NHS services in West Cumbria are holding events to mark Dementia Action Week (18-24 May) to raise awareness and improve the lives of people affected by dementia. The team will also be fundraising to support the service’s work.
On 22nd May, a ‘Virtual Dementia Tour’ at Hope Haven in Whitehaven will give carers the chance to ‘walk in the shoes’ of those they support. People will be able to visit an immersive experience simulating the physical and cognitive challenges faced by people living with dementia.
The Virtual Dementia Tour will be open from 10am to 4pm on Friday 22nd May outside Hope Haven, 40 King Street, Whitehaven. The experience is free, and there is no need to book. There will also be a performance by Discord: The Wellbeing Choir at 12pm.
More information and special dementia-themed activities will be on offer at Hope Haven throughout May.
The NHS has also teamed up with yoga instructors, musicians and charities to offer a range of activities including yoga, dance classes, and information sessions across other venues in West Cumbria. (People can visit Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW) website to find details of these events.)
Jenny Harper, a Registered Nurse Degree Apprentice in the Memory and Later Life team at CNTW, said: “Our aim is to help more people understand dementia, empathise with people affected by it, reduce the stigma, and help people recognise the symptoms of dementia earlier.
“We hope these sessions will also remind people of the support available for people with dementia – and for their families. It’s important that carers can access support early and look after their own wellbeing too.”
The Memory and Later Life service is provided throughout West Cumbria by CNTW. They support older adults facing memory loss and mental health challenges, as well as the families who care for them. The team offer assessment and a range of evidence-based treatments depending upon someone’s circumstances. They also offer activities to help people maintain their skills and independence, and connect with others – reducing isolation and boosting people’s wellbeing.
The team’s Dementia Action Week events have been funded by CNTW Charity.
The team will also be fundraising for the Memory and Later Life fund, part of CNTW Charity, to support their work. Funds raised will go towards materials and resources for activities, wellbeing sessions, and groups.
“Every donation, no matter how small, will help enhance care and independence for the people we support,” says Jenny.
People can donate to the team’s fundraiser here: Memory and Later Life Services fundraiser – JustGiving
Other events:
14th May, 1pm-3.30pm – ‘Tea Dance’
Masonic hall, Workington
The session will be a ‘tea dance’ led by qualified dance instructors and will be a chance to reminisce and take for a trip down memory lane. Tickets are £4, please call 07870367451 to book your place
18th May, 10am-12pm – Information session with Alzheimer’s Society
Workington Library
Memory and later life will be joined by the Alzheimer’s society to help raise awareness and provide information. We will have a therapy dog and sensory equipment such as a VR that is adapted for people living with dementia. The library will also provide information around their resources that are available and have these to hand for people to try such as rummage bags.
19th May, 10am-12pm – Information session with Alzheimer’s Society
Keswick Library
Memory and later life will be joined by the Alzheimer’s society to help raise awareness and provide information. We will have a therapy dog and sensory equipment such as a VR that is adapted for people living with dementia. The library will also provide information around their resources that are available and have these to hand for people to try such as rummage bags.
19th May, Keswick Museum M&LL will attend an established ‘dementia group’ that is held in the Museum we will provide information/ raise awareness, the museum will provide reminiscing boxes so we can have a session on reminiscing and we will also be joined by the ‘Solway shanty crew’ (band/singers) which will help us reminisce using songs and music.
22nd May- The community centre, Maryport Memory and later life will attend their morning group and provide a drop in session to help raise awareness and provide information.