BIG-funded Alzheimer’s project brings vital respite for carers in Wales

A dedicated carer who has spent the last six years looking after his wife who suffers from Alzheimer’s, has told how a Lottery-funded project provides him with much-needed respite from his daily caring responsibilities.

Michael Cohen takes a look at family photos with his wife, Jenny

66 year-old Michael Cohen from Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire, and his wife Jenny, have benefited from the work of the Alzheimer’s Society.

The charity was awarded nearly £960,000 from the Big Lottery Fund’s £20 million AdvantAGE programme, which aims to empower older people in Wales by reducing social isolation and developing support services. 

This money has helped run Side by Side: An All-Wales Befriending Service for People with Dementia. The project provides companionship and support for people with dementia and their carers in Wales by training a team of volunteers to befriend people on a one-to-one basis. Carers can now also access a new telephone befriending service.

In the following podcast, Michael explains how his family has benefited from the Alzheimer’s Society’s BIG-funded outreach project.

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