14 hours ago
Pontypool carer talks about ‘wellbeing' this National Carers Week
National Carers Week last week was dedicated to recognising and celebrating the UK's six million plus unpaid carers.
78-year-old Dave Mynott is a carer from Abersychan. He runs the Wednesday Dementia Club or as it's better known by locals 'The Pontypool Dementia Club.'
The club is a support group for carers of loved ones with dementia. Dave has been running the group for over 15 years.
Leader of the Wednesday Dementia club Dave Mynott (tall man in the centre) on a group trip with unpaid carers (Image: Dave Mynott) Dave said: 'I was helping look after my mother-in-law that had dementia and one of the staff at the hospital I worked at asked me to help set up a group.
'What we are doing is getting everyone together and enjoying each other's company.
'It seems very simple, but it's so important and valuable for people that are carers. Now it's grown to over fifty of us.'
Dave talked about the emotional side of being an unpaid carer.
He said: 'When you're caring particularly for someone with dementia it can feel you've lost a loved one already, they're not the same person and you can get very isolated.'
Dave spoke highly of his fellow unpaid carers: 'I absolutely admire one guy who actually gave up his job to look after his mum. I think they are all awesome.'
Dave had the following advice to new unpaid carers: 'Don't isolate yourself take every opportunity to socialise and look after yourself.
'They're amazing people who care for their loved ones with dementia, but they do forget to put themselves first.'
In 2023 Dave was awarded the British Empire medal (BEM) in recognition of his services to people with dementia. Currently the group meet at Pontypool Museum every week.
The Gwent Carers Hub in Pontypool (Image: NQ) The Gwent Carers Hub is another valuable resource for unpaid carers.
Situated in the heart of Pontypool town it offers unpaid carers a safe space to talk about their caring role.
A representative from The Gwent Carers Hub said: 'Looking after your own wellbeing is essential to you and the person you care for. We understand how hard being an unpaid carer is, and we are here to support you.
'Do you look after a family member, friend or even a neighbour? Do you offer support to someone without your help could not manage to live independently? If so, you are a carer.'
