MCST - Sittingbourne
- Location: Avenue Theatre - Sittingbourne
- Price: £12.00
£12.00 per session
Please note, this service is not available outside Age UK Kent Rivers - Head Office's catchment area.
Avenue Theatre - Sittingbourne
Central House
Avenue of Remembrance
Sittingbourne
ME10 4DN
United Kingdom
Email: reception@ageukfs.org.uk
Telephone: 01795 532766
Maintenance Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (MCST) is designed for anyone experiencing memory problems, with or without a formal Dementia diagnosis. Run by qualified facilitators in a specialist therapy centre, the intensive sessions are ideal for people who are concerned about their memory and want to proactively reduce their symptoms.
MCST aims to engage and stimulate people in a friendly and enjoyable group setting, and research shows that it can improve thinking abilities, as well as general wellbeing. It is recommended as a treatment for people with dementia by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).
MCST is a two-hour session and is provided from The Avenue Theatre, Ave of Remembrance, Sittingbourne ME10 4DN.
What is Maintenance Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (MCST)?
Maintenance Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (MCST) is a weekly one- to two-hour-long programme for people living with mild to moderate dementia, or with memory problems and without a diagnosis.
Group members take part in meaningful and stimulating activities, proven to help maintain memory and mental functioning. The groups provide a fun, supportive environment where people can build new friendships.
Activities include:
• Discussions
• Word games
• Quizzes
• Physical activities
• Creative and musical activities.
What is involved?
All MCST sessions are evidence-based, focussing on strengthening and maintaining:
• Orientation
• Short- and long-term memory
• Hearing / sight
• Focus / attention / concentration
• Understanding / recognition / language
• Problem solving / reasoning abilities
• Language skills / visual and spatial skills
Why is MCST so important?
After someone is diagnosed with Dementia, they may be offered Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST). This is a short-term programme for people with mild to moderate Dementia and usually runs twice weekly for seven weeks following diagnosis.
However once this programme finishes, there’s limited provision of services for people with mild to moderate Dementia. MCST is a longer-term programme based in community settings which helps to fill this gap, aiming to engage and stimulate people , proactively reducing their symptoms.
Cognitive Stimulation is the only non-drug treatment recommended to improve cognition, independence and well-being by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
Is this the right group for me?
✓ Do you experience memory problems?
✓ Are you interested in a modern therapy setting?
✓ Are you an open-minded individual who values independence and wants to maintain it for as long as possible?
✓ Can you engage in a meaningful conversation?
✓ Can you hear well enough to participate in a small group discussion?
✓ Is your vision good enough to see most pictures?
✓ Are you physically able enough to use all the facilities independently?
If you can answer 'yes' to the above questions, then our MCST centre could help you!
How to refer
If you would like to know more about MCST, and whether it is right for you, one of our facilitators would be happy to get in touch for an informal chat about the next steps, which include an assessment and a free taster session.
Feedback from MCST participants
"I really enjoy coming to the group, we have so much fun."
"The group has helped improve my confidence. It’s great!"
"It has been fun…I’m sure my confidence has improved."
"Since I started coming I feel my memory has improved."
"I feel the group is very good for me and I enjoy meeting other people."
"The group helps to keep me focused and I enjoy coming very much."