As part of our Dementia Care series, this article looks at Dementia Action Week (13-19th May), an annual campaign organised by Alzheimer’s Society that brings people together from across the country under a unified theme to take action on dementia. Its aim is to educate people on the impact dementia has on their loved ones and the individual themselves.
Dementia Care
As a community, we’ve been caring for individuals with dementia and other conditions for over 28 years, with this in mind we wanted to share some of our local knowledge regarding other community groups in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire that also support people with Dementia.
Dementia-friendly Activity Groups in Nottinghamshire
Water Meadows Leisure Complex offer Disability and Dementia swimming classes on a Monday and a Thursday 12pm- 1pm. These sessions take place in a relaxed and quiet environment in the competition pool. The lifeguards and Reception staff are Dementia Friends trained. Please ring 0345 0000 232 for more information. Normal charges for swimming apply.
Mansfield Library regularly runs Dementia Friendly film screenings. To get to the auditorium on the second floor, the building has good lift access, however the seating is stepped. There are three wheelchair user tickets available. For more information ring 01623 677 200. Tickets for all their Dementia Friendly screenings cost £1. Visit https://www.inspireculture.org.uk/arts-culture/film/ to view all upcoming showings this summer to feel the movie magic!
Forget me Notts offer Sporting activities and space to share memories for people with dementia. Forget me Notts is a project which uses sport as a way for people experiencing dementia to interact and reminisce, and for dementia carers who may be experiencing isolation and loneliness. The sessions are usually held at Trent Bridge. A typical session allows attendees to take part in specifically tailored games and quizzes with lunch provided. Visit their website: Trent Bridge Forget Me Notts Webpage or call 0115 982 3000 for more information regarding dates and times as these vary.
Dementia-friendly Activity Groups in Derbyshire
In the Erewash area there is a Memory Café and Activity group in Ilkeston held on the second Wednesday of every month; 1:30pm to 3:30pm. During each session you can ask questions, share your experiences and get the help, advice and information you need in an informal and sociable setting, alongside other dementia patients, their carers, family and friends. Visit https://www.dementiaderbyshire.org.uk/activity-groups/ to see your nearest group held in the Derbyshire area.
Singing for the Brain is another dementia care group held in Ilkeston on the first Friday of each month 11am to 12:30pm. Singing improves your brain activity, wellbeing and mood. You don’t need to be a good singer to benefit. Join them for fun vocal warm-ups and sing a wide variety of familiar and new songs.
The group is hosted by friendly and experienced group leaders. According to the Alzheimer’s Society, 100% of people who go along to Singing for the Brain sessions say they’ve improved their life in some way. Visit their website for more information and find a Singing for the Brain group in your local area.
NHS Derbyshire Healthcare have launched a new Dementia Hub service to provide information and advice to people who are living with or supporting someone with dementia.
The Hub will provide readily available information and support under one roof and is being run once a month by the Trust’s Older Adult Day Services team along with system partners including Alzheimer’s Society, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust, Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust, Making Space and Derbyshire Carers Association.
The hub will meet once a month from 9:30am-11:30am and will alternate between Dovedale Day Service in Derby and Midway Day Service in Ilkeston. The hub is open to anyone seeking dementia care advice, including individuals suffering with dementia themselves, their carers and families. You can book your place by emailing the Specialist Day Services team or call 013325 866980 opt 1.
Dementia Action Week is a powerful reminder of the importance of coming together as a society to support those affected by dementia. By raising awareness, empowering communities, supporting caregivers, advocating for change, and celebrating progress, we can work towards creating a more dementia- friendly society where everyone affected by the condition is valued, understood, and supported. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of people living with dementia and their families.
