Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and the RCT Together Community Development Team are pleased to announce the launch of a new Dementia Hub pilot across three libraries during February and March. Hosted in Pontypridd, Treorchy and Aberdare Libraries on a fortnightly basis, the hubs are deigned to provide a calm, friendly space where people living with dementia, those awaiting diagnosis, and their carers and families can access information, practical advice, and peer support.
Councillor Sheryl Evans, Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf, attended the first session in Pontypridd Library on February 6, meeting with residents and partners while underlining the Council’s ambition to make Rhondda Cynon Taf a great place to grow older through its Age Friendly RCT programme.
The offer has been co-produced with professionals, carers, and people with lived experience, with funding secured at the end of last year through Welsh Government Shared Prosperity Fund. Each session brings together a rotating mix of internal and external partners (including, for example, Carers Support Project and Leisure) so residents can speak directly with the right people close to home.
A key feature of the pilot is the Dementia Gadget Loan taster, providing hands-on access to helpful items such as talking aids, day and night clocks, GPS trackers, and personal aids. Like a library card, residents can try a gadget and return it after a short period. This sits alongside, but is distinct from, statutory Adult Social Care equipment arrangements.
Activities will vary by date and location and may also include interactive demonstrations like dementia-friendly VR delivered by PlayFrame. Around six or seven organisations will attend each hub – with line-ups to be shared in advance of each session so that residents will know what to expect.
Cerilynne Higgins, Chair of Dementia Friendly Pontypridd, said: “The hub felt like a warm welcoming space where conversation flowed with ease and partners showed real understanding and compassion. The dementia hub is something I've wanted to see developed since caring for my dad, today that was achieved, thank you. Looking forward to working with you all at the other dementia pop up hubs.”
Councillor Gareth Caple, Cabinet Member for Social Care, said: “Our local libraries are safe, welcoming places at the heart of every community. By bringing together partners and organisations, these Dementia Hubs will make it easier for residents, carers, and their loved ones to find practical help and reassurance – when and where they need it.
“Each hub is free to attend and offers advice, signposting, and the chance to try helpful assistive equipment through our Dementia Gadget Loan tasters. Covering Pontypridd, Treorchy, and Aberdare, the hubs will also provide a rotating mix of partner organisations who are on-hand with support.
“I am delighted to support the Dementia Hub pilot and look forward to seeing the impact it has on those affected by dementia. My thanks to all everyone involved for helping us create a calm, supportive space.”
How the Dementia Hubs work:
- Free drop-in, with no booking or proof of diagnosis required.
- Quiet, welcoming space with staff on hand to help.
- Information, advice, and signposting from a rotating mix of partners and organisations.
- Dementia Gadget Loan tasters at selected sessions (try, borrow, return – like a library card!).
- Carers, families, and those with an interest in dementia support are welcome.
Dementia Hub dates and times:
- Aberdare Library, every other Thursday from 11am-1pm. Next planned sessions are February 26, March 12, and March 26.
- Pontypridd Library, every other Friday from 10am-1pm. Next planned sessions are March 6 and March 20.
- Treorchy Library, every other Tuesday from 11am-1pm. Next planned sessions are March 10 and March 24.
No booking required. If you have accessibility needs or questions ahead of time, please speak to staff at the relevant local library. We recommend contacting the libraries ahead of time to confirm that sessions are running and which organisations are attending. Their contact details can be found online: Library locations and opening hours | Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council
Organisations and businesses interested in contributing to future sessions (advice, activities, or demonstrations) are invited to contact the Council’s RCT Together Community Development Team at RCTTogether@rctcbc.gov.uk or on 01443 425 368.
For more information on the wider work of RCT Together, please visit:
RCT Together - Supporting Communities and Residents to Thrive | Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council
Posted on 25/02/2026