During Dementia Action Week, communities across Wales will come together to raise awareness and inspire action. In Swansea and Neath Port Talbot, this is being brought to life through a partnership between Dementia Friendly Swansea and NISH, turning awareness into meaningful and practical support with a series of drop-in events. We spoke to Dementia Hwb’s Kayleigh Phillips about why this is important…

Dementia Friendly Swansea’s goal is to ensure that people living with dementia, those worried about their memory, and the people around them feel supported, informed, and included.

This means creating spaces where people feel comfortable asking questions, accessing support, and having open conversations about diagnoses or future brain health.

One of the most impactful ways this support is delivered is through Dementia Hwbs. Based in community locations and through mobile outreach, these welcoming spaces provide a listening ear, practical information, and clear signposting. Every month, they support around 700 people, helping to prevent crises and improve confidence and quality of life.

A key message behind the Brain Health Drop-In is that dementia is not an inevitable part of ageing. Research, including findings from The Lancet, shows that there are actions we can take at any stage of life to reduce our risk.

Brain health influences how we think, move, communicate, and connect with others. The encouraging news is that small, everyday changes, such as staying socially connected, managing health conditions and keeping active can make a meaningful difference over time.

That’s why the Brain Health sessions during Dementia Action Week are designed to be inclusive and accessible. No referral or diagnosis is needed, just curiosity and a willingness to learn.

One of the most important factors in maintaining brain health is physical activity, which is where NISH plays a central role in the partnership.

NISH brings expertise in inclusive, accessible movement, helping people find ways to be active that feel realistic and enjoyable rather than intimidating. The approach focuses on meeting people where they are, whether that’s through gentle, chair-based exercises, walking, or simply building more movement into everyday routines.

Physical activity supports brain health by improving blood flow to the brain which reduces the risk of conditions like high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, and by supporting mental wellbeing and maintaining independence.

By embedding this approach into the Brain Health Drop-In, the aim is to shift perceptions of exercise from something daunting to something achievable, which is essential for long-term wellbeing.

The Brain Health Drop-In is a strong example of what can be achieved when organisations work together:

• Swansea Bay NHS brings clinical insight and public health expertise
• Swansea Council for Voluntary Service connects people to local services and community networks
• NISH leads on physical activity and inclusive wellbeing
• Dementia Friendly Swansea creates accessible, community-based support

This creates a joined-up approach that makes it easier for people to engage early, access the right support, and feel confident taking steps to protect their brain health.

There is a growing shift in how people think about dementia, with the focus is moving away from crisis response toward prevention, early support, and lifestyle changes.

Through Dementia Hwbs and events like the Brain Health Drop-In, more individuals and organisations are engaging with the idea that brain health is something we can all influence. Conversations around movement, mental wellbeing, and social connection are becoming more normal, which is helping to reduce stigma and encourage action.

Attending a workshop, having a conversation, or making a simple lifestyle change could be the first step in thinking about brain health, and can make a real difference to how we live now and in the future.