Community

Desperate shortage of support for people with a diagnosis of dementia

Published

12 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

Tributes paid to teenager killed in Ceredigion crash

Published

5 hours ago

April 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Family say 19-year-old Lee Barber will be remembered for his kindness, strength and positive attitude

THE FAMILY of a 19-year-old man who died in a road traffic collision in Ceredigion last month have paid tribute to him.

Lee Barber, from Aberaeron, died after the vehicle he was travelling in was involved in a collision on the A482 between Lampeter and Ciliau Aeron on Tuesday, March 24.

In a statement released through Dyfed-Powys Police, his family said: “There are no words that can describe the pain we are feeling as a family. The loss of our son, Lee, has devastated us and has deeply affected the whole community.

“Lee was a loving son who lived life to the fullest. He will be remembered for his kindness, his strength, and his positive attitude. He had a way of bringing people together and made a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

“We want to take this opportunity to thank everyone in the local community and further afield for the overwhelming support we have received. The messages, stories, memories, and photos that have been shared with us mean more than words can say.

“Our boy Lee will live on forever in our hearts and minds. We now kindly ask for privacy as we take time to grieve.”

Police confirmed the collision happened on the A482 between Lampeter and Ciliau Aeron and that Lee died at the scene.

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Community

Pembrokeshire Chess Club welcomes AI opponent on historic visit

Published

6 hours ago

April 20, 2026

Cerys Lafferty

PEMBROKSHIRE’S thriving chess community witnessed a unique blend of tradition and technology last week, as Pembrokeshire Chess Club hosted a special guest: “Rook to D2” – an AI-powered chess robot from the Welsh Chess Union.

The visit marked the first stop of the robot’s tour across Wales, making it a historic moment for the county. Club members, both young and old, gathered at Kensington Court in Steynton to experience the future of chess firsthand.

Excitement filled the room as the club’s President officially opened proceedings by making the first move against the robotic challenger. From that moment on, it was “game on,” with 15 junior players eagerly taking turns to test their skills. Several adult members also joined in, creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere.

The evening proved especially memorable for the club’s younger players, who relished the chance to play against cutting-edge technology. Their enthusiasm was matched by club officials, including the Chairman and President, who welcomed the opportunity to introduce innovation into the local chess scene.

Club representatives described the atmosphere as “amazing,” highlighting how advancements in technology are enhancing traditional games like chess and inspiring a new generation of players.

Pembrokeshire Chess Club continues to meet weekly at Kensington Court, Steynton. Junior sessions are held every Tuesday from 5:30pm to 6:30pm, followed by sessions for more experienced juniors and adults. The club prides itself on being family-friendly and inclusive, catering to all abilities – from casual players seeking a friendly game to those aiming to compete in league and tournament chess.

Following its successful debut in Pembrokeshire, the AI chess robot is expected to visit other clubs across Wales in the coming weeks, bringing the same sense of excitement and innovation to chess communities nationwide.

Community

New foal born at Dyfed Shire Farm as rare breed season begins

Published

20 hours ago

April 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Suffolk Punch mare gives birth to strong colt foal ahead of May bank holiday farm opening

DYFED SHIRE FARM has welcomed its first foal of 2026, with a Suffolk Punch mare giving birth to a strong colt.

The new arrival was announced on Saturday by the Pembrokeshire farm, which said the foal is from mare Dixie and is doing well.

In a social media post, the farm said: “Mother nature working 100% as we would want.”

The birth will be seen as a boost for the farm and for supporters of traditional horse breeds, with the Suffolk Punch regarded as one of Britain’s rarest native working horse breeds.

Dyfed Shire Farm has not yet chosen a name for the colt and has invited the public to send in suggestions.

The farm is preparing to open to visitors over the early May bank holiday weekend, with opening times announced for Friday, May 1 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm, and again on Sunday, May 3 and Monday, May 4. Visitors are expected to be able to see Dixie and her foal during the open days.

The Pembrokeshire attraction also used the announcement to promote stays at its campsite as interest grows around the latest addition.

Images shared online show the foal standing close to its mother in a field, as well as resting in the spring sunshine.

Photo caption: New arrival: Dyfed Shire Farm has announced the birth of its first foal of 2026, a Suffolk Punch colt born to mare Dixie (Pics: Dyfed Shire Farm).