A bereavement charity has pledged to improve accessibility around dementia through new work with a leading end of life organisation.
As part of the wider charity; Cruse Bereavement Support – the UK’s leading bereavement charity that supports people across England, Wales and Northern Ireland – Cruse Cymru helps people in Wales through one of the most painful times in life, with bereavement support, information and campaigning.
- Making dementia specific resources available in hard copy including larger A4 size, and digitally
- Increasing accessibility in local Cruse area offices and support venues by making use of guidance by people affected by dementia
- Developing dementia specific continuing professional development training for staff and volunteers in collaboration with people affected by dementia and Alzheimer’s Society
Marie Curie, which provides support to people with a terminal illness across Wales in their Cardiff and the Vale Hospice and in their homes, and offers support on dying, death and bereavement on its Information and Support line, has been part of the project since 2020. The work is a partnership between Marie Curie, the Vale Council, Cardiff Council, Alzheimer’s Society Cymru and Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.
Ingrid Patterson, Marie Curie Dementia Friendly Communities Co-ordinator, said: “This is a really good example of same-sector organisations who are expert in supporting people with dementia to live well with their diagnosis working together – Marie Curie clinical staff also accessed pre-bereavement by dementia training with Cruse recently. Both organisations are working in partnership together with Alzheimer’s Society.”
Maxine Norrish, Cruse Cymru Project Manager, said: “Cruse Bereavement supports people experiencing bereavement from all conditions, but people affected by dementia in particular can have many different moments where grief might affect them, from diagnosis through to death. Being able to work with the experts in end of life ensures we’re able to provide the right support for such a complex condition for all involved, and to improve the quality of life for those who are affected.”
Any business or organisation across Cardiff and the Vale can can be supported by Marie Curie to become more welcoming for people using their service in a way which is achievable. “Pledging businesses have told us that taking forward even small actions makes a big difference to their customers who are living with dementia,” added Ingrid.
On pledging to take action the business will receive a certificate and window sticker in recognition of the work that has been carried out. This will give the business an opportunity to promote themselves locally and regionally as being ‘Dementia Friendly’.
