Charity

Charity shares dementia tips for cold weather

Published

1 year ago

February 7, 2024

AS TEMPERATURES look set to plummet in some parts of Wales, people are being urged check in on loved ones, friends and neighbours living with dementia.

The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for snow and ice from 8am until 3pm on Thursday in Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, Powys and Wrexham.

Alzheimer’s Society Cymru says the winter can be a particularly difficult time for someone living with dementia. Colder temperatures can sometimes exacerbate symptoms as people with dementia may not always be able to communicate the fact they are cold – or they may not even recognise it themselves.

Alzheimer’s Society Cymru has provided some useful tips to help support somebody living with dementia in cold weather:

Make sure the person is dressed appropriately. Layers are key to keeping warm, and the best materials for maintaining body heat are cotton, wool, or fleecy fibres.
Keep the room warm. As well as turning the heating/ a heater on, things like draught-proofing, thermal curtains and roof insulation can help maintain a consistent temperature.
Encourage regular movement. Keeping active can help to boost circulation and help keep someone with dementia warm. Simply getting the person to move their arms and legs or wiggling their toes can be helpful.
Make the most of natural daylight. Decreased sunlight can cause someone with dementia to feel increased anxiety, confusion, and even depression during the winter.
Stick to a routine. A big change in routine can cause someone with dementia to become confused or agitated.
Be careful in icy weather. Perception issues can make it difficult for someone with dementia to see icy patches on a pavement or understand that a surface may be extra slippery.
Eat and drink regularly. Keeping warm uses up a lot of energy, and a warm house can increase the risk of dehydration. It’s important to make sure someone with dementia is eating regular meals and drinking enough fluid during the winter.

Alzheimer’s Society Cymru is here for everyone affected by dementia. Call the Support Line on 0333 150 3456, or visit alzheimers.org.uk. If you speak Welsh call the Welsh-speaking Support Line on 03300 947 400.

Charity

Veterans rally to repair storm damage in Milford Haven

Published

2 days ago

February 10, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN’S VC Gallery veterans have stepped up to restore a woodland area hit hard by recent high winds.

The Woodlands in Milford suffered significant damage, with fallen trees crashing onto a farmer’s fence, endangering livestock and damaging the enclosure.

In response, a team of veterans, including trustee Mark Shuttleworth, Simon, Steve, and volunteer of the year Donna Evans, was deployed to clear the trees and rebuild the fencing.

The Woodlands project, run by VC Gallery, offers opportunities for people to connect with nature while learning about biodiversity and conservation.

Charity

New charity offers grants to young people in Pembrokeshire

Published

5 days ago

February 8, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A NEW charity aimed at supporting young people in Pembrokeshire has been established and is now accepting applications for its first round of grants.

The Tenby & County Trust (TACT) was created using funds from the sale of the former Tenby & County Club on The Croft, with the aim of helping young people aged between five and 18 pursue their aspirations.

Trustee David Blackmore explained: “The purpose of TACT is to provide grants that enable young people in Pembrokeshire to follow their ambitions, whether in the creative arts, culture, sports, adventure, science, or languages.”

Substantial investment

Following the sale of the County Club for redevelopment, club members—who were entitled to a share of the proceeds—voted to establish a charity to benefit local youth.

“The money has been invested, and while we are not disclosing the exact amount, it is a considerable six-figure sum,” said Mr Blackmore.

The trust is managed by local trustees, all of whom have either been involved with the former County Club or played significant roles in education within Pembrokeshire.

How to apply

Young people interested in applying for a grant must submit an application via email. This should include the names and email addresses of two supporting sponsors and a statement of no more than 500 words outlining how they would use the funds, including a breakdown of costs.

Grants will be issued quarterly, with the next application deadline set for March 1, 2025. Grants are only available to individuals.

For more information, email [email protected] or visit tenbyandcountytrust.org.

Charity

Fishing competition aims to raise £2,000 for lifeboat crews

Published

1 week ago

February 3, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A FISHING competition in Pembrokeshire hopes to net £2,000 to support lifeboat crews in Angle and Tenby.

The Angle and Tenby Lifeboat Fishing Competition is set to take place on Amroth Beach on Sunday, February 16, with all proceeds going to the RNLI teams that provide lifesaving services along the county’s coastline.

Former Pembroke Dock mayor Peter Kraus is leading the fundraising effort and is appealing for sponsors and raffle prize donations to help reach the target.

Mr Kraus said: “We are hoping to raise £1,000 for each of the lifeboat stations. With your help, that can be possible.