Wrexham on its way to becoming Wales’ first dementia-friendly town

A campaign to turn Wrexham into Wales's first dementia-friendly town has been backed by the town’s university and college.

David Jones, the principal of Coleg Cambria, and Professor Mike Scott, the vice chancellor of Glyndwr University, have signed up to the Purple Angels scheme.

The aim of the Purple Angels campaign is to raise awareness with local shops and other businesses, providing them with a simple training manual so that they are better equipped to recognise the symptoms of dementia and respond accordingly.

The campaign was launched in Wrexham by Pendine Park care organisation after it was suggested by a member of staff, activities and well-being coordinator Anita Moran.

Ms Moran, who was inspired to join the Purple Angels campaign by the experience of her late father Barry who had dementia, said: “I really can’t believe it, I’m so made up by the backing of Glyndwr University and Coleg Cambria because I didn’t think I would get this much support.

“There is a lot of momentum building up now and it looks like my dream of turning Wrexham into Wales's first dementia-friendly town is about to come true.”

Businesses that sign up to the scheme will then display posters and stickers with the Purple Angels logo to signify that they are dementia aware.

Mr Jones of Coleg Cambria called it “forward thinking of all of those involved in Wrexham to be involved in this initiative” and said he is delighted Coleg Cambria can be involved.

He added: “We also have so many young people who care for members of their own families who have dementia so raising that awareness of this issue is a top priority.

“We all need to work together and I take my hat off to the people here at Pendine Park, to Anita for the way she showed initiative and the way in which the proprietor, Mario Kreft, has backed her.

“I think there are so many things that are good about the Wrexham area and we’re leading the way in Wales on this issue.”

It was a sentiment echoed by Professor Mike Scott whose own grandmother had dementia.

He said: “It’s an excellent campaign coming out of Pendine Park which as we all know is doing so much great work.

“This disease is affecting so many people now - not just those who are unfortunate enough to have dementia but also their families and their communities.

“The idea of getting this wide awareness through the community of this is just a superb thing to do in the context of getting people to understand the seriousness of the situation.”

It is also a cause close to the heart of Pendine Park owner Mario Kreft.

He was inspired to open his first care home in 1985 because he was unable to find suitable care for his grandmother, Mrs René Warburton, who had dementia.

Mr Kreft called the support of two major educational institutions like Glyndwr University and Coleg Cambria “crucial”.

He said: “Wrexham is ahead of the curve on this issue and I'm hoping the rest of Wales will take their cue so that we can become a much more dementia-friendly country.”

click here for more details or to contact Pendine Park Care Organisation Ltd