GOLUD Scheme

Treasuring faith and life of those living with dementia to enable them to continue to worship and follow their faith in Jesus.

‘Knowing the love of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit is my greatest help in living with dementia’ Dementia from the Inside, Dr Jennifer Bute

GOLUD is led by the Women’s Sub-committee, Presbyterian Church of Wales. Funded by CWM (Council for World Mission)

I am sure that most of us in one way or another, have experience of family, friends or neighbours living with dementia and so this new project will be of value to all of us and to our churches.

We pray that God will bless the work and the vision of GOLUD, to treasure the faith and life of those living with dementia, over the coming years. Christine Hodgins – Chair of Women’s Sub-committee

What is dementia?

The term dementia covers a range of different symptoms. It affects people in different ways and as well as memory problems it can be hard to think things through and follow conversations. Lots of everyday tasks can also become more difficult.

But someone with dementia is still the same person. They’re still the mum, dad, brother, sister, friend or neighbour you’ve always
known.

‘It’s very difficult to explain what dementia is. When I’m talking to someone, I have to try my best to make sure people don’t just
think I’m not interested because I’m acting differently. I might not be able to give the answer I used to, but I’ve got a lot to give and you’ve got to keep on trying.’
Quote from a person living with dementia from Ask Us Anything leaflet, Alzheimer’s Society.

What is the aim of GOLUD?

Many people believe that faith can play a vital role in the lives and wellbeing of people as they face changes and challenging times in their lives. GOLUD aims to work with churches to support the spiritual wellbeing of individuals through the period of living with dementia, to help them to hold fast to the things that are precious in the life of a Christian – reading God’s word, worship, praying and belonging to the church fellowship.

Small actions can have a big impact!

‘The good news is that we can take small steps together to create a dementia-engaging church where people with dementia are included and given support so they can continue to worship, serve and maintain their faith in Jesus.’ Cheryl Williams, Dementia Friends.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

The life of faith and worship gives the Christian assurance in the Lord as the Good Shepherd and confirms his promise ‘that neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height or depth, nor anything else in creation, will be able to
separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.’ Romans 8:38,39

What is GOLUD’s main focus?

  • GOLUD aims to support the faith and care of church members who are on the dementia spectrum, and their carers, by developing and adapting Biblical resources for use during church services and personal devotion – as a means to bring comfort and hope.

  • To raise awareness of dementia by providing Dementia Friends Sessions and Dementia Champions Training (Alzheimer’s Society) to church members, leaders and workers within churches and denominations. Also, sharing guidelines and good practice on how to encourage a dementia-supportive environment within the church and noting the influence of these experiences on individuals living with dementia. Giving information on practical and supportive activities within the church’s local community that promote the wellbeing of individuals living with dementia and their carers, such as a memory garden and café.

  • Provide a GOLUD page on PCW website and also on Facebook, signposting individuals to specialist agencies providing information and expert advice to those living with dementia, their families, circle of friends and church members.

      ‘As people made by God, we are held in God’s memory. God does not let us go and therefore we continue to exist, even when we ourselves may have forgotten everything, including God!’ Living with Alzheimer’s – a love story, Robin Thomson

      Why is GOLUD relevant to us today?

      Dementia is a major public health issue in Wales. There are 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK. This year 225,000 will develop dementia – that’s one person every 3 minutes. We share the concerns of these individuals and believe that God’s word and his people can enrich the lives of those facing a life with dementia.

      How can I be part of GOLUD?

      By following the information on PCW website and on Facebook, as well as from your local church and presbytery.

      For more information you are welcome to contact GOLUD coordinators:

      South Wales: Sarah Morris – sarah.morris@ebcpcw.cymru
      Contact no: 01559 364928 / 07554005423

      North Wales: Carys Davies – carys.davies@ebcpcw.cymru
      Contact no: 01248 750323 / 07902 059832

      Association of the East: Samantha Hodgins –
      sam.hodgins@ebcpcw.cymru Contact no: 07581 214847