Dementia Action Week 2022

This year's Dementia Action Week theme is diagnosis. Alzheimer's Society research shows that the misconception around memory loss being a sign of normal ageing is the biggest barrier to people seeking a dementia diagnosis.

With diagnosis rates falling to a five-year low, we want to encourage those who might be living with undiagnosed dementia, to come to us for guidance and support and feel empowered to take the next step. Getting a diagnosis can be daunting, but we believe it’s better to know. And so do 91% of people affected by dementia.

With this in mind, we are highlighting the key services and activities that we run.

Living with Dementia brings many challenges including loneliness and isolation. Our Dementia Meeting Centres will help people with a suspected or confirmed diagnosis, helping those living with dementia adapt, with others alike, to changes brought about by dementia.

Kirsty Hughes, our Dementia Meeting Centre Manager says, “There are over 12,400 people living with Dementia across Herefordshire and Worcestershire. We understand the importance of companionship, enjoyment and maintaining links to the outside world, which is why we have partnered with Worcester University to provide this support”.

The Meeting Centres have trained staff and skilled volunteers present to assist members with activities, provide a listening ear and information and advice to members, carers and family. Activities are tailored to the hobbies and interests of the members; from singing for the brain, baking, exercise, arts and crafts, to days out. Family or carers are very welcome to join in and Information & Advice staff will be on hand to give them specialist advice or to signpost them to other local and specialist support organisations, such as the County’s Dementia Wellbeing Service.

The Dementia Meeting Centres run daily from 10am till 3pm, across Worcester & Malvern Hills. The centres are located at: Bank House, Worcester (Mondays), St Matthias’ Church, Malvern (Tuesdays and Wednesdays), Chantry House, Worcester (Thursdays) and Nora Parsons Centre, Wichenford (Fridays).

Visit our Dementia Meeting Centre page

In addition to Dementia Meeting Centres, we offer a Worcestershire Community Dementia Support service. The service can connect those living with dementia, or suspected dementia, with dedicated volunteers across the county. These specially trained volunteers provide friendship and understanding, as well as providing the opportunity to help those living with dementia to carry on doing the things that they enjoy, either out in the community or at home.

Clients can expect regular telephone calls or visits, for a friendly chat, to reminisce and to share an interest or activity. Support with attending community events or activities will be provided, as well as access and links to other specialist support services and networks.

Visit our Worcestershire Community Dementia Support page

We have also just introduced Mary, the CAMBUS (Coffee & Memory Bus). Travelling across Worcestershire, providing safe and friendly spaces to enjoy a hot drink, whilst building community connections. Get expert information & advice and signposting to Age UK and other community services. For those living with memory loss or dementia we can create your life story.

What is a life story? Life Stories Herefordshire and Worcestershire is an online platform that allows anyone living in either Herefordshire or Worcestershire to create their own digital life story book. While people often think about life stories as being used to support people with dementia, capturing information about what is important to you can actually be interesting and relevant for anyone. There is evidence that it can make a difference for people across the lifespan, including not just people with dementia but those with learning disabilities and children who have been in the care system.

Mary will be popping up in several locations this week. See our CAMBUS page for more information on where you can find her. 

Visit our CAMBUS page

We are here for you and your family. Contact us today for more information on how we can support you or a family member with living with dementia.