“Community Matters”:
Living and Coping with Dementia
Small Grant Announcement
Cardiff Third Sector Council (C3SC) has been awarded funding by the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board (UHB) to work with community groups and organisations across Cardiff that support individuals and families affected by dementia. We are especially keen to collaborate with small, grassroots organisations embedded in their local communities.
This project supports the delivery of the All-Wales Dementia Care Pathway of Standards, with a focus on Standard 12 – enhancing the role of the Dementia Connector. This is a named contact who provides ongoing support, guidance, and signposting to people living with dementia and their carers throughout their journey, from diagnosis to end of life.
Project Aims
Through this initiative, we aim to:
- Listen and Learn – Understand what matters most to people affected by dementia, ensuring that their voices – and those of their carers, families, and friends – are heard and acted upon.
- Identify Gaps – Pinpoint shortcomings in current service provision and co-design targeted, community-led solutions in partnership with third sector organisations.
- Strengthen Connections – Build stronger links between individuals, service providers, and community networks to foster collaboration and shared learning.
How Will We Achieve This?
We will support conversations with individuals and community groups to explore:
- What dementia support services are currently available in Cardiff?
- What challenges or barriers do people face when trying to access these services?
- Are existing services meeting people’s needs?
- How could access to support be improved?
Funding Available
A total of six organisations will each receive £1,250 to carry out engagement activities.
What Will Funded Groups Be Expected to Do?
Successful applicants will be required to:
- Attend an in-person workshop on 16 May, 14:00-16:00, to discuss engagement plans and reporting expectations.
- Host two two-hour focus groups with 12–15 participants.
- Engage a further 12–15 individuals through one-to-one conversations.
- Maintain regular contact with C3SC, providing updates on progress and sharing initial findings.
- Submit a final report to C3SC by 20 June 2025, 17:00.
What Happens Next?
The findings from this work will be shared with Cardiff and Vale UHB to help develop and enhance the Dementia Connector role. They will also be shared with C3SC’s strategic partners to inform wider service planning.
Your insights will contribute to the Welsh Government’s vision for A Healthier Wales, helping people live healthier, more independent lives in dementia-friendly communities.
How to Get Involved
If your organisation/group would like to take part and help shape more inclusive, dementia-aware communities in Cardiff, please complete the Expression of Interest form by 17:00 on 02 May 2025.
For further information, please contact: Klavdija Erzen, C3SC Community Connections Development Officer, on klavdija.e@c3sc.org.uk.
