I am Kimberley and I am the CARIAD team lead at Hospice of the Valleys. Prior to commencing my work at the Hospice of the Valleys I worked as a social worker across a number of service areas. My particular interest has been in mental health.

CARIAD is a service provided by Hospice of the Valleys, to support families who are living with the consequences of receiving a dementia diagnosis.

At CARIAD we aim to provide high quality palliative care for people with dementia and their families who are experiencing complex symptoms that are not being effectively managed by generalist practitioners. This work allows us to support individuals to remain in their identified preferred place of care, avoiding unnecessary admission to hospital.

We strive to provide high quality, comprehensive education, for health and social care professionals and carers of people with dementia, facilitating an improved understanding of the disease process of dementia, the value of early implementation of a palliative care approach and recognition of the importance of advanced care planning.

This role enables me to contribute to the campaign to raise public awareness of dementia on matters relating to death and dying, supporting families to have difficult and sensitive discussions and address the issue of advanced care planning. It is important for me to support and facilitate choice and the fulfilment of the wishes of people with dementia to the best of my ability.

I feel lucky to work with such an amazing and person-centered team. It is a privilege to work with and support the people who access our service.

I am Carolyn and have been the Dementia Support Worker in the CARIAD team at the Hospice for almost 5 years. I was a befriending volunteer with the team before getting the job here. My job involves supporting people living with dementia in Blaenau Gwent, through facilitating activity groups, dementia education, advice and information. I love my job, but I have recently been offered a secondment post within the Hospice, working on a new project that supports specifically carers of people living with dementia.  This is in partnership with Age Connects Torfaen. I enjoy working at the Hospice and I am looking forward to the challenges the job may bring, but also to the differences it can make!

I’m Jemma and I am a health care assistant within the CARIAD Team. I have been working for The Hospice of the Valleys for around 4 years. I support families who present with complexities as a result of a dementia diagnosis. I work closely with health and social care professionals within Blaenau Gwent and I am extremely passionate about encouraging and supporting people to live independent in the community for as long as possible.

I love meeting new people and enjoy the challenges my role can present. I have recently completed my social care prescribing qualification enabling me to deliver community-based solutions for individuals living with dementia and their loved ones. I am looking forward to expanding my role by supporting individuals living with a dementia diagnosis who are under 65. I look forward to the CARIAD service developing and continuing to support those in the community where it is needed most.