The Farmers’ Union of Wales has today announced its support for Alzheimer’s Society Cymru and The Farming Community Network (FCN) as its next Presidential charitable causes.
Making the announcement, FUW President Glyn Roberts said: “We discussed our next Presidential charity with members and staff of the Union across Wales and two causes stood out above everything else.
“Dementia is a growing health problem - 1 in 6 people over the age of 80 have dementia, and there are 850,000 people with dementia in the UK.
“With an anticipated increase in the number of cases of 156 per cent between now and 2051, it equates to two million people, and the burden will fall on rural areas where there are significantly higher proportions of elderly people. So this not something that we can ignore and more research is desperately needed.
"We also want to continue our pledge to support farmers who need support in difficult times and raise awareness of mental health problems in rural communities.
“In our places of work we’ve faced some pretty low-points in the last few years. Bovine TB, price volatility and uncertainty about our future post-Brexit, this all puts a strain on our resolve and will have many feeling stressed and under immense pressure.
“I am therefore delighted to announce that the FUW will be raising funds for Alzheimer’s Society Cymru and The Farming Community Network for the next two years, with 75% of proceeds going to Alzheimer’s Society Cymru and 25% of all funds raised going to The Farming Community Network.”
There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease or any other type of dementia. Delaying the onset of dementia by five years would halve the number of deaths from the condition, saving 30,000 lives a year.
Stacey Hawdon, Alzheimer’s Society Senior Regional Corporate Partnerships Executive - Wales, said: “We would like to extend a huge thank you to Farmers’ Union Wales for uniting with us against dementia to support people affected by the condition across Wales.
“Of the 45,000 people affected by dementia in Wales, we calculate that at least a third live in a rural area which can bring about an additional set of challenges for families affected by dementia such as support services being less likely to be commissioned in rural areas, poor transport links make it harder to access help and carers are more likely to feel isolated and unsupported.
“Dementia research is desperately underfunded and there are not enough researchers and clinicians joining the fight against dementia. Five times fewer researchers choose to work on dementia than on cancer. Alzheimer's Society is committed to spending at least £150 million over the next decade on dementia research to improve care for people today and find a cure for tomorrow. This includes £50 million to develop the UK’s first dedicated Dementia Research Institute.”
Dementia is the leading cause of death in Wales, destroying our memories, relationships, and identities, added Stacey Hawdon. “Even simple tasks can become difficult, and the symptoms are often hard to understand. Without our support and advice, people with dementia and their carers must struggle alone with this complex, frightening illness.”
“Until the day we find a cure we will be here for anyone affected by dementia - wherever they are, whatever they're going through. We have just launched an exciting new strategy which will see us reach everyone with a dementia diagnosis. Whether they’re in the valleys, live in rural Wales or in the heart of our cities, we’ll be there to ensure people don’t face dementia alone.
“We are excited to see how Alzheimer’s Society and Farmers’ Union of Wales can work together to improve the lives of people living with dementia in both rural and urban communities throughout Wales,” added Stacey Hawdon.
The Farming Community Network (FCN) is a charity that supports farmers and families within the farming community through difficult times. FCN is a network of over 400 volunteers, with around 40 based in Wales, many of whom are involved in farming, or have close links with agriculture and therefore have a great understanding of the issues farmers and farming families regularly face. FCN runs a confidential national helpline and e-helpline which is open every day of the year from 7am-11pm. Volunteers provide free, confidential, pastoral and practical support to anyone who seeks help, whether the issue is personal or business-related.
David Williams, FCN Wales Regional Director, said: “As a charity, we are absolutely delighted to be chosen as one of the FUW’s charitable causes for the next two years.
“FCN relies on donations in order to continue providing practical and pastoral support to farmers and farming families throughout Wales. With Welsh farming facing substantial changes and great uncertainty over the next few years, we are anticipating a significant increase in the workload of our volunteers throughout Wales.
“The money raised from FUW will go a long way in helping FCN continue to provide this vital support to the farming community in Wales. We are so grateful to everyone at FUW for their support and we look forward to hearing what amazing fundraising activities they have planned!”