A SCHOOL has celebrated becoming the first dementia friendly school in Cwmbran.

The Dementia Friendly Awards, launched by Alzheimer’s Society in 2013, recognises individuals and groups who have helped create dementia-friendly communities.

Greenmeadow Primary School, on Graig Road, had an assembly, on September 21, celebrating more than 200 pupils and staff becoming Dementia Friends.

Headteacher Claire Moses said: “Last term, Cllr Mandy Owen approached me to see if we would engage in this, which I was very excited about. Phil Diamond, Dementia Training Lead, delivered staff and governors training.”

The school read The Elephant Who Forgot to pupils, to help them understand dementia at their level, followed by workshops, hosted by Phil Diamond and Natasha Harris, who were at the celebrations along with two residents from Ty Gwyn Care Home.

“The plan is now to link closely with the care home,” explained Ms Moses.

“Every half term, children from our school will visit residents and do interactive activities with them, such as singing and playing board games.

“It’s the start of an important, worthwhile venture, making children aware of the illness and thinking about families who have to deal with this and how they can help with this.

AM Lynne Neagle, chairwoman of the National Assembly for Wales Cross Party Group on Dementia, presented the award, and said: “I would like to say a massive well done to Greenmeadow Primary School on this achievement.

“I know it makes people with dementia happy when they hear of young people committing to do something themselves to learn about dementia and what life is like for people living with the condition. I would like to say a big thank you from me and the Assembly. Well done.”

“Today was a great experience,” added Jessica Shave, Year 6.

“I liked it when we had people from Ty Gwyn Care Home and I’m excited about performing there as part of the school choir.

“I am proud to say we are a Dementia Friendly School,” she said.