Shaping the future workforce through third sector dementia care placements

Published: 18/05/2026

Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) has partnered with Swansea Dementia Hwb and Swansea Bay University Health Board (SBUHB) to offer an innovative practice-based learning opportunity for pre-registration allied health profession students. This two week placement helps students gain real world experience in a community setting, while contributing directly to improvements in care for people living with dementia and those who support them. Through initiatives such as this, HEIW is helping to develop a workforce that is skilled, adaptable and better equipped to meet the mental health and wellbeing needs of people and communities across Wales. 

Swansea Dementia Hwb provides open access community dementia support for everyone affected by dementia and those who would like to learn more about it and the support services available. The Hwb is commissioned by SBUHB as part of their Dementia Wellbeing pathway to deliver the Dementia Action Plan for Wales. 

Two pre-registration student dietitians embarked on the first placement with Swansea Dementia Hwb. Whilst there, the students focused on a project reviewing the finger food resources currently available for people living with dementia. Finger foods can help improve nutritional intake by enabling individuals to eat more independently, reducing the frustration or confusion that can sometimes arise when using cutlery. 

Following this, the students worked in partnership with the Hwb team, people living with dementia and their caregivers to co-create a practical, evidence based resource to support finger food provision for people with dementia living in the community. This resource improves access to clear and accessible nutritional information, while also providing carers with practical guidance to support day to day care. 

Swansea Dementia Hwb commented: 

“This project demonstrates the real value of collaborative working, where students, health professionals and the third sector can combine their strengths to create meaningful change. Their innovative approach showcases how allied health professionals can engage with the third sector in ways that are creative, person centred and deeply impactful, leaving a legacy that will benefit our community long after their placement has ended.” 

This placement has strengthened links between SBUHB and the third sector, helping students develop a broader understanding of how services work together to support people living with dementia. 

The health board supervisor commented: 

“The students co-produced a practical resource that could be used by the Dietetic Department and the Dementia Hwb. The whole experience felt collaborative, creative and genuinely useful for everyone involved.” 

This is a great example of how HEIW is working with partners to expand and improve practice-based learning opportunities across a range of settings, including community and third sector organisations.  

For more information on placement learning, contact the HEIW Practice Education Team.