 Tonia Antoniazzi MP has taken a key step towards helping end the stigma surrounding dementia by becoming a Dementia Friend and supporting Alzheimer's Society Cymru's vision of a dementia-friendly Wales. A Dementia Friend is someone who has gained a basic understanding about what it is like to have dementia and the small ways they can support someone living with the condition.
Dementia Friends was launched in February 2013 by Alzheimer’s Society. It is a trailblazing initiative that aims to help people understand what it might be like to live with dementia and turn that understanding into action. Tonia took part in a number of exercises aimed at helping participants understand the effect of dementia on people’s everyday lives. Tonia Antoniazzi MP said: ‘I've signed up to show my support for Dementia Friends, and am encouraging people in Gower to do the same too. With a growing number of people living with dementia, it's more important than ever we all have a better understanding of the condition. ‘Dementia Friends is about giving people an understanding of dementia and the small things they can do that can make a difference to people living with dementia. From helping someone find the right bus to spreading the word about dementia, it can help make our local community a better place to live.’ Cheryl James, Operations Manager for Alzheimer’s Society Cymru, said: ‘Dementia is one of the biggest health and care challenges our country faces - one that everyone must respond to. Too many people are not getting the support they deserve and are entitled to. Too many families are struggling to get by. Too many people with dementia live in communities that do not support and include them. 'We all have a part to play in improving the lives of people living with dementia and creating a dementia-friendly UK. 'We are delighted to see Tonia Antoniazzi MP showing her support for Dementia Friends. Less than half of us think we know enough about dementia. Dementia Friends isn’t about creating experts, it’s about helping people understand a little bit more about what it’s like to live with the condition and then turn that understanding into action - anyone of any age can be a Dementia Friend.’
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 Local representatives in Swansea have met to discuss the plans for the proposed Abergelli power plant in Felindre.
Gower MP Tonia Antoniazzi has teamed up with the County Councillors Brigitte Rowlands and Gareth Sullivan to raise awareness of the consultation period for the Power station. Councillor Rowlands of Mawr and Councillor Sullivan of Llangyfelach met with the Gower MP at Llangyfelach Stores to discuss how local communities can be motivated to express their views effectively before the end of the consultation period. All three representatives are encouraging residents to contact them by email or post with their views, which will then be fed in directly to the consultation process. Houses within approximately 2 miles are expected to receive a leaflet from Abergelli Power about the project after the 16th January but Tonia, Gareth and Brigitte will also be distributing leaflets with information for residents. Tonia Antoniazzi said “I held a public meeting in Llangyfelach in September last year because I felt it was important that residents had an opportunity to have their say on the potential plans for a prison in Felindre.” “Residents views must be listened to before a decision is made so I’m asking residents in Gower to contact me via email at [email protected] with their contributions.” “We must work together to bring positive, sustainable investment to Gower and Swansea.” Exhibitions about the Abergelli project will be held in Llangyfelach Church Hall on Wednesday 7th February between 4 pm and 7 pm, Forge Fach Resource Centre on Thursday 8th between 3.30 pm and 6.30 pm, Tircoed Village Hall on Friday 9th February between 5 pm and 8 pm, and Felindre Welfare Hall on Saturday between 10 am and 1 pm.  Tonia Antoniazzi MP will be playing darts at the world-famous Alexandra Palace for charity on Thursday 21st December.
The Gower MP will face off against three other MPs at the “Ally Pally” in a competition to score the highest with three darts, with the winner banking £2000 for the charity of their choice. Tonia won the opportunity to play at the Alexandra Palace after beating sixteen-time World Champion Phil Taylor’s six dart score with only nine darts. The reception, hosted by William Hill at the House of Commons, allowed MPs to compete for the opportunity to raise money for charity with at least £500 already guaranteed for 4th place. Tonia said “It’s all for a good cause and I hope I can raise as much money as possible for “Hands 4 Alan” and the Gower Co-responder fund.” “Hygrove Homes and Gower Brewery have also agreed to sponsor me and match the money I raise which is fantastic.” “I’ll be walking out to Bonnie Tyler’s Holding out for a Hero, which was decided by voters on twitter and my darts nickname is going to be Tonia “Gower Power” Antoniazzi. Hannah Jones of Hands for Alan said “Hands for Alan are very honoured to have been chosen as one of Tonia's charities for the darts match. We thank you and wish you the very best of luck. #teamtonia” Hygrove Homes spokesman Ben Francis said “Tonia has chosen two worthy charities and we feel that its only right to match whatever she wins.” Gower Brewery spokesman Steve Rees said "Gower brewery are pleased that 'The Gower Power' has reached the finals in what is very much an enjoyable and social game" MP pledges to help improve health and social care services for families with disabled children24/1/2018  Tonia Antoniazzi MP pledged her support for families with disabled children this week at a parliamentary event organised by the Disabled Children’s Partnership - a coalition of more than 50 disability and children’s charities working together to improve health and social care services for families with disabled children. At the event the Disabled Children’s Partnership (DCP) revealed its 5 step plan, developed to help address the growing crisis in health and social care services for disabled children and their families. The 5 steps includes a reviewing funding of short breaks (respite) provision for disabled children and families. Tonia Antoniazzi MP said: “The event organised by the Disabled Children’s Partnership was a great opportunity to meet with families and learn more about the realities of caring for disabled children - and why good quality health and social care services are so essential for the health and wellbeing of their family. “These services provide a lifeline for many families and often it’s quite basic services such as short breaks or equipment and adaptations to the home, that help them stay together, work and have a quality of life most families take for granted. Families with disabled children give back to our community and economy in so many different ways and that’s why I’m proud to pledge my support to the Disabled Children’s Partnership’s 5 step plan to improve vital health and social care services for families with disabled children.” Amanda Batten, Chief Executive of Contact and chair of the Disabled Children’s Partnership, said: “Families with disabled children face four big challenges: There are not enough services, many of those that exist are not good enough, families cannot access them easily, and services do not always work together and communicate well with each other. “This event and our 5 step plan marks the next phase of the Disabled Children’s Partnership’s Secret Life of Us campaign and pushes for real change while shining a light on the challenges that families with disabled face and the changes we want to see to help overcome them.” |