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A group supporting people with dementia and their carers is trying to make the world less of a “lonely place”.  

Deri Dementia Care and Support group meets at Deri Community Centre every Tuesday and has been running for two years. 

Around 30 members in their 60s, 70s and 80s attend the weekly two-hour meetings.

The group’s secretary, Jeff Smith, told Caerphilly Observer that the group provides a much-needed service.

Jeff said: “It’s for anybody to come along who has dementia, and their carers, to see what we can do to help them in any way because unfortunately there’s not much funding out there for people with dementia.”

He continued: “There’s not much in the Caerphilly area…up this end of the valley anyway,” adding that some attendees come from Bargoed, Fochriw and Caerphilly. 

Jeff, 69, lives in Rhymney and attends the sessions along with his wife who has early-onset dementia.

The meetings are accessible – starting with a cup of tea or coffee and a chat. Then there’s often some bingo, a raffle and a game of Play Your Cards Right, accompanied by old music.

The group also hosts monthly parties celebrating any member who has a birthday that month and subsidises trips and holidays.

The sessions are led by a coordinator who can signpost people who need assistance, helping them to access social services and other resources.

But Jeff added that “everybody” helps each other “should we need something”. 

Jeff said: “When you’ve got dementia it’s a lonely place.

He continued: “You’re losing the person that you care for twice. And for them to have a two-hour break…it’s nice for the carers as well as the people with dementia.”

New members are welcome and can contact Jeff on 07359131532 or smithjeff008@gmail.com

Deri Dementia Care and Support group meets every Tuesday from 10am to 12pm at Deri Community Centre.