Dementia awareness events will support people who need help and advice in Dorset
The free drop-in sessions will begin this month
Local people in Dorset who need support for dementia will be helped by organisations who are kicking off a series of information roadshows this month.
People living with dementia, carers, family members or anyone worried about their memory are all invited to attend, with the first event taking place in Dorchester on Wednesday, 20 July.
The free drop-in events will provide information on services available locally, with representatives on hand from charity Help & Care, Dorset HealthCare’s Memory Assessment Service, NHS Dorset and AgeUK. Smaller, community-based support groups will also be in attendance.
The aim of the events is for local people to be aware of what is available in their community – where they can feel involved, understood and get the help they need.
Nathan Pilling, Help & Care’s Services Manager for Dementia, said:
“We are delighted to be launching our community events. There will be a range of professionals on hand to speak to people in attendance, offer advice and signpost to relevant services.
“In addition, the event will provide the opportunity for people to speak with those who have a lived-experience of dementia.”
Jood Gibbins, Memory Assessment Service Lead at Dorset HealthCare, said:
“Dementia is not only about memory loss, but it can also affect the way people think, remember, feel and behave as well.
"If you, or someone you care for is experiencing changes in their memory or thinking and it’s impacting their life, and you want to know more about the services that are available to help with diagnosis, support and treatment locally to you, please come along to one of the roadshow events.
“If you are unable to attend one of the events near you, please visit your GP to discuss whether or not a referral is needed to our Memory Assessment Service.”
The first event on 20 July will take place at Dorchester Community Church (Liscombe St, Poundbury, Dorchester DT1 3DF) from 2-4pm.
The roadshow will then stop at Immanual URC Church in Southbourne, Bournemouth (120 Southbourne Road BH6 3QJ) on 26 July, and there are others planned for Highcliffe and Shaftesbury this summer.
Nathan added:
“There is no need to book to attend. Just pop by, enjoy a tea or coffee and speak to local professionals about what services and support is available.”
Find out more about the events and future dates by visiting: https://www.helpandcare.org.uk/services/dementia-coordinator-service/ or email a.sedmanhobson@helpandcare.org.uk or stacey.hill@helpandcare.org.uk
Further information on the dementia service pathway is also available at: www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/dementia.