New Dementia Hub set to open for Coventry residents
People were invited to a special launch where families, carers, people living with Dementia and partnership workers to take a closer look at the facilities.
Coventry City Council is partnering with organisations across the city to form a new Dementia Hub in Holbrooks.
The Coventry Dementia Partnership Hub (CDPH) has been fully renovated and will replace the Council-run Maymorn Centre on Everdon Road from Monday 24 July.
The venue will be for service users and their families, where they can receive advice and support, connect and meet new individuals, obtain help on and off-site, socialise, and enjoy the facilities at the Hub.
David Atkins, who is part of the Alzheimer’s Society, and was diagnosed with early onset Dementia nine years ago, said: "It’s an inspiring place. It’s here for everyone who is a part of this journey.
"When I was diagnosed with Dementia, for the first two years, my life was ripped apart. It’s the fear of the unknown. But since then, being part of the Alzheimer’s Society and being encouraged to help create the new Hub has been so important. Everyone has embraced the idea. It’s great to see it completed – it has been a real partnership effort."
Cllr Linda Bigham, Cabinet Member, Adult Services, said: "I’m in awe of it. The colours of the rooms really help the light flood in. It is so wonderful to see it, and the reaction of people. It’s going to make a big difference.
"We’ll beat Dementia eventually, but until then, we need to do all we can in building relationships, friendships, partnerships but most of all, show our love and support."
The Hub also recognises Dementia Heroes.
Four community rooms have been dedicated to Carol Jennings, Betty Hunter, Bill Wilson and Dave Willets who have all helped others comprehend the impact of Dementia and made a difference to eradicate any stigmas that people may experience.
Photos and their personal stories are on display in the community rooms.
April Ross, Service Manager for Dementia and Short Term Provision, at Coventry City Council, said: "It’s been an emotional for a lot of people today and it is really heart-warming to see how everyone has reacted to the new Dementia Hub. We’ve spent two and a half years working on it, and it is here now."
Alzheimer’s Society, Admiral Nurses, Age UK, Carers Trust, Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Lions Club, Ambacare, Sky Blues in the Community, West Midlands Fire Service, West Midlands Police, and Hope Unity, alongside Coventyr City Council have all contributed to the development of the hub.
It will offer a range of different activities, information and advice sessions, traditional day services and outreach, along with a Dementia Friendly Café and social space.
For more information on the Coventry Dementia Partnership Hub, contact them at CDPH@coventry.gov.uk.
Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.