Students have been part of the ‘friendship circle’ in Brecon since
the sessions began in March 2017, based at Kensington Baptist Church near the town centre.
The idea was to create a community-based meeting centre inspired by a Dutch model, which is centred around supporting local people whilst adapting to changes brought on by living with dementia.
Students help members to plan sessions and activities based on their interests, as well as preparing food alongside those attending the sessions.
The centre is the first to open in Wales, with plans for four more to open in Powys in the next three years.
For project leader Yvie, she is delighted with the work the students have done, and the close bonds they have formed with the rest of the group.
“It has been wonderful to have the energy of a new generation who care about people’s rights,” she said.
“We are offering an opportunity to be in a community-based setting where there are no uniforms or labels, just three different generations sharing interests.
“I think it has hugely enhanced the group, the inclusion of students bringing their latest interests and fresh conversations to the sessions.
“What’s impressed me the most is that students have really gone the extra mile for the group.
“We have a member who used to play the ukulele but could no longer remember how. So one student brought in her ukulele from home so that they could re-learn chords together.
“Another gesture that springs to mind is a man in his early nineties used to be an eye surgeon, so students brought a model of an eye from the College so that he could give a talk to the rest of the group.
“It is moments like that which really make all the difference.”
For more information on our Health and Social Care courses, please visit www.nptcgroup.ac.uk.