BEING a Dementia champion, I know quite a bit about the condition and have seen first-hand the devastating impact it can have one people and their families.

But what has surprised me is how the little things, like being able to go out for a cuppa with friends, can open the door to a whole world of possibilities for sufferers and can literally change their lives for the better.

Yesterday I was delighted to speak at the Tredegar and Blaenau Gwent Dementia Friendly Community Celebration at Bedwellty House.

The aim of the event was to champion the success of the Dementia Friends Blaenau Gwent group in making a difference in the borough for those with Dementia.

JD Wetherspoons in Tredegar has earned Dementia Friendly status through its work with the group on understanding what it means to have Dementia and how to help people with the condition. The time the staff have put into training and their weekly Dementia tea/coffee sessions has earned them the accolade.

Tai Calon Community Housing Association and United Welsh have worked with Dementia Friends to understand how they can help their tenants who have Dementia and was also rewarded for their contribution.

Pupils from Deighton Primary School, Tredegar received a special mention for the work they did during a Dementia Friendly workshop, enabling them to understand the condition.

All have a part to play in breaking down the barriers on the condition.

It never ceases to amaze me how community spirit can really make a difference in situations like these. If we can get schools, businesses and organisations like those mentioned working together to educate the public and support Dementia sufferers, we can ensure they are integrate into our communities, ensure they do not feel isolated and ensure that it’s safe for them to go into their local café/shop/supermarket because people understand what dementia is.

I for one was incredibly proud to be part of the event and stand alongside the likes of Cllr Hayden Trollope who is a passionate supporter of the cause. It was humbling to hear from someone with dementia how the group has changed his life.

I hope that Dementia Friends Blaenau Gwent continues to thrive, I urge all organisations in Blaenau Gwent to take up the challenge to become Dementia Friendly and congratulate them on the outstanding contribution they make in these valleys.