Information on services for those experiencing memory loss

Support Groups/Activities (information correct at time of printing – but please contact the provider direct to check details

GROUP / ADDRESS / DAY / TIME / DETAILS / CONTACT
St.Helens Carers Centre / 31-35 Baldwin Street
St Helens
WA10 2RS / The first and third
Wednesday
of each month / 11:00am- 1:00pm / A very informal group which welcomes Carers who want to come in for a chat / 01744 675615
Hargreaves Trust “Making Sense” Group / O’Hanlon Centre
Peasley Cross
Marshalls Cross Road
St Helens
WA9 3DA / The second Monday of each month / 6:30pm-8:30pm / Support group for carers of people with dementia – opportunity for carers to meet up and gain emotional and practical support. Carers are welcome to bring along the cared for – there are always experienced people available to care for the person with dementia at the meetings.
www.hargreavesdementiatrust.org.uk.
E:mail / 07543201062
Hargreaves Trust Drop in Sessions / Millennium House
Bickerstaffe Street
St Helens / Wednesdays – date specific.
Ring for details / 2pm – 4pm / Trustees of the charity will be available to discuss any problems you have or advice you need in any aspect of the care of your loved one. / 07543201062
Alzheimer’s Society -
Activity Group / United Reform Church
Ormskirk Street
St. Helens / Fortnightly on Thursdays
Click here for Alzheimers Society 10.30 – 12.15
groups calendar
Alzheimers Society Calendar / 10.30-12.15pm / This is a social group for anyone who is affected by dementia/memory loss and has a mix of activities and information sharing. Refreshments are available for a small fee / 0151 420 8010
Alzheimer’s Society –
Newton-Le-Willows Dementia Café / Nine Arches
Legh Street
Newton Le Willows
WA12 9NE / Fortnightly on a
Tuesday 10am - 12 / 10.00am – 12 noon / Opportunity to meet regularly and talk about living with dementia in an informal environment. For people with dementia, family members and carers. Info about dementia, local services & practical tips. Refreshments can be bought at the centre. / 0151 420 8010
Alzheimer’s Society –
Dementia Cafe / Running Horses
Chalon Way
St Helens
WA10 1PY / Fortnightly on a Thursday / 10.00am – 12.00 noon / As above dementia café details - you are welcome to attend for the full two hours or just pop in for a chat. / 0151 420 8010
Alzheimer’s Society – Senior Sports Group / United Reform Church
Ormskirk Street
St. Helens / Fortnightly on a Monday / 1.00pm – 2.30pm / A range of indoor sports will be provided such as short mat bowls, archery and indoor curling. There will be trained instructors from St Helens Sports Development team available to assist with the sports as well as Society staff and volunteers for anyone wanting information and support on dementia related issues. / 0151 420 8010
Alzheimer’s Society – Younger Onset Dementia Group (YOUTH) / tbc / Initial Meeting 28th April 1-3 at The Lounge, Sandalwood Gardens / tbc / Aim of the group is to provide a safe and non judgmental environment where younger people (under 65) living with dementia & their carers can meet, talk, have fun, arrange events and if they wish to, share ideas and discuss issues which are currently affecting them. For poster - click here / Annette French 0151 420 8010
Alzheimer's Society Info Sessions / Millennium Centre / 7 Dec 16
31 Jan 17
28 Feb 17
28 Mar 17 / 1.00pm – 3.00pm / 7 Dec – Understanding Behaviours & Managing Responses
31 Jan – Power of Attorney, Wills, Advance Care Planning
28 February – Benefits & Paying for Care
28 March – Staying Safe at home/in the community / Annette French 0151 420 8010
Kershaw Centre / Portland Street, Newton-le-Willows, WA12 9EU / The second Thursday of each month / 2:00pm- 4:00pm / It is not necessary to be accessing day care provision with Kershaw in order to attend the group as they welcome all Carers. / 01744 677845
Musical Memories (formerly Singing for the Brain run by Alzheimers Society / United Reformed Church
Ormskirk St
St Helens / Fortnightly on Fridays / 2.30 – 4.00pm / Weekly Informal Singing /music sessions led by a facilitator, singing to bring people together in a friendly and stimulating social environment. Refreshments are available for a small fee at 2.00pm.
For poster, click here .Thanks to donations no charges now for groups attended for rest of year E:Mail
/ Denise Adamson (Chair), 0785 67 98348
House of Memories / Liverpool Museum, Pier Head, Liverpool / Contact for details – hold regular events/buddy days / N/A / Training programme/buddy days targeting carers of people living with dementia, Resources, free reminiscence app. Buddy days feature lunch, activities, memory tour of museum. All Free
Website www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk / 0151 478 4240.
Age UK / The Mansion House – Victoria Bistro / Tuesdays / 10.30-12.30 / Café Breakfast group at the Mansion House in the Victoria Bistro. Come along make new friends, meet and have a chat with staff re services available in a social environment. (Full English Breakfast with a cup of tea £3.95) / Kym Smith
01744 752644
Looking Forward Support Group / Martin Ave Sheltered Community Room, Newton Le Willows, WA12 0NH / The first Tuesday of every month / 10.30am-1pm / This group will suit those who would like to meet with others in a warm and friendly environment. Those who provide support are also welcome / John Kelly
07930471664/01925 222126
Hare & Hounds Dementia Friendly Meeting / Hare & Hounds, 142 Upholland Road, WN5, Wigan / First Tuesday of the month – best to ring to check / 1pm / Dementia Friendly Montly meeting, with free tea & coffee and sometimes acts (such as ukulele group). Everybody welcome / 01744 892 626

Group meeting times, dates and venues are subject to change. It is always best to call the Carers Centre and check first on 01744 675615.

Telephone Support

The Alzheimer’s Society

- have a local telephone number 0151 420 8010 and also an Alzheimer’s Helpline 0845 300 0336

Admiral Nurses

- mental health nurses specialising in dementia. Admiral Nurses work with family carers and people with dementia, in the community and other settings. There is no Admiral Nursing Service in this area but you can still contact an Admiral Nurse for advice or support by calling the helpline, Admiral Nursing DIRECT on08452579406or email

Holidays

Dementia Adventure – a community interest organisation that provide specialist supported holidays for people with dementia & a loved one, fully accessible venues throughout the uk and a range of options depending on ability – sailing, walking & more. Care packages available for those with additional physical needs, transport can be arranged, insurance can be arranged 01245 237548 e:info@dementiaadventure web www.dementiaadventure.co.uk

Useful Resources

House of Memories – free training programme/buddy days targeting carers of people with dementia. Resources, useful reminisince app, website. Tel: 0151 478 4240 email .

Memory Card - A credit-card sized card available at the Carers Centre. The message on the card states: “The person I am with has memory problems. They may have difficulty communicating. We would appreciate your patience and understanding”

This has helped to preserve dignity and alleviate stress in difficult situations.

This is Me- A document produced by the Alzheimer’s Society. There is an example in the Carers Centre but they can be downloaded from The Alzheimers Society website – www.alzheimers.org.uk or contact the local branch on 0151 420 8010 and ask for a copy to be sent out to you. The booklet is bright blue and can be used in unfamiliar settings such as hospital to record personal details such as likes, dislikes, fears, abilities etc.

Forget Me Not – A flower pendant worn or carried which will highlight to hospital staff that the person you are with has memory loss. Whiston A&E has 2 cubicles specifically allocated for people with dementia to reduce the stress attached to being in the hospital environment. Ask in Whiston hospital reception for details on where to get a pendant or ring the Carers Centre on 01744 675615.

Council Home Improvements Agency Assistive Technology for the home to support independent living. They also offer advice on the Handy Person Scheme for small jobs around the home (though this may be chargeable, depending on the work ). Speak to a Carer Support Officer for details on 01744 675615

Useful Reading and Websites

PSS Online Dementia Centre (www.dementiacafe.com)- includes links to local services and access to forum for Carers to share their experiences.

Alzheimer’s Society (www.alzheimers.org.uk)- produce a wide range of fact sheets and support materials. Carers are also able to communicate via chat room.

“Who Cares?” Department of Health book, sometimes issued during SSD assessment but available to download from the Department Of Health website www.dh.gov.uk

“The Milk is in the Oven” - a booklet that helps explain dementia to children and young people. Available as a free PDF download from www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications

Barbara Pointon’s Care Giving Maxims -Barbara is to be made a government advisor on dementia following her public experience of caring for her husband. These are the things she wishes she had known when she first started out in their journey through the condition. Available from the Carers Centre as a handout to assist with perplexing behaviours. Telephone 01744 675615

Helping Someone to Make Decisions - information produced by the Carers Centre on Power of Attorney and Mental Capacity Act. Telephone 01744 675615

Books and DVD’s available for loan at Carers Centre cover topics such as diet, reminiscence, relaxation and music as well as booklets on specific types of dementia

Local Support

Hargreaves Trust – Have a drop in facility at Millennium House, St.Helens on fortnightly basis to offer advice and guidance on issues relating to dementia. Telephone 07543201062 for more information or www.hargreavesdementiatrust.org.uk

Alzheimer’s Society have a Dementia Advisor Service for assistance at point of diagnosis to empower and promote independence. In addition, a Dementia Support Worker is also available for anyone living with dementia at any stage of their journey. Telephone 0151 420 8010 or email Halton& or ring Carers Centre for referral details.

Should you require any further information or assistance with the above please contact the Carer Support Team 01744 675615

(October 2016)