Nearly 500 local people living with dementia and their carers will be getting help and support from a volunteer 'dementia buddy' thanks to a grant from Monmouthshire Freemasons to the Age Connects Torfaen charity.

The £60,000 grant will support Age Connects Torfaen Dementia Buddy’s project, which will actively support people living with dementia to overcome loneliness and live the lives they want in their local community. The programme will focus on pairing people with dementia with a volunteer dementia buddy who shares their interests, which may be music, sport, culture, eating out, being in nature or anything they choose. The charity believes that the answers to most problems lie in the community and Dementia Buddies works to unleash that community spirit.

The funding will make a significant difference in the lives of people living with dementia and their families by providing specialised assistance through a dedicated Volunteer Co-ordinator.

Dementia is one of the leading causes of death across England and Wales. There were an estimated 46,800 older people (aged 65 and above) living with dementia in Wales in 2019. Dementia can have a significant impact on individuals, families, and communities. The diseases that cause dementia affect cognitive function, memory, thinking, and behaviour, and can make it difficult for individuals to perform daily activities and maintain their independence.

The grant from South Wales Freemasons comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is funded by Freemasons, their families and friends, from across England and Wales. Age Connects Torfaen Development Manager Emma Wootten said: “We’re very grateful to Monmouthshire Freemasons for their generous grant. Our Dementia Buddy’s project will enable us to focus on creating fun and engaging experiences that foster genuine friendships and community involvement for people living with dementia.”

Guy Chambers from Monmouthshire Freemasons, commented:

“I’m really pleased we’ve been able to help Age Connects Torfaen with this hugely important project. Dementia brings with it a host of practical problems that a volunteer dementia buddy can really help with, but perhaps their greatest contribution would be in overcoming loneliness which is a major issue for people living with dementia.”