West Wales Dementia Conference
A journey through dementia
Parc Dewi Sant, Job's Well Rd, Carmarthen SA31 3HG
Monday 6th July 2026
What was covered at the conference?
Agenda: Morning
…..
10:00am-10:05am
Welcome
Hazel Lloyd Lubran, Chair West Wales Regional Partnership Board & Chief Executive, Ceredigion Association of Voluntary Organisations (CAVO) and
Karen Butler, Lived Experience
Hazel Lloyd Lubran
CAVO Chief Executive
– Work with a small team of colleagues at CAVO that support and promote volunteering and community and voluntary groups across Ceredigion.
– Chair of the Regional Partnership Board and co-sponsor regional efforts to develop and recognize the value of preventions through the Regional Preventions Board.
– Currently Chair the Ceredigion Public Services Board and lead a Project Group of partners to collectively improve wellbeing in Cardigan.
Karen Butler
My name is Karen Butler. My husband and I live in Pembrokeshire and have one son.
I previously worked in the voluntary sector, supporting older people and unpaid carers. I now work within social care for Pembrokeshire County Council as a Commissioning & Contracts Management Officer, where I support the management of grants and contracts for unpaid carers.
For many years, I cared for my mum, who lived with dementia. Following her passing last year, my husband and I now support and care for my father-in-law.
Through both my professional role and personal experiences as an unpaid carer, I have developed a deep understanding of the challenges, responsibilities, and rewards that caring can bring.
10:05am-10:35am
Introducing Admiral Nurses
Charlie Duhig, Admiral Nurse Clinical Lead, Hywel Dda University Health Board
Charlie Duhig
Charlie Duhig is the clinical lead Admiral Nurse working in the Hywel Dda dementia wellbeing service. She leads a team of 7 specialist Admiral nurses working with unpaid carers of people living with dementia in the community. Charlie is a registered mental health nurse and has extensive experience working in dementia care across a range of services including, acute general hospitals, memory assessment services, frailty teams in primary care and the community. She is a qualified independent non-medical prescriber with a particular interest in frailty and physical health. She has recently completed a Post Graduate Diploma in person-centred dementia studies and is a qualified dementia development care coach
10:35am-10:55am
Technology and Dementia
Melinda Goodale, Coordinator – Technology Enabled Care & Sensory Services (Ceredigion County Council) and
Dafydd Owen, Technology Enabled Care Lead Officer Pembrokeshire County Council
10:55am-11:15am
Overview of Dementia Wellbeing Connectors
Chloe Wilcox, Dementia Wellbeing Connector Services Manager, Age Cymru Dyfed
Jonathan Hadley
Jonathan Hadley is the Senior Dementia Wellbeing Connector for Pembrokeshire, leading a team of three connectors supporting people living with dementia and their families. With a background in teaching and personal experience of caring for his father who lived with dementia, Jonathan combines professional skills and lived experience to provide practical, person-centred support.
Emma Gerbino
Emma Gerbino is the Senior Dementia Wellbeing Connector for Ceredigion, leading a team of three connectors supporting people living with dementia and their families across the county. With a background in Early Years and Safeguarding, alongside personal experience of caring for family members with dementia, Emma brings a compassionate and holistic approach to supporting people to live well with dementia.
11:15am-11:30am
Break
11:30am-11:45am
A Good Life with Dementia
Peter Clark and Kay Bradburn, Lived experience
Aimee Williams, Advance Nurse Practitioner, Hywel Dda University Health Board
Peter Clark
Peter Clark, 81, living in Ammanford, diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease 4 years ago, his diagnosis (thanks to Admiral Nurse, Liz) became his ticket to a new and more adventurous life, than his expected decline into passive old age.
Aimee Williams
Aimee Williams is a Mental Health Nurse, practicing Advanced Nurse Practitioner and Non-Medical prescriber who leads the Dementia Diagnostic Team within HDUHB. Providing advanced clinical leadership across two teams in Carmarthenshire, managing nine staff and supporting the delivery of person centred dementia assessments.
Aimee has a diverse clinical background, spanning paediatric and adult psychiatric intensive care, as well as community mental health services across the age range. This breadth of experience underpins her holistic approach to assessment.
In addition to her clinical role, Aimee is the Vice Chair of the Public Health Wales National Dementia Faculty Education Programme and she serves as an ambassador for the Health Education and Improvement Wales Train/Work/Live campaign, contributing to the development and promotion of the mental health workforce in Wales.
Her specialist interests include frailty, neurology and she has most recently been awarded funding to co-produce the A Good Life With Dementia programme across the three counties.
11:50am-12:05pm
Thirst for Life – the importance of hydration
Alexandra Rees, Clinical Lead Dietician, Hywel Dda University Health Board
Lexi Rees
Lexi is a registered Dietitian with over 16 years of experience, primarily within Hywel Dda University Health Board, where she has focused on supporting older adults, including those living with dementia, to maintain their health through optimal nutrition and hydration.
She is currently the Clinical Lead Dietitian for the Dementia Wellbeing Community Team, a multidisciplinary service supporting individuals with dementia who are experiencing stress or distress in the community. In this role, Lexi works with people in their own homes and care settings to address changes in appetite and nutritional intake, while also leading on training, resource development, and contributing to research.
12:05am-12:20pm
RESPOND – The unmet needs model and practical guidance for responding effectively
Helen Rawlinson, Dementia Practice Development Coach, Hywel Dda University Health Board
Helen Rawlinson
Helen Rawlinson is a Behaviour Practitioner specialising in supporting people living with dementia who experience stress and distress, alongside the staff who care for them. With undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in psychology, she brings both clinical insight and practical experience to her work.
Helen is a qualified Dementia Practice Development Coach (University of Worcester) and has experience in delivering Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) / Positive Behavioural Management (PBM) training. She jointly leads the Foundations for Wellbeing in Dementia Care programme and supports a team of dementia care coaches to deliver person-centred care that reduces distress and promotes wellbeing.
12:20am-12:35pm
Importance of maintaining function
Karen Shearsmith- Farthing, Advanced Practice Occupational Therapist – Dementia Lead, Hywel Dda University Health Board
Karen Shearsmith-Farthing
Karen graduated from Brunel University in 1996 and specialised in oncology, palliative and end of life care, later completing an MSc in Dementia at the University of Stirling. She has also worked as a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist and EMDR practitioner within IAPT services.
She is currently an Advanced Practice Occupational Therapist in the Dementia Wellbeing Community Team for Hywel Dda University Health Board. She developed the Occupational Therapy Dementia Standards to support consistent practice across the Health Board, now shared on the RCOT Innovation Hub.
Karen is passionate about post-diagnostic support and created an evaluation framework for the Journey through Dementia Programme. Her special interests include dementia-friendly environments, increasing the awareness and assessment of paratonia, management of the behavioural expression of unmet needs, animal assisted therapy and sensory approaches in dementia care.
12:35pm-13:20pm
Lunch
Agenda: Afternoon
…..
13:20pm-13:35pm
Join dementia research: Why is it important and how to get involved
Sharon Boulter, Senior Research Participation Officer, Alzheimer’s Society
Sharon Boulter – Senior Research Participation Officer, Alzheimer’s Society
Sharon Boulter is a Senior Research Participation Officer at Alzheimer’s Society, where she leads the charity’s partnership with Join Dementia Research. Alzheimer’s Society has been a proud charity partner of Join Dementia Research for more than 11 years, reflecting its long-standing commitment to improving the lives of people affected by dementia through supporting and advancing vital research.
In her role, Sharon works to raise awareness of Join Dementia Research among healthcare professionals, community groups, and Alzheimer’s Society staff. She is passionate about helping people living with dementia, as well as their families and supporters, understand how they can take part in research and contribute to future discoveries and improvements in care. By connecting individuals with opportunities to get involved, Sharon helps ensure that everyone who wants to make a difference through dementia research can do so.
13:35pm-13:50pm
Emergency services – Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust (WAST)
Alison Johnstone, Programme Manager for Dementia, Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust
Alison Johnstone
Alison has worked as the Programme Manager for Dementia with the Welsh Ambulance Services for a number of years and has been with the Welsh Ambulance Service since 2001. She leads the Dementia Programme for the Trust, giving a stronger voice to people living with dementia and their carers/families so that they can influence the work of the service.
As a Trust, we are working towards improving the experience for people affected by dementia who access and move through our services, as well as considering the impact it will have on our own workforce. Key work areas include knowledge and skill development for our staff; ensuring co-production; and working in partnership with a range of stakeholders to create dementia and sensory friendly services.
13:50pm-14:00pm
Emergency services Update – Dyfed Powys Police
Jessica Thomas, Partnerships Coordinator, Dyfed Powys Police and
Meinir Thomas, Missing Person Co-ordinator, Dyfed Powys Police
Jess Thomas
Jess has over 20 years’ experience working Dyfed-Powys police in a range of roles including a PCSO, Anti-Social Behaviour Co-ordinator, Force Anti-Social Behaviour Lead and currently the Partnership Co-ordinator. Jess actively promotes effective partnership at all levels with internal and external stakeholders. Jess identifies innovative opportunities to work collaboratively with partners for the benefit of our communities. This includes the promotion of prevention initiatives.
14:00pm-14:10pm
Learning and Development Guide
Rhianydd Barnes, Programme and Change Manager for Workforce, West Wales Regional Partnership Board Team
Rhianydd Barnes
After leaving school, I began my career in the care sector, quickly progressing from carer to senior carer and then home care consultant within two years. Through close work with Social Workers, I was inspired to train as one myself and have now been a qualified social worker for 12 years.
My experience includes six years in child protection and a year as a hospital-based Social Worker, where I prioritised safe and effective discharge planning. I later moved into Learning & Development, recognising my passion for supporting others to grow and excel in practice.
For the past three years, I have worked with the West Wales Regional Partnership Board as a Programme and Change Manager (Workforce). Alongside this, I recently completed an MA in Professional Practice. I am passionate about building a skilled, resilient workforce, with a strong focus on recruitment, retention, and wellbeing.
I am particularly excited about the development of the Dementia Learning & Development Framework, aimed at equipping the West Wales workforce with consistent, high-quality skills. I firmly believe that accessible learning pathways and a good sense of humour are essential ingredients for a strong and sustainable workforce.
14:10pm-14:25pm
Break
14:25pm-14:40pm
Value of arts in health and wellbeing
Kathryn Lambert, Head of Arts and Health, and
Dr Ruth Jones, Arts and Health Project Manager, Hywel Dda University Health Board
Dr Ruth Jones
Role: Arts and Health Project Manager Hywel Dda University Health Board
Ruth is an arts project manager, curator, commissioner and practitioner with over twenty-five years’ experience of working across the cultural sector in various capacities including academia, community arts and local authority. She joined the Arts and Health team at Hywel Dda in April 2025 and manages the Arts and Dementia programme for in-patients with dementia, currently running across 10 Ward settings in Older Adult Mental Health, Adult Frailty and Community hospitals.
She is dedicated to developing and demonstrating the role that arts and culture can play in improving people’s lives. She believes creative activity should be available to everyone to enjoy and benefit from.
14:40pm-14:55pm
Dementia Friendly Communities
Sophie Buckley, Strengthening Communities Programme Manager, Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services (PAVS), Community Voluntary Council Representative
Sophie Buckley
Sophie Buckley is the Strengthening Communities Programme Manager at Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services (PAVS), leading initiatives that promote wellbeing, resilience and connection across Pembrokeshire. She oversees the Community Hub, Community Connector (social prescribing) service, engagement and co-production work, and the development of Age and Dementia Friendly Communities. Sophie has extensive experience across the voluntary and statutory sectors and is a passionate advocate for people affected by dementia and unpaid carers. She is the Third Sector (CVC) representative on the Regional Dementia Steering Group and currently Vice Chair of the West Wales Carers Development Group, helping shape regional strategy and support for carers.
14:55pm-15:10pm
Q&A Discussion
All speakers
15:15pm
Close
James Severs, Executive Director of Allied Health Professions and Health Science and
Hazel Chair West Wales Regional Partnership Board & CE, CAVO
james Severs
James Severs is an accomplished Allied Health Professional with over 17 years of experience working across a range of health trusts in England and Wales. James is currently serving as the Executive Director of Allied Health Professions and Health Science at Hywel Dda University Health Board, James brings a wealth of clinical, operational and profession leadership experience to his role.
James began his career as a paramedic after graduating from Coventry University and holds a postgraduate degree in Paramedic Science from the University of Hertfordshire. He has held senior leadership roles at Avon and Wilshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, St Andrew’s Healthcare and most recently Sandwell and West Birmingham where he held role of Chief Allied Health Professional with responsibility for Allied Health Professions and Health Science.
James is committed to raising the profile and demonstrating the impact of the Allied Health Professions and Health Science workforce, and their crucial role in supporting the health and wellbeing of people in local communities – helping them to maintain their independence and to stay healthier for longer.
Organisation Showcase
A range of organisations will be showcasing the support they have on offer to those caring for and living with dementia.
Who attended?
Admiral nurse service
Admiral Nurses are specialist dementia nurses who provide free, expert advice, support and understanding to help families care for their loved one.
Age cymru dyfed
Age Cymru Dyfed operates across Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, and Ceredigion, supporting individuals over 50 to maintain independence and make the most of later life.
CETMA
We’re currently promoting digital inclusion support and are able to provide help with accessing online Government forms. Eventually all Government forms will be online and we’re here to help with the transition. We can help with PIP/UC appeals, divorce, probation, fines, and many more.
Coleg Sir Gâr
We provide courses around dementia care, alongside other care related courses.
Contact: Nadine Evans nadine.evans@colegsirgar.ac.uk
Delta Wellbeing
We help people stay safe and independent at home, and support organisations to deliver better care using simple, effective Technology Enabled Care solutions like personal alarms and fall detectors. Delta Wellbeing provide lifelines to help people remain connected and provides reassurance that support is available, when needed.
Dyfed Powys Police: Cyber Crime Team
Promoting Herbert Protocol to help prevent risk/harm should there be a missing person incident.
Human Support Group
Human Support group provides support services to people with dementia, their families and carers through direct domiciliary care and or replacement care, sitting services
Hywel Dd: Learning Disability Health Facilitation and Acute Liaison Team
The Hywel Dda Health Board colleagues within LD Psychology services are attending to share the support they offer within the LD Dementia Pathway within the health board.
Lemon+Aid
“Our aim is to reduce death by suicide and normalise a holistic approach to mental wellness . We achieve this through our preventive solutions-focused initiatives, building community wealth; groups, community events, workshops, technology, education. Developing the skills and support to help people and communities live their best lives possible.”
Marie Curie
Marie Curie provides a better end of life for more people, whatever the illness. We’re here for anyone living with any illness they’re likely to die from, and those close to them. We provide free palliative and end of life care, information and support. We campaign for more people to have a better end of life and fund palliative care research. We also provide espite support in the Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion area. Support via support line Wales wide, pre and post bereavement counselling and support. Advanced care planning. Free will writing service.
Please get in touch if you would like to get involved or to hear more about the project. Contact Elen John: elen.john@mariecurie.org.uk
MENCAP Cymru
Working with people and families/ carers who have a learning disability and or autism, dementia is something that can affect everyone and is important to educate about.
NACRO Connecting Carmarthenshire
We are a signposting and referral service and always looking for information to pass on to the public who attend our own events or who are referred to us.
Please get in touch if you would like to hear more. Contact Catherine Hyndman: Catherine.Hyndman@nacro.org.uk
National Energy Action
National Energy Action (NEA) is the national fuel poverty charity. We’ve worked across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland for over 40 years, to ensure that everyone can afford to live in a warm, healthy home.
Together with frontline practitioners, companies, regulators and governments, National Energy Action works to support vulnerable clients, raise awareness and achieve enduring change.
National Neurodivergence Team (WLGA)
We are the National Neurodivergence Team working in partnership with Welsh Government’s Neurodivergence Improvement Programme and more recently have begun collaborating with the Older People’s Commissioner’s Team. We provide free information and resources about neurodivergence to everyone who needs it and are keen to share information about neurodivergence and older people as well as upskill workforces.
Website:
https://neurodivergencewales.org/en/
Nest Welsh Government Warm Homes Scheme
Nest offers free advice and support to everyone in Wales to reduce your energy bills and free energy efficiency measures to eligible customers to improve your property efficiency. Nest health eligibility supports customers with respiratory, circulatory and mental health conditions including dementia.
People speak up
Our organisation runs a dementia group for people living with dementia and their families in Llanelli & Carmarthen, we also run an award winning creative home delivery service that is commissioned by CCC & ACW.
Website: https://peoplespeakup.co.uk/
PLANED
PLANED is committed to improving communities quality of life by focusing on their opportunities, potential and helping them to achieve their aspirations.
Website:
Home
Public Service Boards - Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire
Public Services Boards (PSBs) improve joint working across all public services in each local authority area in Wales.
National Neurodivergence Team (WLGA)
We are the National Neurodivergence Team working in partnership with Welsh Government’s Neurodivergence Improvement Programme and more recently have begun collaborating with the Older People’s Commissioner’s Team. We provide free information and resources about neurodivergence to everyone who needs it and are keen to share information about neurodivergence and older people as well as upskill workforces.
Website:
https://neurodivergencewales.org/en/
Tumble lindy Hop Jive CIC
A Community group that brings a fun, unique and nostalgic form of music and dance to the community suitable for ALL to enjoy. We have specially adapted dances, routines to allow people of all abilities to get involved, whether sitting, standing, using musical instruments or simply watching, listening and enjoying. Our sessions are fully inclusive, fun and hard to resist getting involved in. We are currently working with care homes, nursing homes, Parkinson`s UK, and also providing Therapeutic sessions with a host of community groups.
We get people moving and dancing to music to enhance mental and physical well-being. We tackle loneliness and seclusion.
Website: About your local Lindy hop dance club – Tumble Lindy Hop Jive