A new centre supporting those suffering with dementia and their carers has been launched in Watford.
The Watford Memory Support Centre is now up and running as part of Watford Borough Council’s ‘Dementia Friendly Watford’ initiative, in partnership with Hertfordshire Partnership University Foundation NHS Trust (HPFT) and Watford FC CSE Trust.
The centre aims to help those who have been recently diagnosed with dementia and to promote services, support and information.
The first found of support sessions proved to be a huge success with attendees, allowing those living with dementia and their carers to talk freely about their shared experiences.
Specialists were on-hand, including HPFT Principal Pharmacist Lesley Bodell, discussing the medical aspect of the condition and representatives from the Alzheimer’s Society, Carers in Herts, Peace Hospice and local groups such as CathARTic and Hertwise. Attendees were also treated to music from Electric Umbrella and Herts Musical Memories.
Dr Rahul Tomar, Consultant Psychiatrist, Early Memory Diagnosis and Support Service at the HPFT, said “It is fantastic that we can offer people a safe place to meet with others and professionals to learn about dementia and form peer support. It’s really important people don’t feel alone or isolated when dealing with a dementia diagnosis so offering this support will help ease what can be a daunting time.”
Hannah Foster, Dementia Project Manager at Watford Borough Council, said: “The Watford Memory Support Centre has been a vision of mine after listening to hundreds of people effected by dementia in our town. To see it become so successful is overwhelming, we hope that with the strong partnerships we have created this will allow us to replicate the centre across the county.”
The second round of courses will be commencing on Monday 9 May. If you would like to book a place, please contact Hannah Foster on 07884 185281 or email Hannah.Foster@watford.gov.uk
The Watford Memory Support Centre would not have been possible without the collaboration from specialists and community organisations:
留言