Residents living with Parkinson’s in Carmarthen are set to benefit from a new home for their local support group at the Carmarthenshire Living Well Centre (CLWC), based on the Parc Dewi Sant site.
The move follows rapid growth of the Parkinson’s UK Cymru Carmarthen Support Group, which has outgrown its current base at Cartref Cynnes Assisted Living Centre in Johnstown.
The CLWC is a co-located wellbeing hub developed and led by PLANED, with funding from the Tywi Taf GP Cluster, Welsh Government, and PLANED itself.
Opened in December 2024, it is the first centre of its kind in West Wales. The Centre brings together around 30 partner organisations, offering a holistic range of free wellbeing activities, information sessions, and drop-in support.
As part of the move, the Parkinson’s support group will have full access to the Centre’s facilities and services — from peer support and community activities to primary care and wellbeing provision — all conveniently co-located on the Parc Dewi Sant campus.
The Carmarthen Support Group has grown steadily over the years, with almost 40 people now connected. The group is funded through grants, legacies, individual fundraising and donations. Members benefit from a varied programme of activity sessions, guest speakers, and social and educational events.
Cris Tomos, Interim CEO of PLANED, said:
“It was a pleasure to meet with Evan Davidge from the local Parkinson’s Support Group, and we look forward to welcoming this important support service to the Living Well Centre.”
Rebecca Lydon, Community Development Coordinator for South Wales at Parkinson’s UK Cymru, added: “Being diagnosed with Parkinson’s can be a shock, and adapting to life with the condition can be hard for the person involved and their loved ones too. But we know that getting the right information and support at the right time can make all the difference. This move to the Carmarthenshire Living WellCentre, therefore, sets a new precedent for community wellbeing in West Wales.”
