Mental Health Matters Wales Secures Funding to Deliver Dementia Advocacy Service in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan.

Mental Health Matters Wales (MHM Wales) is delighted to announce that we have been awarded funding to deliver a new Pilot Dementia Advocacy Service across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan from the 1^st  January 2025 to the 31^st March 2025 . This vital service will provide targeted support for individuals living with dementia and their carers, ensuring they receive the guidance, care, and connections they need to live well throughout their dementia journey.

The Dementia Advocacy Service will act as a single, trusted point of contact for individuals and carers from diagnosis through to end of life, helping to navigate health, social care, and community support systems. Rooted in person-centred care, our service will promote independence, reduce social isolation, and ensure that individuals and families are empowered with knowledge, support, and access to local resources.

Delivered in close partnership with Cardiff and Vale University Health Board , Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan local authorities, and voluntary groups and third-sector organisations, this service aligns with the Welsh Government's commitment to enhancing dementia care through the All-Wales Dementia Pathway of Standards.

Richard Jones, CEO of Mental Health Matters Wales, said: “We are proud to be delivering this much-needed service across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan. The Dementia Advocacy Service will empower individuals and families to access the right support at the right time, helping them to live with dignity and remain connected to their communities. This funding recognises the importance of partnership and community-driven care, and we are excited to work alongside local stakeholders to make a real difference.”

The service will also focus on raising dementia awareness across communities and creating an inclusive, dementia-friendly spaces. By collaborating with local organisations and services within Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan, MHM Wales aims to strengthen existing networks while addressing gaps in support for underrepresented and vulnerable populations.

Key features of the Dementia Advocacy Service include:

• Providing "What Matters" conversations to understand and support individual needs.
• Helping individuals and carers access health, social, and financial services.
• Supporting future care planning, including Lasting Power of Attorney and advance care decisions.
• Offering information on meaningful activities to reduce social isolation.
• Facilitating connections with local dementia-friendly initiatives and resources.

Karen Williams Advocacy Manager for MHM Wales, added: “This service will build on our expertise in advocacy and community support, ensuring that individuals living with dementia, their families, and carers feel heard, supported, and connected. By working collaboratively across Cardiff and the Vale, we can enhance quality of life and ensure people have the tools they need to navigate their dementia journey.”