Minister praises co-op club supporting people with dementia

A co-op club in Neath Port Talbot that supports people living with early onset dementia and their families has been praised by the Welsh Government’s Social Care Minister, Huw Irranca-Davies.

The ‘Me, Myself and I’ (MMI) Club in Briton Ferry was established in response to the growing care and support needs of local people living with early onset dementia.

A wide range of activities are offered to guests, while training is provided to people who care for and support their dependents and relatives. They also offer training to people who wish to develop careers in the care sector.

In 2016, a new law – the Social Services and Well-being Act – was introduced in Wales. It places a duty on local authorities to promote the development of not for private profit organisations, such as co-operative organisations, to provide care and support and support for carers, and preventative services, with the aim of opening up the ways in which people receive care and support.

The MMI Club has received support through the Wales Cooperative Centre’s ‘Care to Co-operate’ project, which is helping people establish their own co-operative group or organisation to support the delivery of local social care and well-being services. The project is funded via the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Social Services Third Sector Grant, receiving over £600,000 over the course of three years.

Huw Irranca-Davies said:

“I was really pleased to visit the Me, Myself and I club in Briton Ferry to see and hear first-hand the great work taking place there to support those living with early onset dementia, and the vital training and support they provide to the people who care for them.

“The club is a great example of how our landmark Social Services and Well-being Act is delivering real, positive change in our communities. It’s an excellent example of how co-operatives are opening up new ways for people to receive care and support in their own communities. It also gives them a very clear voice and control over how that care and support is shaped and delivered.

“The Welsh Government is committed to making Wales a dementia friendly nation, which ensures people with dementia feel valued and are supported to live as independently as possible in their own communities.”