A Barry charity – which was the first of its kind when it opened – has now celebrated its 10th birthday by moving into new premises.
Ty Hapus was founded by Justine Pickering MBE in 2011, after her mother was diagnosed with ‘Young Onset Dementia’ at the age of 54. When it registered as a charity, there were no other specialist day support services for those with young onset dementia, so Justine worked with the Alzheimer’s Society to establish the daytime respite service.
Ty Hapus is now an independent Charitable Incorporated Business which has given them more freedom in how they run Ty Hapus and allows them to make the changes they feel they need to. The charity supports those diagnosed with dementia and their families, both practically and emotionally. They provide support for people over the age of 65 with no upper age limit, as well as those diagnosed with young onset dementia under 65. There are over 100 different types of dementia and the team at Ty Hapus are experienced in supporting many different types including some of the rarer forms.
In recent years, research into sports associated dementia has increased. As dementia is a neurological disorder, researchers are discovering connections between repeated head injuries during sports and the development of dementia. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a specific type of dementia that is directly associated with sports injuries. CTE is typically caused by multiple head injuries which is common in sports such as boxing, rugby and American football. Ty Hapus have supported several guests throughout the years whose dementia diagnosis has thought to be linked to previous sporting injuries.
Ty Hapus is not just a ‘home from home’ for the guests, but also the workers there too, with many having been at Ty Hapus for a number of years. Ellin Jones, the service manager, has been with Ty Hapus since its opening in 2011. She says that the fact that there was “nothing else like it at the time”, made it an exciting new venture for her after travelling and living in South America. Being a part of the charity for 11 years, Ellin has watched it grow and evolve as they adapt their service to each guest.
Each day can be different as the activities available to them are suited to every guest. From ten pin bowling, quiz activities, seasonal walks to trips to big pit, the opportunities seem endless for the guests. Ceri Phillips, deputy service manager, feels that it is important that the activities are catered to each guest, as she says that “if there is something that someone likes to do, we will find a way to bring that in”.
Ty Hapus celebrated it’s 10-year anniversary on 3rd April this year, with the opening of its new premises on Breaksea Drive in Barry. Gavin and Stacey star, Ruth Jones – known to many as Nessa- opened the new building with other familiar faces, Derek Brockway, and Rebecca Jones. The new property at Breaksea Drive has been renovated to provide a homely environment for the guests. Although Ty Hapus is relatively small charity, the donations they have received have made their premises feel more like a home to its guests and visitors. Ellin added: “We are very lucky with the people that have supported us, as they have allowed them to create a calming and comfortable environment.
In addition to the support provided at Breaksea Drive, ‘Ty Hapus on the road’ was launched in 2021. This service brought the activities and carers to those with on set dementia in Cardiff and they are set to open another support day for people in Pembrokeshire based out in Haverfordwest.
Greeted with smiling faces; laughter and chattering can be heard as you enter Ty Hapus. An immediate sense of family-like bonds can be recognised as you see the friendliness of the staff towards the guests. Ty Hapus translates to ‘happy house’ in English which is the perfect way to describe the charity.
Dementia Action Week is a campaign run by the Alzheimer’s Society each year. This year Dementia Action Week was between the 16th to 22nd May and the theme was ‘diagnosis’. The diagnosis of dementia has reached a five-year low, as the Alzheimer’s Society researchers have discovered a misconception around memory-loss. Many people are undiagnosed due to the common misconception that memory-loss is linked to ageing. Therefore, the Alzheimer’s Society is encouraging people and their families to recognise the signs of dementia and seek medical advice if needed.
Referral for support from Ty Hapus is quick and easy. Just email or telephone 01446738024 to chat with the service or deputy service manager.
🌟 This article first appeared in the printed edition of the Glamorgan Star on 19.05.22.
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