A new group has been launched at one of Notting Hill Genesis’s (NHG’s) extra care schemes to help those living with dementia, and their carers, to join together in a welcoming environment.
Based at our Cheviot Gardens scheme in Lambeth, the Living Well Group which is hosted by Age Exchange is an opportunity to meet and socialise.
NHG has pledged to become completely Dementia Friendly by raising awareness, knowledge and understanding of dementia, both internally and externally, and getting staff and residents trained to become ‘Dementia Friends’.
Over 3m people UK-wide have now become Dementia Friends, including those among our staff, residents and communities.
The Living Well Group is the latest of several initiatives that NHG is supporting across our older peoples’ services to increase awareness of dementia and offer local support to live well with the condition. Last year, we were proud to receive funding from Westminster City Council to establish an intergenerational choir for people living with dementia at Penfold Street, our extra care scheme in Westminster.
Pamela Sinnott, service development manager at NHG, said: “One in 14 people over the age of 65 in the UK are living with dementia, and one in three people know someone who has been diagnosed. We have worked with Age Exchange before and have seen the benefits of using reminiscence and the arts to improve wellbeing and engagement for people living with dementia and their carers.
“We are continuing to do what we can to raise awareness of dementia both internally and externally, with the ultimate aim of 90 per cent of our staff becoming dementia aware, and for there to be an easily accessible support group within the business.”
Lydia Thurgar, development officer at Age Exchange, said: “We are grateful to NHG for allowing us to run a warm, welcoming group for people affected by dementia in their bright, airy Cheviot Gardens facility. It’s so important for people to meet others in a similar position and have the chance to take part in fun, creative activities that trigger memories.
“The group helps to combat loneliness and isolation, as well as enlivening minds and bodies.”
The choir at Penfold Street is still going strong but is temporarily suspended due to the Coronavirus restrictions. For more information, email florentina.kasabaqi@nhg.org.uk
The Living Well Group at Cheviot Gardens is also suspended due to Coronavirus, but otherwise meets every Thursday between 11am and 3pm where participants can enjoy the beautiful facilities and tranquil gardens, along with the onsite restaurant. For further details, contact Lydia at lydia.thurgar@age-exchange.org.uk
For more information, email dementia@nhg.org.uk or see www.dementiafriends.org.uk/