Living with dementia

Further information and support for those living with dementia - local support and resources.

Memory Support Hertfordshire

This partnership provides a range of help and support for people with memory problems or affected by dementia in Hertfordshire.  Visit their website to find out more: https://memorysupportherts.org.uk/

BLUEBELL CAFÉ Wheathampstead Dementia Friendship & Support

This friendly cafe meets on 1^st and 3^rd Wednesdays, 10.30 am to 12 pm at the Mead Hall, East Lane, Wheathampstead.  All welcome! It’s FREE to come along - no need to book.

A sociable get-together for people with dementia and their carers. Come along and join us for refreshments and to meet new people.We also have a programme of outings and activities.

Please contact Isobel Poole if you require further information:

email: Isobel.poole99@gmail.com  tel: 07949 630228

 

Carers in Hertfordshire - Carers Support Hub Group 

 

This carers support group meets at Harpenden Trust Halls (130a Southdown Road, AL5 1PU) on the 3rd Thursday of each month from 11am to 12.30pm. The aim of the group is to provide practical and emotional support to unpaid family or friend carers. It’s run by a team of volunteers and is a chance for carers to take a break from their caring role, chat with other carers and share tips and information about local services that may be helpful.

 

In addition, they signpost to other services run by Carers in Hertfordshire, and can refer carers to one of their Carer Support Advisors who are trained to offer advice and support.

 

Movement for Memory

Gentle dance-based sessions at Harpenden Trusts Halls (130 Southdown Road) for people living with dementia, parkinsons or MS, every Monday from 10.30am.

Sessions are £2 per person, including tea and coffee.

Email info.imaginationarts@yahoo.com or call 07394 934911 to book your place.

National support

Alzheimer’s Society

The Alzheimer’s Society offers a range of dementia support services. From a listening ear on the phone to a visit in person and opportunities to connect with others. Use their dementia directory to find local support services for people with dementia and their carers in the local area.

Alzheimer’s Society contact details:
Website: www.alzheimers.org.uk
Telephone: 0333 150 3456

Dementia Carers Count

Dementia Carers Count offer FREE support courses for family and friends caring for a person living with dementia. Courses range from 1 to 3 days and cover the different types of dementia, including a specific Young Onset (for those diagnosed with dementia under the age of 65). Strong focus is given to how you can build on and develop your own resilience, in order to help increase your well-being, confidence in your caring role and to explore different ways of responding to challenges.

Please see the website for further details: www.dementiacarers.org.uk

Become a Dementia Friend

A Dementia Friend is somebody that learns more about dementia, how it can affect someone and the small ways they can make a difference in their communities. Many people living with dementia often feel isolated and left out because dementia is still so misunderstood. This lack of understanding can make it harder for people with the condition to stay independent and feel connected to their communities. Dementia Friends help to change that by using their awareness to do simple, everyday things that matter—helping people with dementia live their lives to the fullest.

To learn more about becoming a Dementia Friend, please visit: https://www.dementiafriends.org.uk

Citizens Advice St Albans District Carers Support 

Citizens Advice St Albans provides one-to-one advice appointments for carers. Their qualified advisers can help with a range of matters, including: 

• Applying for benefits such as attendance allowance, personal independence payment and carer's allowance 
• Blue badges and bus passes
• Powers of attorney
• Care home fees
• Equipment and home care 
• Household bills and maximising income 

To find out more, call Citizens Advice St Albans on 01727 811118 or email carers@castad.org.uk and leave your contact details. 

Dementia UK Helpline 

Call the Dementia UK Helpline for free on 0800 888 6678. 

The specialist dementia nurses on our free, confidential Helpline are here for you when you need help. Whatever you’re worried about, they have the time to listen and the knowledge to solve problems.

They can help you understand more about dementia and feel more in control, giving you the tools and the confidence to manage your future with dementia together – one step at a time.

For full details, visit: https://www.dementiauk.org/get-support/dementia-helpline-alzheimers-helpline/

M4D Radio

M4D radio is part of the Music for Dementia campaign to make music available to everyone living with dementia. Our ambition is to make music freely available and a part of everyone’s care plan.

Music is a wonderful connector and has the ability to bring people together in the here and now. It can enliven, stimulate and enable people living with dementia to express themselves creatively through musical engagement.

Research shows, and experiences demonstrate, that music can help reduce the often distressing symptoms of dementia, such as agitation, apathy and anxiety.

Poignantly, music supports people living with dementia to communicate beyond words. It also supports emotional health and wellbeing, particularly at a time when emotions can be overwhelming or difficult to process or manage. 

So, not only does music have a valuable role to play in enhancing quality of life, it helps carers in their vital roles.

Find out more here: https://m4dradio.com/

Harpenden Town Council welcomes suggestions and comments from residents regarding Dementia Friendly activities and events.

To get in touch please email harpenden.town.council@harpenden.gov.uk or call 01582 768278. We also invite you to regularly revisit our website and follow our social media channels for updates.