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Chichester Dementia Action Alliance

Background

In 2012, a dementia forum was formed which linked both Chichester and Bognor together. The forums ran on a quarterly basis. The aim was to bring together organisations to share good practice and to develop services which met the needs of people with dementia and their carers.

Our Vision

To work in partnership with people with dementia and their carers, and ensure they provide a focus for all activities undertaken. Promote and sustain Bognor Regis and Chichester as Dementia Friendly communities. In addition, share ideas and best practice during the development of dementia friendly communities in Selsey and Midhurst and other surrounding areas.

Services should also be made available to people who do not have a formal diagnosis of dementia, as well as those that have a formal diagnosis.

Aims

Take forward priority service improvements as determined by the National Dementia Strategy and local priorities
Be outward facing reaching people with needs and those providing/commissioning services
Highlight the most significant range and type of needs of people with dementia and their carers
Map onto the above needs the services currently offered
Identify gaps or issues in service provision
Ensure every professional/organisation has the same full picture of services
Take steps on a priority basis to fill those gaps and tackle the issues
Consider funding sources to meet increased services
Improve service links and coordination, avoiding duplication
Support professional growth, using joint training to improve understanding of and response to dementia
Understand the national and local planning and funding context within which we work and contribute as appropriate

Achievements:

Different activity groups have set up as direct result of the feedback of people with dementia and their careers, providing a number of activities for people with dementia and their careers with over 70 people attending some events, including;

Pub quizzes, Lunch groups and lunches out, Pallant House Art Gallery have run a number of workshops, Canal trip, Theatre and cinema visits.

Local coordination of dementia friend’s sessions to ensure sessions are widely delivered across Bognor and Chichester.

Partnership working with MIND and Time Aside Sensory Art to provide workshops.

We have an open calendar of events that all members can access and this ensures that planning of events does not conflict with other planned events.

Feedback from people with dementia –

“I look forward to the events and chatting to new found friends.”

“Having met people like me through the events I am more positive about the future and feel more supported.”

Feedback from carers –

“Just wanted to thank you for such a wonderful evening at Kings Theatre. Dad kept saying it was marvellous and every time I looked at him, he was beaming.”

“To see him interacting and recalling his childhood books was fantastic and I learnt a little bit about his youth which I didn't know.”

Chair:

Dr Sue Craig

Meetings:

Every twice a year at the Dementia Hub @ Tangmere

How to join:

Dates and times of meetings can be accessed by emailing Isabelle Surrell see below.

Contact:

Email Isabelle Surrell : isabelle.surrell@dementia-support.org.uk

Alliance Members

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