A FUTURE centre of excellence for younger people with dementia in South-East Wales will be showcased at a meeting this evening.

The Blackwood centre, which is due to be completed for January 2015 and designed with input of patients, will include 22 units of self-contained accommodation that include a bedroom, lounge and en-suite. has been massively influenced by the input of younger people that suffer with dementia.

The idea behind the project is to build a vibrant place that offers an alternative to the traditional care that a patient over the age of 65 receives.

The project was set up in response to The Welsh Government’s Strategy ‘National Dementia Vision for Wales’ which in 2011 It is estimated that by 2021 the number of people with dementia across Wales will increase by 31% and by as much as 44% in some rural areas.

Care provider Reach have worked in partnership with Alzheimer’s Society’s local Dementia Forum in Gwent to ensure the centre is ideally suited to their needs.

Mark Drakeford AM, Minister for Health and Social Services, said: “It is great to see co-production in action, shaping a much-needed specialist service for younger people with dementia.

“We talk about the importance of ensuring voices of service users are heard, but what we really want is those voices to be acted upon, so that we create and deliver care services truly shaped by need.

“Ultimately, a service that is designed with the users will deliver better outcomes." and better value for money.”

The main features of the design include 22 units of self-contained accommodation that includes a bedroom, lounge and en-suite.

There will also be spacious lounges and a café area. or social activities such as a choir, and a spa for relaxation.

On top of this, there will be space set aside for family accommodation to help with visits, an Alzheimer’s Society Office, a clinic room and an activities room.