This week, communities across Cwm Taf Morgannwg are coming together in a powerful show of support for people living with dementia and their families. Over 35 events are taking place to raise awareness, promote understanding, and champion dementia-friendly initiatives.
Running from May 19th to 25th, the week-long programme spans Bridgend, Merthyr Tydfil, and Rhondda Cynon Taf, offering a vibrant mix of activities aimed at educating the public, challenging stigma, and fostering connection.
A highlight of the week is ‘Turning Ponty Blue’, a five-day campaign in Pontypridd, created in partnership with RCT Council and the Dementia Friendly Pontypridd Steering Group. The event features craft workshops, pop-up information stands, film screenings, and even a 70s-themed disco — all designed to share information, encourage conversations and community spirit.
The campaign was founded by Ceri Higgins, a lifelong Pontypridd resident who was inspired by her experience caring for her father with dementia. Over the past 30 years, Ceri has supported several family members with complex health needs and has become a passionate advocate for better services for people with dementia and their carers.
With one in three people affected by dementia, Ceri hopes Turning Ponty Blue will shine a light on the condition, encouraging greater connection, understanding, and highlighting the importance of compassion, support, and retaining joy in hobbies and interests.
Ceri said:
“Turning Ponty Blue is about connection, and bringing people together. Very often people with dementia and carers find they socialise less, they give up hobbies and things that are important to them.“Last year, we had a fantastic day, with so many organisations and people coming together to be creative, share stories, information and experiences. With a full week planned this year, we hope to see that engagement increasing even more. We have such a wonderful community in Pontypridd, and I am looking forward to bringing everyone together in recognition of dementia once again.”
According to the Alzheimer’s Society, people living with dementia often withdraw from their communities following a diagnosis. In response, a key priority of the All Wales Dementia Pathway of Standards is to foster dementia-friendly communities across Wales — places where individuals with dementia feel accepted, included, and empowered to contribute meaningfully to society.
To explore what this looks like in practice, the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Regional Partnership will be hosting a series of community conversations throughout the week. These discussions aim to gather real-life insights and experiences that will shape future resources and support systems — helping individuals, organisations, and neighbourhoods better support people with dementia in all areas of life.
Other initiatives taking place across the region include memory walks, friendship benches, tea dances and singing, as well as information stands across health board sites.
In a visual show of recognition, several landmarks and community spaces will be turning blue from Monday, May 19th including:
- Bridgend Civic Centre
- BAVO offices in Maesteg
- Temple Chapel in Pontypridd
- Pontyclun high street
Lowri Morgan, Dementia Programme Manager for the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Regional Partnership, shared:
“We know how vital it is for people with dementia to feel seen, heard and accepted in the community. A diagnosis doesn’t define somebody, and with the right support, they should still be able to enjoy the activities, hobbies and interests they always did.
As a partnership, we are actively working together on how we can create safe and welcoming environments for people who have dementia and their families. Ultimately, people just want to feel their needs will be met and understood, whatever space they choose to go to – whether that is a café, a park, or a community group.
I am delighted to see everybody’s commitment to raising awareness of dementia, and building communities that care.”
