North Wales MS backs film project aimed at boosting dementia awareness

A North Wales Member of the Senedd has thrown his support behind a project aimed at creating a better understanding of dementia.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board premiered five ‘Living Better with Dementia’ films at the Odeon Cinema in Wrexham earlier this month.

The five films can be viewed separately or as a continuous 32-minute film and address the following topics:

• What is dementia?
• When to seek help
• Getting a diagnosis
• Living with dementia
• Planning for the future

It is hoped that the short films will help create a better understanding of “dementia in North Wales and beyond.”

The project has received the support of Sam Rowlands, Welsh Conservative MSfor North Wales.

Mr Rowlands, a keen supporter of Dementia UK, and who often raises awareness of the illness said:

“As a keen supporter of anything which ultimately helps and supports people suffering from dementia and their families, I welcome the introduction of these films.

“Dementia is a terrible debilitating illness and it is good to see BCUHB tackling this issue to help everyone better understand how to live with the condition.

“I am alarmed to hear that the number of people suffering from dementia is increasing in our communities and as a Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales I will continue to support and help to highlight this condition and raise awareness.”

The idea for the films came from Professor Tracey Williamson, Consultant Nurse for Dementia at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

She said: “We are really pleased with the five films created by local company Eternal Media Ltd in Wrexham.

“The films are unscripted and the personal accounts within them are told by people whose lives have been affected by dementia.

“The films will have a wide reach beyond Wales I am sure and can be used for gaining information or for training.”

The films were funded by the Mental Health & Learning Disabilities Division, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and the premieres funded by the North Wales Regional Partnership Board, which was keen for the films to gain maximum reach across North Wales and beyond.

All the films are available online and can be found here.