Community

Desperate shortage of support for people with a diagnosis of dementia

Published

11 years ago

July 17, 2014

The Alzheimer’s Society launches Right to Know campaign to ensure no one in Wales is denied access to information and support following a diagnosis of dementia.

ONE in five people affected by dementia (21 per cent) were given no information and support after a diagnosis of dementia, finds a poll carried out by Alzheimer’s Society. The poll of people with dementia, carers and people with a family member or friend with dementia, reveals a desperate shortage of post-diagnosis support provision, with 90 per cent of those surveyed dissatisfied with the amount of information and support provided. Alzheimer’s Society is today (2 July) launching a new campaign, Right to Know, to ensure people with dementia get a diagnosis and, following that, access to vital information, support and available treatments. The campaign is launched to voice concerns of people affected by dementia, with 97 per cent of respondents agreeing that the Government should do more to support people who have a dementia diagnosis. Sue Phelps, Director of Alzheimer’s Society in Wales, said: ‘Like entering a maze blindfolded, too many people with dementia are left without a guiding hand to help them come to terms with this debilitating, terminal condition. Welsh government has shown a commitment to improving the lives of people with dementia and to providing people with information packs at the point of diagnosis. However, we cannot escape the varied level of support received following a diagnosis which leaves many vulnerable people adrift. People living with dementia tell us that with the right support they can live well. Alzheimer’s Society is here to support them, but a further bold commitment from Welsh government would be welcomed to reach all those in need. ‘We are urging the Government to ensure that every person diagnosed with dementia has access to a named contact who can help them come to terms with the diagnosis and help them find the support they need to live their life.’ Wendy McCarthy Williams is from Ystradgynlais, her husband, Ivor Williams, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease four years ago. Speaking about his diagnosis she said: ‘The GP’s initial response was that it was ‘just an old age thing’. It took about 18 months to get a diagnosis. There was nobody to talk to, nobody to discuss it with. We had next to no advice or support. It was frightening to feel so alone. I had to do most of my research online and then happened to pick up an Alzheimer’s Society leaflet at the hospital. I called them and since then everything has been so different. Having someone to guide and support us made it all a bit easier to understand and cope with.’ As well as improving postdiagnosis support provision, the charity is calling for: 66 per cent dementia diagnosis rate across all areas – with a commitment now to reach 75 per cent by 2017. No one to wait longer than 12 weeks from seeing their GP to diagnosis A guarantee that everyone has access to a Dementia Adviser or equivalent following a diagnosis Of the 45,500 people in Wales living with dementia, less than half (39 per cent) currently have a formal diagnosis meaning there could still be another 27,868 people in Wales who are living with the condition but who are not diagnosed. Furthermore, according to figures reported as part of the Quality and Outcomes Framework, Wales has the lowest national diagnosis rate in the UK. ‘Many people in Wales face daily challenges whilst living with dementia. It’s disgraceful to think nearly two thirds of them have an added fight, to get a diagnosis. Everyone with dementia has a right to know. To have access to the certainty of a diagnosis and the right support to comes to terms with and manage the condition should not depend on your postcode,’ added Sue Phelps.

Community

Police appeal to find Daniel, 32, from Pembroke Dock

Published

5 hours ago

April 30, 2025

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for information to help locate 32-year-old Daniel, who has been reported missing from his home in the Pembroke Dock area.

Daniel is described as being around 6ft 1in tall, with ginger hair and blue eyes. He has infinity tattoos on his arms and is often seen wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses.

He is known to speak with an American accent and has links to both the London and Bristol areas.

Daniel was last known to be driving a blue Ford Ecosport, registration number CU17 MLF.

Anyone who has seen Daniel or has information about his whereabouts is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

Please quote reference: 142 of April 23.

Community

Paddle Out protest returns to Broad Haven to highlight sewage pollution

Published

6 hours ago

April 30, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A MAJOR environmental protest is set to take place in Broad Haven (north) on Friday, May 17, as part of a national campaign against sewage pollution in UK waters.

The event, known as the Paddle Out Protest, is being organised by local representatives of the charity Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) and will serve as the flagship demonstration for Wales this year.

Campaigners are calling on all ocean, river, and lake users to take part in the peaceful protest, which aims to highlight the growing problem of sewage discharges at popular bathing spots across Pembrokeshire.

Local organisers Ella Staden, Kate Beardsmore, Lloyd Nelmes, Kate J, and Kate Evans have planned a full day of activities centred around Broad Haven beach.

The day will begin at 12:00pm with placard-making and creative sessions at Sunshine Italian (now rebranded as Rwts) on the seafront. A community beach clean will follow at 1:30pm.

At 2:30pm, participants will take part in the main event — a mass paddle out into the ocean — led by a member of the national Surfers Against Sewage team.

Before the paddle out, speeches will be given by Sian Richardson, founder of the global Bluetits cold-water swimming movement, and Sue Burton, Pembrokeshire’s Marine Special Area of Conservation Officer.

The day will conclude with an after-party at Rwts starting at 4:00pm. Those who joined the protest will be offered discounts, with live music from 5:00pm, a DJ set from 6:00pm, and food and drink including BBQ, pizza, and local refreshments available throughout the evening.

Ella Staden, SAS regional representative, said: “It’s important that the community comes together to show support for a charity that is fighting extremely hard to protect our oceans and make sure our Blue Flag beaches remain a safe place to surf and bathe.

“A lot of people in Pembrokeshire have been impacted by sewage overspills — whether that’s falling ill, being unable to enjoy water activities, or simply not being able to take our families to the beach.

“We urge every single person who cares about the water to come and get involved, as this is a great opportunity to make it crystal clear to the government that we won’t stand for it anymore.”

More details can be found on Facebook by searching for ‘Paddle Out Protest Broad Haven’.

Community

Volunteers pass RNLI assessments at Angle Lifeboat Station

Published

19 hours ago

April 29, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX volunteers at Angle RNLI Lifeboat Station have successfully completed key assessments, marking an important milestone in their ongoing training with the charity.

Earlier on Tuesday (Apr 29), crew members Nathen Houston, Anthony Thomas, Marc Blockwell, Bobby Davies and Neil Coles were all signed off on their Tier 2 competencies. The assessment, carried out during live exercise launches, tested their ability to carry out a variety of operational tasks safely and efficiently aboard the station’s lifeboat.

Tiered assessments are a core part of the RNLI’s structured training programme, designed to ensure volunteers are fully prepared to respond to emergencies at sea. Volunteers progress through the tiers as they demonstrate competence in areas such as navigation, boat handling, safety procedures, and teamwork under pressure.

Later the same day, Rhiannon Creese was successfully assessed as a Launch Authority. In this vital role, she will be responsible for authorising the launch of the lifeboat when required — a decision made in close coordination with HM Coastguard and other emergency services.

A spokesperson for Angle RNLI said: “These achievements reflect the hard work and dedication of our volunteers. The training is thorough and challenging, and passing these assessments means they are ready to take on more responsibility during lifeboat operations.”

The RNLI relies on volunteers for the majority of its lifesaving work, with crew and shore-based personnel undergoing extensive training to ensure they are ready for the demands of maritime rescue.

Angle Lifeboat has seen an increase in volunteers since their rescue vessel has been spending time moored in Milford Haven at the Port Authority Jetty.