Attractions across Denbighshire are lighting up in blue, and a series of exciting art workshops are being delivered by DLL (Denbighshire Leisure Ltd),  in partnership with Denbigh Hospital League of Friends, in support of Dementia Action Week,

Dementia Action Week which runs from 18th to 24th May focuses on raising awareness, promoting early diagnosis and supporting people affected by dementia across the UK.

DLL’s Community Arts Team, in partnership with Denbigh Hospital League of Friends, has run a series of 11 creative art workshops on Denbigh Hospital’s Famau Ward, along with five musician-led sessions, thanks to a DVSC Winter Wellbeing grant.  Local schools, including Denbigh High School, Ysgol Plas Brondyffryn, Ysgol Twm O’r Nant, Ysgol Frongoch and Ysgol y Parc each sent small groups of pupils to the workshops, where they worked alongside staff and patients, led by the artist facilitators.

The arts and craft sessions were a great success, and staff commented how the interaction between the patients, many of whom live with dementia, and the young pupils was beneficial to both. Artist Jude Wood noted that “Conversations and insights that you couldn’t plan for bubble up, older people seeing themselves in some of the young pupils, life stories are shared, curiosity in each other is increased and ever so gently stereotypes and preconceived ideas about each start to melt away”

In addition to DLL’s Community Arts work, DLL Community Sport team has also facilitated Boccia sessions at the Cherished Memories, Dementia Peer Support Group in Rhyl. 

In further support of Dementia Action Week, Rhyl Sky Tower, Rhyl Pavilion Theatre, 1891 Restaurant and Bar, the Events Arena waterfall, Ruthin Craft Centre, and Denbighshire coastal shelters will all be lighting up in blue.

Jamie Groves, DLL Managing Director said “Over recent years, our Active Communities team has done some amazing work with those living with dementia and their carers.  The sessions at Denbigh Hospital are a further example of their commitment to engaging with our local communities, and to making a difference to people’s lives.  Many people living with dementia do not have a diagnosis and are missing out on the help available to them.  By highlighting Dementia Action Week, DLL is proud to be working with those living with dementia within our local area.  We will also be lighting buildings in blue across the county in further support of this important cause”.

On Thursday 28th May, DLL is hosting a Community Dementia Friends course at 2pm at Denbigh Leisure. This free 45 minute session, is open to anyone in the local community and will allow you to learn more about dementia, how it can affect someone and the small ways you can help. To book on please email Becky at DVSC Becky@dvsc.co.uk