Navigating Dementia: A Comprehensive Guide to Local Resources in East Hampshire, UK
Dementia is a complex condition that affects not only individuals but also their families and caregivers. In East Hampshire, UK, several resources are available to support those living with dementia, providing a network of assistance, information, and community engagement. Whether you’re seeking healthcare facilities, support groups, or community programmes, this guide aims to outline the diverse array of resources available, their accessibility, and how to access them.
Understanding Dementia
Dementia is not a specific disease but rather a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, but there are many other types, each with its own set of symptoms and challenges.
Support Groups and Community Programmes
1. Alton Community Centre
Services: Day Care service and Memory Lane Cafe
Description: Offers a range of events and classes throughout the year for individuals with memory loss and their carers.
Contact: Alton Community Association
2. Andover Mind
Services: Dementia advice service, carer support, and counselling
Description: Provides crisis support through their Safe Haven in Aldershot.
Contact: 0300 5000 907, Email Andover Mind
3. Winton House Memory Café, Petersfield
Services: Monthly gathering providing a friendly atmosphere for those affected by dementia
When: Third Wednesday of the month, 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Contact: 01730 266046, Email Winton House
4. Alzheimer’s Society
Services: Dementia Support Service, Companion Calls, Singing for the Brain, Dementia Talking Point
Description: Offers information, practical guidance, and social engagement opportunities for individuals and their carers.
Contact: 0333 150 3456, Email [email protected]
Healthcare Facilities
1. Admiral Nurse Hampshire
Description: Provides specialised support to military families dealing with dementia.
Contact: 0808 802 8080, Email Admiral Nurses
Essential Resources and Programmes
1. Lions Message in a Bottle Scheme
Description: Provides essential personal and medical details in case of emergencies.
Contact: Health centres, hospitals, and community centres
2. The Bobby Scheme
Description: Offers free home safety and security surveys for individuals living with dementia.
Contact: 0300 777 0157, Email [email protected]
3. OPAL (Older People’s Area Link)
Description: Provides information and services for older people, including those with dementia.
Contact: 0800 328 7154, [email protected]
4. Hampshire Fire & Rescue Service – Safe & Well Visits
Description: Provides free home safety checks and health referrals for vulnerable members of the community, including those with dementia.
Contact: 023 8062 6751, [email protected]
5. Meals on Wheels Hampshire
Description: Delivers lunches and teas for the over 55s.
Contact: 01962 779338
Website: www.hants.gov.uk/meals-on-wheels
6. Living Well Aging Well
Last Updated October 2016 – Directory of Activities and Services for Older People in East Hampshire 2016
7. Dementia Friendly Hampshire
Description: Initiative to create a supportive environment for those living with dementia.
Contact: 07557 653229, Email Dementia Friendly Hampshire
8. Companion Calls
Provides social chats for people with dementia and their caregivers to reduce loneliness.
9. Singing for the Brain
A singing group for people affected by dementia, also available online.
10. Dementia Talking Point
An online community for anyone affected by dementia to receive valuable support.
Website: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/dementia-talking-point-our-onlinecommunity
11. Alzheimer’s Society Contact Details
Available for information and support.
12 .Legion’s Legends
A social group held at Alton British Legion.
Contact: 07922 022 321 or 07771 790 228
13. Alton Memory Lane Music Café
A fun, sing-along workshop for people with dementia and their caregivers.
Contact: 07922 022321
14. Dementia-friendly Tea Dances at the Legion
Monthly tea dances with support from dance school and care providers.
Contact: 07922 022321
15. Memory Lane Club
An opportunity for those with dementia and their carers to meet with others for support and enjoy various activities.
Contact: 01420 85057
16. FLOURISH Gardening and Horticulture Therapy
Offers outdoor sessions for those with dementia and their caregivers.
Contact: 07922 022321
17. Dementia-friendly Well-being Walk
Provides an opportunity for those with dementia and their carers to meet with others for support and enjoy gentle walking exercise.
Contact: 07922 022321
18. National and district-wide contact
Various organisations provide support and information.
19. Age Concern Hampshire
Provides village agent scheme and other support services.
Contact: 01962 892 443
Website: www.ageconcernhampshire.org.uk/village-agent
20. Andover Mind Carer Support and Dementia Advice Service
Offers support and signposting for people with dementia and their caregivers.
Contact: 01264 332 297, [email protected]
21. Community Transport East Hampshire – Call and Go
Provides transportation services.
Contact: 01420 475 759,
Website: www.communitytransporteasthampshire.co.uk
22. Hampshire Fire & Rescue Service – Safe and Well Visits
Offers home safety checks.
Contact: 023 8062 6751, [email protected]
Website: www.hantsfire.gov.uk/safeandwell
23. Hampshire libraries and Home library service
Provides information and library services.
Hampshire libraries: 0300 555 1387
Home library service: 0845 603 5631
24. Legal Advice Clinic – East Hampshire
Offers free legal advice sessions.
Contact: 0800 328 7154
25. Meals on Wheels Hampshire
Provides meal delivery services.
Contact: 01962 779 338
Website: www.hants.gov.uk/meals-on-wheels
26. OPAL (Older People’s Area Link)
Provides local information and services.
Contact: 0800 328 7154, [email protected]
27. Princess Royal Trust for Carers emergency planning
Offers support and planning for emergencies.
Contact: 0845 604 1577
28. Talking Point
An online community for people with dementia and their caregivers.
Website: www.alzheimers.org.uk/talkingpoint
29. Wellbeing Walks
Various health walks across East Hampshire for any ability.
Contact: 01730 266 551, [email protected]
30. CAB outreach
Provides advice and support.
CAB outreach – Liphook: The Millennium Hall, No 2 Ontario Way, Liphook,
GU30 7LD
CAB outreach – Headley Down: Woodlands Hall, Larch Road, Headley Down,
GU35 8AS
31. Methodist Homes Associations (MHA) Communities in Hampshire
Offers various activities to tackle loneliness and isolation.
Contact: 01256 326 022
32. Sunflower Café Bordon
A café welcoming people living with dementia and their caregivers.
Contact: 01252 782 426
33. Musical Moments Social Afternoon
A musical session for people living with dementia and their caregivers.
34. Petersfield Alzheimer’s Society Friendship Club
An informal group offering social contact and support.
Contact: Julie Osborne, 07889 605216, [email protected]
35. DEMENTIA ADVICE SERVICE – BORDON, HAVANT & PETERSFIELD
Provides support for those affected by dementia.
36. NATIONAL DEMENTIA HELPLINE
Description: Offers information, support, and guidance.
Contact: 0300 222 1122
37. Alton Day Centre
Provide day care services for older individuals.
Contact: 01420 84257, [email protected]
38. Bordon Day Centre
Provide day care services for older individuals.
Contact: 01420 474294, [email protected]
How to Access These Resources
Accessing these resources often requires simple steps such as contacting the provided phone numbers or visiting the respective websites. Referrals may be necessary for certain services, while others may offer drop-in sessions or scheduled events. It’s essential to reach out directly to the organisations for specific details on accessing their services.
Conclusion
Living with dementia presents unique challenges, but with the support of local resources in East Hampshire, individuals and their families can find assistance, guidance, and community connection. Whether through support groups, healthcare facilities, or essential services, these resources aim to improve the quality of life for those affected by dementia. Remember, you’re not alone, and help is available.
