Memory loss advice hits the road

04/06/2009

Memory loss information and advice is taking to the road in Gloucestershire next week.

Staff from 2gether NHS Foundation Trust will have stands at roadshows organised by Carers Gloucestershire at Cirencester on Monday, 8th June, and Cheltenham on Saturday, 13th June.

Kathy Holmes, project co-ordinator of 2gether’s Managing Memory Together service, urged people to visit the roadshows whether they are worried about their own memory or that of a loved one.

“Dementia is a growing issue due to the ageing population and the number of people with the condition is expected to rise by 59 per cent by 2025,” she said. “We would be delighted to talk to anyone who has concerns so that we can offer them appropriate support and information.”

Managing Memory Together has been piloted at St Paul’s Medical Centre, Cheltenham, since March to provide easily accessible support and information close to people’s homes. It is run in partnership with Gloucestershire County Council, the Alzheimer’s Society and Carers Gloucestershire and is part of 2gether’s early implementation of the National Dementia Strategy.

It includes:

• Group information sessions
• A dedicated telephone support line
• Referrals to other organisations
• Multi-agency working with carer support groups and the Alzheimer’s Society

Carers Week (8th-14th June) highlights and celebrates the contribution of the estimated six million people in the UK (60,000 in Gloucestershire) who provide unpaid care to a friend or relative who could not manage without their help.

The One in Ten Roadshows organised by Carers Gloucestershire provide carers with a chance to meet other carers, find out about local services, join a workshop or just have some time out to relax.

Managing Memory Together staff will have stands at the roadshows at New Brewery Arts, Brewery Court, Cirencester, on Monday 8th June and Imperial Gardens, Imperial Square, Cheltenham, on Saturday, 13th June. Both events last from 10.30am to 2pm.

Managing Memory Together will officially launch during Dementia Awareness Week (5-11th July) when it will be available to patients registered with selected GP surgeries in Cheltenham, Cirencester and Gloucester. For details of surgeries taking part in the pilot or for more information contact 08454 222765 or email: managingmemory@glos.nhs.uk