Essential Dementia Resources in East Hertfordshire: A Comprehensive Guide

1. Hertswise: Your Local Dementia Support Hub

Hertswise offers a comprehensive service across Hertfordshire for individuals dealing with dementia, memory loss, or mild cognitive impairment, as well as their carers and families. Services offered:

• Dementia Hubs: Located in multiple towns including Bishop’s Stortford and Hertford, these hubs provide group-based activities tailored to the needs of individuals with dementia. They also offer one-to-one sessions. For more information on locations and services, visit Hertswise Dementia Hubs. https://hertswise.org.uk/hertswise-dementia-hubs/
• Support and advice: Accessible information, advice, and support are available to help navigate the challenges of dementia care.

2. NHS

The NHS website is an invaluable resource for medical information about dementia. It offers:

• Guidance on living with dementia: Practical tips and medical advice.
• Sources of care and support: Details on accessing local healthcare services.

Visit the NHS dementia page at NHS Dementia Care.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/

3. Age UK Hertfordshire

Age UK Hertfordshire provides a wide range of services:

• Support phone line and face-to-face advice: These services are designed to offer guidance and support to the elderly, including those affected by dementia.
• Lifebook: A free resource to help document important information for easy access. More details can be found at Age UK Lifebook.

Visit their website at https://www.ageuk.org.uk/hertfordshire/

4. Alzheimer’s Society

Dementia Adviser Service: Offers personalised support and advice on all aspects of living with dementia via telephone helpline. 

• Contact number: 01707 378365. 
• More information available at https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/

5. Cogs Clubs

Cogs Clubs are small, structured groups for people with mild-to-moderate dementia, centred around Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST). The clubs aim to help people recall or develop new skills to improve daily life.

Locations: Bourne End and Tring. Each session costs £12.00.

• Bourne End Cogs Club: Bourne End Village Hall, London Road, Bourne End, HP1 2RJ. Wednesdays. Tel: 01442 259049.
• Tring Cogs Club: Pond Close Sheltered Housing, High Street, Tring, HP23 5BE. Tuesdays. Tel: 01442 259049.

6. The Red Shed Project

A non-profit organisation offering support and activities for those with dementia in Hertfordshire. Horticultural therapy and other events are conducted in their garden in Stevenage. For more information, check their Workshops & Events page.

• Email: [email protected]
• http://www.theredshed.garden/

7. Hertfordshire Independent Living Service (HILS)

HILS runs Kingfisher Day Clubs, designed as ‘fun clubs’ with a mix of engaging activities tailored to individuals’ needs, from Monday to Friday.

• Location: Jubilee Centre, Catherine Street, St Albans, AL3 5BU.
• Hours: 10:00am – 3:00pm.
• Price: £35.00 per session.
• Telephone: 0330 2000 103.
• Email: [email protected].
• https://hils-uk.org/community-activities/kingfisher-dementia-club/

8. All Sorts Dementia Group
   Organises Group Activities in Ware, Sawbridgeworth, and Essendon. These activities provide socialisation for people with dementia in a fun, supportive environment, while their carers take a break. Activities include Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST).

• Telephone: 01279 498938
• Email: [email protected]
• https://www.allsortsdg.co.uk/

Testimonials:

A relative of mine attends. She adores the group the group and as relatives we are happy she is in a safe and supportive environment, where we don’t have to worry about her

-Michelle Laura

This group is fantastic…Not only does it provide fun stimulating activities for the group members, but it also give the carers a break. Very highly recommended and thank you to all the staff especially Kelly.

– Rachelle Hills

9. Community Programmes and Tools

• Hertfordshire Libraries ‘Reminiscence Collection’: Borrow memory boxes, books, DVDs, and more designed to aid memory and provide shared experiences. Check out the collection at Hertfordshire Libraries.

https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/Libraries-and-archives/Books-and-reading/Reminiscence-collection/Reminiscence-collection.aspx

• Playlist for Life: This charity helps create personal playlists to reduce anxiety and improve mood for those living with dementia. Find help points at local libraries or visit Playlist for Life.

https://www.playlistforlife.org.uk/

• Health and wellbeing apps: Various apps are available to support health and wellbeing, including dementia-specific support tools. Learn more at Hertfordshire Wellbeing Apps. 

https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/adult-social-services/news-and-campaigns/health-and-wellbeing-apps.aspx?searchInput=&page=1&resultsPerPage=10&view=card

10. East Herts Dementia Friendly Action Group

This community group focuses on making East Hertfordshire more dementia-friendly. They are active on social media, where they share updates and information on their activities and programmes. Follow them on Facebook at East Herts Dementia Friendly Action Group.

https://www.facebook.com/EastHertsDementiaFriendlyActionGroup/

In East Hertfordshire, a variety of dedicated resources are available to support those living with dementia and their caregivers. From healthcare advice and community activities to personalised support services, these resources aim to enhance the quality of life and provide essential support. Whether you are looking for advice, support, or practical tools, there is help available to ensure you and your loved ones do not face dementia alone.