Posts Tagged ‘Dementia Forward’

People whose
lives have been affected by dementia, their families and carers can get free
help and support from a new service available across North Yorkshire.

The service
is being provided by Dementia Forward and is funded by North Yorkshire County
Council and the Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) covering the county, as part
of their work to help people live independent, healthy lives for as long as
possible. Dementia Forward has been working with the County Council in the
Harrogate and Vale of York CCG areas and they will now also cover Scarborough
and Ryedale, Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby and Craven CCG areas,
previously delivered by Making Space.

Richard Webb, North Yorkshire’s Corporate Director for
Health and Adult Services, said:
“Dementia Forward is a local charity that provides a highly responsive,
individual support service for people living with dementia, and the people who
care for them.

“The aim of
the service is to help people living with dementia and their family, friends or
carers to feel empowered and informed so that they have choices following their
diagnosis. Information, advice and support is provided through a wide range of
local services, including a North Yorkshire Helpline; home visits from a trained
dementia support advisor; signposting to other sources of help; education
programmes and a range of wellbeing and social activities.

“One
of Dementia Forward’s most popular activities is singing. Two members from one
of their groups told us: ‘We started in January.
David was diagnosed last year and a Dementia Support Advisor from Dementia
Forward came out to see us and she told us about all the different support and
activity groups. David loves it and looks forward to it – now he can’t drive
and you’re very restricted when you have dementia. We’ve never gone out singing
or done anything like that but it’s really good isn’t it?’ and ‘It lifts you up
and you look forward to coming.’ How good is that!

“Dementia
Forward will continue to increase understanding of dementia across North
Yorkshire, and build on the excellent work previously delivered by Making
Space. Their remit will also include education and awareness sessions to a
range of groups, including schools and businesses.”

The support service
is available to anyone living in the county who is affected by dementia, from
pre-diagnosis to end of life.  Support
will be provided to those diagnosed, their family and carers, including
situations where a family member lives outside North Yorkshire.  Dementia Forward will be a key partner in
implementing Bring Me Sunshine, the dementia strategy for North Yorkshire.

Jill Quinn,
Chief Executive of Dementia Forward, said: “Being awarded the contract across
the whole county is extremely important to us as we have looked forward to
ensuring everyone living in North Yorkshire can access the same quality of
dementia care and support.

“Our services
are designed to give the right support at the right time, and from the very
first conversation with us we can open doors to the things that people may
need.  We achieve this by working closely
with colleagues in health and social care services and other voluntary
organisations, as well as the wonderful support provided by volunteers and
local communities.

“We want to encourage
people who are looking for dementia support to get in touch in touch with us, and
also hope to hear from people who would like to volunteer with Dementia
Forward.”

Dementia
Forward will be holding information roadshows across North Yorkshire throughout
May.  For further information about them
and the services Dementia Forward provides, ring the Dementia Forward Helpline 03300
578592 or go to www.dementiaforward.org.uk.

Dementia
Forward’s second Dementia Conference is called ‘Show me you care 2019’ and will
be held on 1 July 2019 at Rudding Park, Harrogate. To express an interest in
attending, email netty.newell@dementiaforward.org.uk.