Donations help bring comfort and connection to people living with dementia admitted to Older Adult Mental Health Wards

Pictured above: Games and activities funded by Hywel Dda Health Charities.

Thanks to generous donations, Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, has been able to purchase over £800 worth of games and activities for the Older Adult Mental Health (OAMH) Wards at Bronglais and Withybush Hospitals.

The items funded, which include puzzles, picture boards, companion pet toys, and animal snap games, are specifically designed to support people living with dementia.

Emma Dobson, OAMH Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist, said: “We’re incredibly grateful that charitable funds have enabled us to purchase these items for Enlli Ward and St Non Ward.

“Each resource has been chosen to promote comfort, connection, reminiscence and positive distraction, helping to enhance the wellbeing of patients on both wards.

“The puzzles include prompt questions to encourage conversation and memory‑sharing. The “Handyman” magnetic picture board can help spark memories, support identity and act as a calming tool when needed. Animal Snap cards provide bright, age‑appropriate images, while the therapeutic companion pets offer soothing, lifelike interaction that many patients find reassuring.”

Nicola Llewelyn, Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”