New Vice-Chair Appointments for Cwm Taf Morgannwg Regional Dementia Steering Group

As the first Vice-Chair in Cwm Taf Morgannwg to bring lived experience to the role, Ceri - alongside Jonathan - brings a wealth of insight and a deep commitment to improving the lives of people living with dementia and their carers.

A lifelong resident of Pontypridd, Ceri cared for her father who lived with dementia and has supported several family members with complex health needs over the past 30 years. Her personal journey has shaped her into a passionate advocate for better dementia services and carer support.

Ceri holds a number of high-profile regional and national voluntary roles where she shares her lived experience to influence decisions on dementia care.

These include serving as a carer representative on the Welsh Government’s Cross-Party Group on Dementia, being a board member for Cwm Taf Care and Repair, group facilitator volunteer at Alzheimer’s Society Cymru, and co-founder of Lleisiau Dementia – a group instrumental in the creation of the Dementia Action Plan for Wales.

As founder of Turn Ponty Blue – an annual campaign that aims to shine on the condition – Ceri is passionate about ensuring people with dementia are treated with compassion and are supported to retain their hobbies and interests. She is currently studying for a Masters in Dementia, which is helping to deepen her understanding to strengthen her advocacy.

Jonathan joins Ceri as Co-Vice Chair, bringing two decades of leadership experience across cancer, palliative, and dementia care

As Local Services Manager for Alzheimer’s Society Cymru in Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda Cynon Taf, he leads a team of dementia advisors supporting people living with or awaiting a diagnosis.

The Regional Dementia Steering Group, which operates within the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Regional Partnership, brings together representatives from health, social care, the third sector, and people with lived experiences.

With 1 in 3 people born in the UK today expected to be diagnosed with dementia in their lifetime, the Steering Group plays a vital role in raising awareness and improving joined-up support across the region.

Its focus areas include:

• Enhancing community involvement
• Improving the experience of diagnosis
• Implementing the Dementia Friendly Hospital Charter
• Supporting and developing the dementia care workforce

As Vice-Chairs, Ceri and Jonathan will support Kelvin Barlow as Chair in leading the Steering Group, ensuring that members contribute their expertise and time towards delivering actions aligned with the region’s dementia priorities.

Ceri said:

“This is a really important moment for the Regional Dementia Steering Group. I believe in the saying: “nothing about us, without us” because having somebody with a lived experience in a strategic, decision-making role is invaluable. People living with dementia and their carers must be seen as equal partners in shaping the services that affect their lives.

“Co-production is a cornerstone of the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act, and I’m committed to ensuring it’s not just a principle, but a practice. In this role, I’ll use my passion and experience to drive meaningful change and hold all partners to account.”

Jonathan added:

“Dementia support goes beyond clinical care – it’s emotional, practical, and deeply personal. The third sector, including Alzheimer’s Society Cymru, plays a crucial role in supporting people and families before and after diagnosis.

“I’m passionate about tackling health inequalities and championing inclusive, person-centred care, so it’s inspiring to see the Dementia Steering Group unite clinicians, service providers, and those with lived experience to improve services and support. Working alongside Ceri, I aim to bring the voice of non-clinical support into decision-making, ensuring the full spectrum of people’s needs is recognised and respected.”

Kelvin Barlow, Chair of the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Dementia Steering Group, said:

“We’re building a region where everyone – no matter their postcode – can access the dementia care and support they deserve. With dementia affecting so many lives across Wales, our decision-making spaces must drive real change, not just conversation.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Ceri and Jonathan as Co-Vice Chairs. Their insight and energy will challenge us, inspire innovation, and help ensure we deliver on the Dementia Action Plan and the All-Wales Dementia Care Pathway of Standards – providing the care and support our communities expect.”

For more information on the work of the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Dementia Steering Group, please visit: https://ctmregionalpartnershipboard.co.uk/priority-areas-dementia