Conwy County Borough Council has been recognised by the Alzheimer's Society for its efforts to become more dementia-friendly. 
 
The Alzheimer's Society Dementia Friendly Communities scheme gives recognition to communities that are aware of dementia and adopt practices to help people with the condition.  
 
Conwy County Borough Council’s work to raise awareness, to support people living with dementia, and to become dementia-friendly was led by a steering group set up by staff. 
 
Work to date has included training a number of Dementia Friends and Dementia Champions; getting Integrated Care Fund (ICF) funding for a dementia bus tour where professionals and the public were able to experience what it feels like to have dementia with a range of hands-on exhibits.

There has also been the popular dementia-friendly viewings at Theatr Colwyn; the reminiscence handling collections, and the sensory garden with dementia-friendly, accessible paths and seating at Conwy Culture Centre.

Bayside Radio was delighted to contribute to reminiscence handling collections with the production of three special 'Memory Hour' programmes.

Cllr Cheryl Carlisle, Cabinet Member for Social Care and Safeguarding, said: “I am extremely proud of the Council for becoming a dementia-friendly community.  
 
“After reduced activities due to the pandemic, we intend that our dementia-friendly activities will go from strength to strength as our communities open up, and continue to adapt to changes in population, age differences and need – to make Conwy better for people with dementia.”  
 
Currently, around 2% of Conwy’s population are living with dementia, with the number predicted to increase.