Hafan Ni offers a safe, welcoming space within our Flintshire and Conwy Dementia Centres, where individuals can take part in meaningful activities and connect with others—while their carers enjoy a well-deserved short break.

Hafan Ni is proudly funded through the Amser Grant obtained from Carers Trust Wales. This funding allows us to continue offering vital respite opportunities for carers who give so much of their time and energy to supporting loved ones living with dementia.

A New Beginning in Flintshire

Our Flintshire Hafan Ni opened its doors in April of this year as a pilot project. The service runs for three hours each week and is supported by our own Carer Support Workers within CTNW, ensuring that people attending receive the level of care and assistance they need in a comfortable, familiar environment.

At present, eight individuals regularly attend the weekly Flintshire session—meaning eight carers benefit from short-term respite on a weekly basis. In total, 24 hours of respite are being provided each week thanks to the Amser Grant.

Sandra’s Story

My mum can find mornings difficult and is often reluctant to get up, yet once she is at the group she ‘comes alive’. The wonderful warm welcome she always receives and the way the staff make a fuss of her gives her such a sense of belonging. The activities the staff and volunteers provide – whether chat, tea, games and/or crafts – provide mum with much needed stimulation and joy. It is amazing to be a part of this fantastic group, part of this family.

It is clear, so clear to me, that the staff and volunteers are not only dedicated, but also genuinely caring. They always create an environment where people, like mum, with dementia feel valued, supported and engaged. The difference in my mum after she attended this group is remarkable. Mum is so full of life, energy and joy. It is a true blessing, not only for her but also for those/us caring as we get the chance to recharge our batteries.

I thank everyone involved in this group as it is a lifeline to our family. Because you care so much, we feel at peace when mum is here and inspired t try harder for mum, as she means the world to us. Thank you for being here for us too.

Stef’s Story

This is an excellent facility, run by genuinely caring people, who’s service provide comfort, companionship, compassion and support for sufferers of this terrible illness. A much needed break for the carers and also a place that lifts the person with the condition and makes them smile again. The facility is also a place where carers can talk and listen to each other, exchange opinions, views and come away regenerated and not feel they are on their own with this.

Irene’s Story

Hafan Ni not only allows us to attend appointments etc. but also to have some leisure time to meet with friends or family who we may not have seen for some time. It also benefits my husband to spend time with other people other than myself and to take part in activities knowing he is safe and with people he knows and trusts. It also helps to reassure my daughter to know that I am able to have some time to myself or the opportunity to spend time with her and be able to not to worry. It is so important to have the support of such a facility which makes such a difference to our situation and wellbeing.

Ken’s Story

Since my wife, Maureen, has been attending the Wednesday group, it has made quite a difference to Maureen and I’s lives, she enjoys the company and activities plus it gives me some free time to do jobs around the house, and also a break from caring which I enjoy. I would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to Karen and her team.