Dementia Pathway in Plymouth

Memory Matters CIC and Age UK Plymouth rounded up last year having completed their new collaborative Dementia Pathway which sees a holistic, wraparound approach to dementia care in Plymouth.

Established in 2010, Memory Matters supports those living with dementia prior to diagnosis by providing access to compassionate support, therapies and peer-led activities. Many of their activities take place at their community enterprise Moments Café in Plymouth City Centre, an inclusive and friendly café on New George Street.

Over the last 12 months, Memory Matters invited Age UK Plymouth to collaborate on building a dementia-friendly pathway within the City of Plymouth.  An obvious correlation between the services that both organisations were providing emerged, and it became clear that through collaboration the two organisations could provide a joined-up approach to the benefit of those with memory loss within the City.

Memory Matters listened to those affected by dementia and their carers and shared a vision of a community pathway for those in Plymouth. “What became clear very quickly was how much benefit there would be for those affected by dementia to map out our services and create an aligned overview,” explained Tracy Walker, Dementia Day Centre Manage at Age UK Plymouth..  “We work very closely with our clients and their carers at the Centre. The feedback that we were hearing indicated that the combined problem of increased social isolation and pressures on the NHS are creating an environment where the level of information and immediate support for those living with dementia and their families was relatively low.   A dementia diagnosis is a life-changing event and Memory Matters does an amazing job of supporting people from the off. Age UK Plymouth has worked alongside the team at Memory Matters for some time but it was obvious that by drawing up a pathway to navigate through our combined services, we could really elevate the options of support on offer to our community.”

The pathway is currently a six-step process beginning with Information and Advice services from Memory Matters and then clients can choose to attend Mild Cognitive Impairment Groups, followed by Cognitive Stimulation Therapy sessions held at Memory Matters, these workshops for those with mild to moderate dementia are based on techniques proven to slow the progression of dementia and are co-delivered by both organisations to provide continuity for the clients.  Memory Matter also run Young Onset dementia Groups and Memory Cafes as part of the pathway to enable choices to beneficiaries.

“Putting those with dementia at the forefront of any collaboration is key to success. Enabling those with lived experience to have choices for support is paramount to the work of Memory Matters. Working with partners like Age UK Plymouth has enabled us to successfully do that” says Kate Smith, CEO of Memory Matters. “

Anyone who wishes to can also explore options with Age UK Plymouth’s Information and Advice team who, in just three months during 2022, secured almost £600,000 of entitlements to residents in the city of Plymouth. This funding includes help with the cost of living, Attendance Allowance, support with applying for Blue Badges and funded places at dementia workshops, therapy sessions and day centre places.

In September, Age UK Plymouth launched its first 15-week Forget Me Not programme, this series of once a week workshops, hosted by friendly and engaging support workers, included Cognitive Stimulation Therapy themed sessions, music for the memory, creative activities, lunch and refreshments throughout the day. The programme was a great success and by working collaboratively with Memory Matters the next cohort launched the following January and is set to restart every quarter.

“Each and every person living with dementia has a hugely different experience,” said Emma Lintern, Senior Support Worker at Age UK Plymouth. “By providing access to the pathway without barriers we can be there if needed. What this network is able to do is allow people the freedom to live their own experience with dementia whilst our organisations stay on hand to guide and support clients and their carers if and when they choose to use us.”

At the end of the Forget Me Not programme, clients and their carers are then supported to continue to access respite and support, whether this is through Age UK Plymouth’s own Day Centres, or by identifying suitable alternatives within other organisations.

There’s no doubt that the coalition of the two organisations is creating a huge positive impact on the community.  Speaking of the work of Memory Matters Mr James said “'Thank you for making Monday so much fun. You really do make a difference in people's lives, keep up the good work. My wife is able to have a laugh in the afternoons and is very chatty. I have really seen the benefit of her coming along!”

If you or someone with memory loss would like more information on the Dementia Pathway then please contact Memory Matters  Tel: 01752 243333 hello@memorymatters.org.uk or Age UK Plymouth on enquiries@ageukplymouth.org.uk

Memory Matters have a one-stop shop for all questions about memory loss or dementia at Moments Cafe on New George St, Plymouth. You do not need an appointment, just pop in!

In addition to supporting those living with dementia, Age UK Plymouth also offers free training for anyone living or working in Plymouth. Find out more about the one hour or one day information sessions.

To find out more about working in partnership with Age UK Plymouth or to talk about how your group or organisation can work with or support the charity please email enquiries@ageukplymouth.org.uk.