Transport for Wales has shown its support for the Alzheimer’s Society by unveiling a new design on one of its trains.

Transport for Wales (TfW) undertook a poll on their Twitter account, giving members of the public the chance to vote for three charities that they would like to see supported by the train operating company.

The charities chosen are:

• Tŷ Gobaith Children’s Hospice Services will see their train launched soon.
• Lifeboat charity RNLI who’s train was launched in August 2021
• Dementia charity Alzheimer’s Society Cymru, whose train was launched to coincide with World Alzheimers month in September 2021

The Alzheimer’s Society well-known logo was wrapped on a set of TfW’s newly introduced Mark IV carriages. Bilingual information was also included about how to easily find more information about both the charity and dementia. 

The branded train will travel on the Wales and Borders network and will be seen by hundreds of thousands of people, especially as more people return to train travel and will bring greater awareness about the charity and dementia to the general public.

TfW has already supported the Alzheimer’s Society Cymru working with the charity’s Dementia Friends project. Dementia Friends are information-based sessions that intend to change the way people think, act and talk about dementia. 

TfW’s staff induction programme included Dementia Friends information sessions with staff members being encouraged to become Dementia Friends. After staff have taken part in an information session either online or in-person they can wear an Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Friends badge on their lanyard which enables customers to easily see that they have a greater awareness of dementia and this can benefit those with dementia or anyone travelling with someone with dementia.

The Alzheimer’s Society Cymru have five key messages they would like people to know:

• Dementia is not a natural part of ageing
• Dementia is caused by diseases of the brain
• Dementia is not just about losing your memory
• People can still live well with dementia
• Alzheimer’s Society Cymru is there for anyone affected by dementia

The Alzheimer’s Society Cymru wants anyone affected by dementia to know they can get in touch with them to see what help and support is available for them.

TfW’s Director of People and Change, Bethan Jelfs, said: “We are extremely pleased to be supporting the Alzheimer’s Society Cymru. Those involved at the charity give so much to those reaching out for support, be it on the telephone, online or face to face.

“I look forward to seeing the Alzheimer’s Society Cymru Mark IV train running across our network and am very glad that we can promote them and their key messages to a large audience.”

Sue Phelps – Alzheimer’s Society Cymru Country Director, commented: “We’re delighted that members of the public have voted to have our logo and information on the Transport for Wales Alzheimer’s Society Cymru Mark IV train. What a fantastic and unique way to raise awareness of dementia which affects 45,000 people in Wales. People affected by dementia have been worst hit by the pandemic. Alzheimer’s Society support services have been a lifeline, used over six million times since March 2020, showing we are needed more than ever.

“Whoever you are, whatever you are going through, you can turn to Alzheimer’s Society Cymru for help and advice. Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Connect support line (Welsh speaking line 0330 947 400/English speaking line 0333 150 3456) is open seven days a week providing information, advice and emotional support to anyone affected by dementia, or you can visit www.alzheimers.org.uk.”

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