s becoming an everyday part of our lives in Wales and we need to do more to make sure that people with dementia have the help they need, and that they live in place which still value them and see them for the huge asset they still are.

Secretary of State for Wales and local MP Stephen Crabb was also in attendance, having hot-footed it down from London.

He said: Those of you who watch the news will be aware of the decision we made in Westminster to carry out air strikes against the Islamic State. That decision will inevitably lead to a loss of life, there’s no question about it. So it’s really positive for me to be at an event today that’s so life affirming.

“It’s excellent that St Davids is becoming the first dementia friendly city in Wales. It’s a commitment on behalf of the whole community to create a more dementia aware environment that can better support people living with this condition.”

County Councillor David Lloyd said: “We have been set the huge challenge of creating 500 community friends, asking them to reflect on what they can contribute to making life more real, valuable, friendly and fulfilled for people with dementia.”

The Mayor of St Davids, Cllr David Halse added: “What is really good is the community involvement alongside the health and social care professionals.

“And I must mention the school, which has really thrown its support behind the project.”