Dementia Action Week 2026: Inside a Dementia Friendly community

This Dementia Action Week we want to highlight Llys Nant y Mynydd, an Extra Care housing scheme in Nantyglo, Blaenau Gwent.

In September 2019, it was officially recognised as a Dementia Friendly community by the Alzheimer’s Society for how the needs of people living with Dementia are considered in every aspect of the scheme, from the activities organised for and by the residents, to the physical layout of the building and its grounds.

Extra Care Manager, Nyree Littlewood said: “To be Dementia Friendly, it’s important that Llys Nant y Mynydd is a safe, comfortable place to live. We make sure that there are safe walking routes around the scheme for people with regular places to rest. The signage is clear, we have good lighting throughout, and we make sure that there is a contrast in things like furniture and toilet seats. as sight and perception is greatly affected for those who are living with Dementia.”

Providing a Dementia-friendly space for residents extends to the wider community too, Nyree said: “We also make sure residents can access services in the community, so we have developed links with local opticians, pharmacies, taxi companies and hairdressers.”

Llys Nant y Mynydd also hosts a range of activities led by volunteers and staff that are designed for residents to build connections, reduce loneliness and isolation, and keep their minds active. One great example of this is the Memory and Craft sessions that take place on Thursdays and are run by volunteer, Michelle.

Connect Facilitator Andrea Withers said: “At our Memory and Craft session, residents have enjoyed making anything from Welsh ladies out of clay to paper flowers. We sometimes reminisce on days gone by, family traditions, washing days, shops and favourite things from our childhood such as holidays, which everyone enjoys talking about.  We listen to happy music from different decades and even though our residents vary in age from thirty something to ninety something, everyone enjoys listening to music and singing along.”

Other fun, stimulating activities include music quizzes, bowls, and Life Music where residents can have a go at playing a range of instruments. Andrea said of one of the regular attendees of Life Music: “She plays the instruments, and her face is a picture. It’s so lovely to see.”

Two local schools also regularly visit Llys Nant y Mynydd to take part in arts and crafts, music, and gardening with the residents. Andrea said: “These visits are extremely popular, as residents enjoy connecting with the children.”

Perhaps the biggest indicator that Llys Nant y Mynydd is an inclusive and supportive place to live for people with Dementia is the Dementia-friendly attitude of the residents.

“You will often find residents assisting another resident with Dementia back to their flat.” Nyree said. “People are very compassionate.”

You can learn more about Llys Nant y Mynydd here.

Would you like to volunteer with us? Learn all about how here.