Halton Dementia Action Alliance
Welcome to Halton Dementia Action Alliance
Visit this page for updates relating to actions of the Halton Dementia Action Alliance and local dementia news, events, activities and useful resources.
Halton Dementia Action Alliance is a network of people, organisations and groups who wish to improve the lives of people living with dementia and their carers.
The network is coordinated by Halton Borough Council. For details of the actions taken by our DAA member organisations, please click on their name from the list of members on this screen.
For more information about the alliance, or to join , please contact emma.bragger@halton.gov.uk
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** Dementia Action Week May 2023**
Don't forget about this year's Dementia Action Week which takes place during 15th -21st May. It's an opportunity to do something fun in your organisation or community to raise awareness and take action to improve the lives of those living with dementia. Take a look at the Dementia Action Week website for insipration and resources!
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-involved/dementia-action-week
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** Major regional conference on Faiths and Dementia, Liverpool, May 2023**
Wednesday 17 May 2023 10am – 4pm St Margaret Clitherow Centre Croxteth Drive, Liverpool L17 1AA.
A major conference exploring how faith communities can support people affected by dementia. Featuring multi-faith speakers and dementia experts providing helpful lessons for all involved in leading faith communities and managing places of worship. Find out what works, get practical ideas for your community. Also valuable for housing, health and social care providers. Admission £15.00 Free to people with dementia and family carers. Vegetarian bu et lunch provided. Tickets via Eventbrite, early booking recommended.
More details can be found at our webpage www.faithsanddementia23.com and registration is via Eventbrite at faithsanddementia23.eventbrite.co.uk .
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** New Year updates, information and access to resources**
Views of people living rurally with dementia
Run in partnership with Alzheimer’s Society, the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on dementia - a cross-party group of politicians - is launching a new inquiry on dementia diagnosis in rural and deprived areas across England. We’re looking to hear from people with a dementia diagnosis, or someone close to them, about their experience, and we’d love your help to ensure this data is truly representative. Please share this link with any contacts who may be interested in sharing their feedback. https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/5ZQH1Z/
Dementia friendly sports clubs and venues guide
The new resource is a free, practical guide for organisations who want to become more accessible and inclusive for people affected by dementia. You can down the guide here.
Dementia Action Week
The date for Dementia Action Week 2023 is 15th-21st May 2023. What can you do to promote dementia awareness? What activities or events are you doing to celebrate Dementia Action Week? Let emma.bragger@halton.gov.uk know and we can promote your event to our dementia network!________________________________________________________
**Supporting someone with Dementia over Christmas**
Alzheimers Society have produced advice for supporting people with dementia over the Christmas period.
click here for information https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/blog/how-support-dementia-christmas
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** New member to Halton Dementia Action Alliance December 2022**
Halton DAA welcomes Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS! Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS services communities in Halton and has developed an organisational action plan to work to become more dementia friendly and raise awareness of dementia amongst staff and the people they provide services to. If your organisation would like to become a member of the Halton Dementia Action Alliance and be part of a growing movement to improve the lives of people living with dementia, and carers, then please contact emma.bragger@halton.gov.uk
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** Managing the cost of living crisis**
Alzheimer's Society have complied financial help resources that may be helpful for people living with dementia. Please see the link below.
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/cost-living-support-dementia
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** Tips for keeping warm this winter**
Alzheimer's Society have provided practical tips for helping people living with dementia to keep warm this winter. Please visit their web page for these tips and other advice for helping people with dementia in other aspects of their lives.
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/daily-living/keeping-warm-dementia
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** Halton Carers' Forum - Dementia. Monday 21st November 2022 10am-1pm, Widnes**
The next Halton Carers' forum is focusing on dementia. There will be a selection of speakers and stands providing information. Booking is essential for this event. Please contact Halton Carers' Centre on 01928 580182 to reserve your free place.
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**Halton Libraries have some great new groups starting in October 2022**
We're going to look back at the past and hope you'll share your stories with us. Each month there will be a different theme to talk about. We're starting with 'schooldays' at 11am on 5th October at Halton Lea Library and 2pm at Ditton Library on 13th October.
There is no need to book, you can just come along. Tea and coffee will be provided.
Whilst this group is not solely for people living with dementia, people living with dementia are most welcome to atted with their carer, where required. _________________________________________________________
**Grangeway Community Centre hosted the Liverpool Museums House of Memories on the Road mobile immersive environment in July 2022**.
Forty-six people came out to enjoy a cognitive stimulation and reminiscence experience provided by the House of Memories on the Road team. People living with dementia in the community, residents of Halton’s care homes ,and their carers, experienced the House of Memories On The Road mobile classroom that has been especially designed to engage older people, those living with dementia, plus their family and friends. Using an immersive cinema experience, with audio-visual stimulus, participants were invited to explore Liverpool’s past through a number of digital scenes including the Liverpool Overhead Railway, a city street and a local 1950s shop. Being based at Grangeway Community Centre for the day, people were able to also enjoy a drink or a meal from the community café and make a day of it!
The event was made possible through Halton Borough Council’s involvement with the Liverpool City Region’s (LCR) Dementia Action Group.
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** Reading Friends at Home Group**
Halton Libraries has been running a telephone friendship group – Reading Friends at Home, for over a year. We now have some places available in the group. It’s proved to be great for people who are still uncomfortable about going out, but still want a chat and some company.
Reading Friends chat, share stories and have fun
Halton Libraries has a Reading Friends at Home group for people over 60 who would like a chance to get together for a chat and meet new people. The group runs over the phone and is hosted by a member of library staff.
The group meets every other Wednesday at 2.30 pm.
Please contact Halton lea Library 0151 511 7744 for more information and to book.
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** Update re Hope Friendship and Dementia Social Group**
After a few venue changes the friendship and Dementia group has found a permanent home.
Hope Friendship and Dementia Social Group at Holy Trinity Church Trinity Street Runcorn Mondays 10:30 -12:30.
Why not join us each Monday at Holy Trinity Church Runcorn on Mondays 10:30 -12:30 where you can enjoy a chat and play playing card bingo and a quiz refreshments included tea coffee cakes and biscuits price £3 for event whilst.
Harry tel 01928 564538 or Email Harold.hayes@outlook.com
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** Halton Borough Council adopts a 'Dementia Friendly HBC' action plan**
In June 2022 Halton Borough Council Executive Board approved a plan for service areas across the council to take action to become more dementia friendly. Actions include raising awareness within the organisation and beyond, growing an in house resource of Dementia Friends and Champions, giving greater consideration to dementia friendly environments and embedding dementia awareness in the corporate induction for all roles. These are just tentative steps, and it is hoped that more actions will be added to the plan over time. For more information please contact emma.bragger@halton.gov.uk
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** Singing for the Brain Groups**
You no longer have to be an Alzheimer's Society employee or volunteer to deliver Singing for the Brain Groups! Find out how you can become a delivery partner and deliver your own groups, supported by Alzheimer's Society and thier resources. See the link below:
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/your-support-services/singing-for-the-brain
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**FREE EVENT House of Memories on the Road is coming to Halton!**
We have an upcoming visit to Halton of the Liverpool Museums’ ‘ House of Memories on the Road’ mobile unit. Reminiscence sessions for people living with dementia, and their carers, are being held throughout the day on Wednesday 27th July in Runcorn. Sessions are 20 minutes, and there is a café serving food and drink (available to purchase). Places are FREE, but are limited so must be booked in advance by contacting emma.bragger@halton.gov.uk
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**RESOURCES Understanding memory loss and dementia diagnosis**
Please see the link below for useful resources to help understand memory loss and a dementia diagnosis.
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/symptoms-and-diagnosis/memory-loss-dementia-diagnosis
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** RESOURCES Dementia Action Week 2022**
As this week is Dementia Action Week a reminder that Alzheimer's Society offers a Halton Dementia Connect service. The service provides support with understanding a diagnosis, legal and financial issues, living well, helping people connect with what is available in their local community and more. Referring into our local advisers Lorraine and Vanessa is quick, secure and easy via https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/referralform
The theme of Dementia Action Week this year is all about getting a diagnosis. With diagnosis rates at a five-year low, we need your help to encourage those potentially living with undiagnosed dementia to come to us for support. Getting a diagnosis can feel daunting, Alzheimer's Society believe it’s better to know. And so do 91% of people affected by dementia. Contact Alzheimer's Society for a useful tool to support people with approaching their GP and to provide additional support.
Our local Alzheimer's Society are running an activity group for people living with dementia and this May's theme is of course celebrating the Jubilee!
Don’t forget – Alzheimer's Society dementia advisers can be contacted directly on halton@alzheimers.org.uk or 0151 420 8010.
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**RESOURCE Coronavirus: How you can support people with dementia**
Many already helping or volunteering in their local communities during Coronavirus will be supporting people affected by dementia.
The Alzheimer's society top tips guide is designed to provide an understanding of dementia, its impact and how people can help in their community during the pandemic.
Whether you or someone you know is volunteering for the NHS, through a community group or supporting a neighbour or friend, it’s a really helpful guide on simple things you can do.
please see the link below
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** SCAMS AND COVID -19**
Be aware and protect yourself and others!
Be aware of people offering or selling:
Coronavirus testing kits - these are only offered by the NHS
• Vaccines or miracle cures - there is currently no vaccine or cure
• Overpriced or fake goods to protect yourself from coronavirus such as anti-bacterial products
• Shopping or medication collection services
• Offers to clean your home of coronavirus
If you are unsure, check with family and friends before accepting help
Don’t assume everyone is genuine. It’s okay to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. If someone attempts to pressure you into accepting a service then they are unlikely to be genuine.
• Don’t be rushed into making a decision, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Only buy goods or services from trusted sellers and think before parting with money or personal information.
For advice on scams please call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline 0808 223 11 33
To report a scam please call Action Fraud 0300 123 2040
Contact your bank if you think you may have been scammed
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** MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS PHONE LINE**
PEOPLE living in Halton, Knowsley, St Helens and Warrington who are experiencing a mental health crisis can now access mental health support via a new 24/7 dedicated mental health crisis line: 01925 275 309.
North West Boroughs Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has launched the crisis line to provide support 24 hours a day, seven days a week to people of all ages, including children and young people, who need urgent mental health support.
What to do if you need urgent mental health help:
- Please call and our dedicated local crisis lines and NHS staff will support you to access the help you need:
- If you live in Halton, Knowsley, St Helens or Warrington call 01925 275 309
- If you live in Wigan call 01942 636 395
- The crisis lines are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and are open to people of all ages – including children and young people
- The crisis lines are now the first port of call for mental health crisis help – it is operated by people in your local area who will know how best to support you. If you call NHS111 you may have to wait longer for help and will be redirected to this local service
- Please note, A&E and 999 are not the best places to get help for the majority of mental health problems – call our crisis line to be directed to the best local service to support you
- You should still call 999 or go to A&E if you have a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate mental or physical health assistance
- For non-urgent help and general wellbeing advice, North West Boroughs Healthcare’s website contains information and links to resources to support people with anxiety, low-mood, and worries relating to the current Covid-19 pandemic: www.nwbh.nhs.uk/coronavirus
More information about the new helpline can be found at: www.nwbh.nhs.uk
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** ACCESS TO THE HALTON DEMENTIA CARE ADVISOR SERVICE DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS**
The Alzheimer’s Society Service Manager for the Halton Dementia Care Advisor Service has advised that they are sensibly making changes to their operation during the current COVID -19 crisis in order to protect their staff, volunteers and people who use services.
Despite suspending face-to-face contact we are still maintaining support for people affected by dementia via telephone, mail and email and are making regular ‘keeping in touch’ calls to our service users. We are accepting referrals as normal and if people would like to be referred to us simply to receive a call during this challenging time even without a need for any particular information or support then this is absolutely fine.
We would like all organisations and professionals to be aware that during periods of isolation and social distancing carers and people living with dementia can find this extremely difficult especially where there have been changes in behaviour, and we will aim to support people through this as best as we can.
To make a referral to the service please call or email: Email halton&sthelens@alzheimers.org.uk Telephone 01514 208 010
For more information on supporting people living with dementia during this current situation please refer only to trusted sources of information:
NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/
Public Health England: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/public-health-england
Alzheimer’s Society: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/
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** Living with Dementia and the current COVID-19 situation**
Please refer to the trusted sources of information, including the NHS and Public Health England Websites, relating to symptoms, risks and care of people with COVID-19.
Alzheimer's Society also have provided information
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/blog/coronavirus-covid-19-information-people-affected-dementia
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/public-health-england
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NEWS ** Halton Borough Council Dementia Friends**
Halton Borough Council have introduced quarterly Dementia Friends Awareness sessions for any HBC staff member to attend during their working day.
As part of this commitment to building greater dementia awareness, HBC Chief Officers will themselves will become Dementia Friends in March 2020.
Contact emma.bragger@halton.gov.uk for more info
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ACTIVITY ** Reminiscence Coffee Mornings**
Age UK Mid Mersey are hosting a Memory Lane session at Halton Haven Hospice Each month starting on 18th March 2020, 10am-11:30am.
For more information, or confirm your attendance, please call Rebecca Newton On 01928 242042 or Halton Haven Hospice on 01928 712 728
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** NEWS New Year - a renewed focus on dementia in Halton!**
There's lots going on in Halton to support people living with dementia, and their carers. If you would like to be part of the action and support our local dementia movement, here are few key things that you can consider to keep our movement going.
1) If you are not a recognised member of the Halton Dementia Action Alliance, with actions pledged on the DAA website, please think about becoming a member – it’s free and easy and shows your commitment to taking action to support people living with dementia, and their carers. Contact me to see how you can become a recognised member. It only takes about 15 minutes to join!
2) If you are a member of the Halton DAA, please log on and update your actions – either with an update on progress or any new actions you hope to take over the next 12 months.
3) Let’s take our local action to the next level!! There’s lots of things already going on in Halton - lets spread the word. You can do this by talking to people about becoming a member of the Halton DAA, becoming a dementia friend, taking part in Dementia Action Week ( 11th-20th May 2020), using social media to promote dementia awareness, planning events, activities and awareness sessions within your organisation
4) During the year if you have any dementia related or awareness raising events, news, activities or resources that can be shared with the community let me know! I can use our DAA Webpage and DAA network to promote.
5) Participate for Dementia Action Week 11th -20th May 2020 this could be putting on dementia friends awareness session/s for staff or public, providing dementia information, doing an event or activity, using social media to promote dementia awareness
Contact emma.bragger@halton.gov.uk to discuss how you can be involved.
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** RESOURCE Support available to you **
A new year can bring with it new challenges and opportunities. If you are looking after someone living with dementia and need any support, advice or just someone to talk to, you can call the National Dementia Helpline on 0300 222 11 22 and you can also join in the conversation on the Alzheimer's Society online Community, Talking Point., click on the link below.
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-** NEWS Volunteer opportunities for Halton Adult Placement Service**
We are recruiting local people to become Shared Lives Carers. A Shared Lives Carer is someone who can provide care in their own home for adults with learning disabilities and older people.
The majority of referrals to the service are for day care for people living with dementia.
If you think you could help by being a volunteer, or would like more info, please contact 0151 511 66 77 Email: Family.Placement@halton.gov.uk
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** NEWS Well done Phil! Local DAA fundraiser raises over £1,300 for Alzheimer's Research UK**
Phil from PD Law, a Halton DAA member organisation completed a 1500 feet jump from a plane on Saturday 19th October and has raised £1356 so far for Alzheimer's Research UK.
People can still make donations on the fundraising page https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/phil-doyle6
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** RESOURCE Staying active when you have dementia **
Even small amounts of activity can make a significant difference to overall health and wellbeing for people living with dementia. Alzheimer’s Society are supporting the inspiring new We Are Undefeatable campaign in partnership with Sport England.
Find out more and share to support more people living with dementia to lead more active lives. https://weareundefeatable.co.uk/getting-started
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** RESOURCE Carers UK**
Visit the national Carers UK website for information and advice to support people who care for a friend or relative.
The website contains useful information on work, equipment, emotional support, relationships, health and lots more practical advice.
https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice
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** RESOURCE Getting prepared for the colder months**
Cheshire Fire and Rescue have prepared useful tips on home fire safety that may be helpful for people living with dementia, or their carers, to ensure that vulnerable people can stay warm and safe as the weather turns cooler.
Visit the web page for more info or to arrange a home fire safety check
https://www.cheshirefire.gov.uk/public-safety/home-safety/winter-fire-safety
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** NEWS PD LAW taking action to support fundraising for Alzheimer's Research UK**
Halton DAA member organisation, PD Law, are actively supporting Alzheimer's Research UK by raising funds.
AS part of PD Law's ongoing fundraising events Managing Director, Phil Doyle, will be taking part in the Alzheimer's Society Sky Dive to raise money for Alzheimer's Research UK to help them in their search for effective treatments, and ultimately a cure, for the disease.
Phil will be taking to the skies on Saturday 12th October at Black Knight Airfield, just outside of Lancaster, to make his giant leap.
There is a Just Giving page set up for fundraising. If you are able to support Phil please click on the link https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/phil-doyle6
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** NEWS Halton DAA welcomes Cineworld to the network**
We are pleased to announce that Cineworld have now joined Halton Dementia Action Alliance. During August, Halton Library Services ( another Halton DAA member!) will be working with the cinema to convert their staff into Dementia Friends, as a first step towards becoming more dementia friendly. Check out Cineworld's action plan (on the right hand side of this screen) for details of their dementia pledges.
Don't forget! Cinema goers can access a national cinema concessions card that enables carers to attend the cinema for free when accompanying an identified person that they provide support to. There is a small admin charge for the annual card. For more information please see www.ceacard.co.uk
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** NEWS Halton Dementia Friends Update!**
Latest figures for the number of dementia friends in Halton are in! Up to June 2019, we have:
Number of Champions 10
Completed number of face to face Sessions 196
Dementia Friends reported at face to face Sessions 1999
Digital Friends (online video) 944
Total number of Dementia Friends 2943
If you would like to become a dementia friend, or champion, please get in touch with emma.bragger@halton.gov.uk
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** RESOURCES Halton Library Service Dementia 'offer'**
Memory Boxes and Bags
Themed boxes and bags of reminiscence material including photos, smell bottles, relevant items , books and DVDs
Can be borrowed from any Halton Library with a library card.
Books on Prescription for Dementia
Reading Well Books on Prescription for dementia recommends books you might find helpful if you have dementia, are caring for someone with dementia or would like to find out more about the condition.
The books provide information and advice, support for living well, advice for relatives and carers, and personal stories. They are endorsed by health professionals and can all be found in all Halton Libraries.
Reminiscence
Library staff can provide reminiscence sessions using memory boxes and local history material. Provided to care homes and community groups.
Dementia Friends
Several library staff are Dementia Champions and can run dementia friends sessions
For information library resources or to book a session, please contact Trudy Jones Trudy.jones@halton.gov.uk
tel. 0151 511 8291
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** NEWS Halton DAA working with Cineworld Runcorn**
Halton DAA are delighted that Cineworld Runcorn are keen to support the dementia friendly communities movement. Halton DAA are working with Cineworld to identify actions they can take to become more dementia friendly and become a member of the Halton DAA.
Cineworld advised that there is a 'carers card' that enables carers to attend the cinema for free when accompanying an identified person that they provide support to. There is a small admin charge for the annual card. For more information please see www.ceacard.co.uk
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** NEWS Halton DAA invited to meet with the Chief Executive Officer of the national Alzheimer's Society **
On Wednesday 3rd July, representatives from Halton DAA were invited to meet Jeremy Hughes, CEO of Alzheimer's Society, and several of his directors, to showcase the work going on within Halton Borough Council, and the wider community, that supports people living with dementia.
Halton has a breadth of community activity, events, support and resources available to people living with dementia, and their carers. The meeting was an opportunity to share ideas and network with another community working towards becoming dementia friendly.
The work going on in Halton was recognised as positive steps on a journey to becoming recognised as a dementia friendly community, however there is still much to do!
If you would like to know more about what is going on in our community, or think that you can support Halton in working towards becoming a dementia friendly community, please contact emma.bragger@halton.gov.uk
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** UPDATE Halton Housing Trust**
Halton Housing Trust now have 13 Dementia Champions working across the organisation, delivering dementia friends awareness sessions to residents, family and carers, including in their sheltered and extra care housing locations.
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**UPDATE FREE Age Well Training**
Halton Borough Council's Age Well training continues to be offered to front line stakeholders working or volunteering in Halton.
The one day session covers aging well in Halton, signs of loneliness, how to manage falls risk and dementia awareness and local support available. The session incorporates Dementia Friends Awareness and the local Herbert Protocol for people with dementia who may be at risk of wandering.
Halton Borough Council's Health Improvement Team run the sessions, and have increased the number run annually from 6 to 10. For more information, or to access the training please contact zoe.mcavoy@halton.gov.uk
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** ADVICE how to support someone living with dementia in hot weather**
Dehydration is a common challenge for older people, especially those with dementia. The warmer weather can cause discomfort, dehydration and distress. Visit the Alzheimer's Society advice page for tips on how to support someone living with dementia in hot weather to help them stay comfortable and well.
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/blog/how-support-somebody-living-dementia-hot-weather
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** RESOURCE Daily Living Aids catalogue**
Alzheimer’s Society’s brand new daily living aids catalogue is now available.
It’s packed with a range of everyday assistive products including fidget widgets and dementia-friendly signage. To download a catalogue and see the full range of products please visit
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** LEARNING Social Care Institute of Excellence Dementia E-Learning**
Please see the link for Social Care Institute of Excellence (SCIE) E – Learning for Dementia.
This e-learning course aims to raise the awareness and skills of care staff who work with people with dementia. It aligns with Tier 1 of the National Dementia Training Standards Framework, which is a requirement for all staff working in social care. It will also allow you to collect evidence towards the relevant section of the Care Certificate.
It is free to register to access SCIE resources and e-learning.
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** RESOURCE Starting a conversation with someone living with dementia**
Sometimes people are worried about 'saying the wrong thing' to people living with dementia. Dementia Friends have teamed up with people living with dementia to give tips on how to get the conversation started...
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** NEWS Working towards dementia friendly leisure centres*
Halton Borough Council Leisure Centres are in the process of ensuring that all of key staff attend a Dementia Information session and then go on to become Dementia Friends.
The first information session will be in May and will be delivered to the Leisure Centres Fitness Team. HBC Leisure Centres are also reviewing the environments to understand changes can be made to ensure centres are more dementia friendly. HBC Leisure centres have committed to ensure the centres are suitable/accessible/inclusive to support people living with dementia and their carers to become more active and to build on the relationships with them.
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** AWARENESS TRAINING Dementia Friends Champions**
Become a Dementia Friends Champion by attending a volunteer induction day!
During the day you’ll see a Dementia Friends Information Session delivered by a Regional Support Officer and then learn how to deliver the Session yourself, with the chance to discuss the activities and the key messages, before taking part in a practice presentation.
Once you have completed the session you are able to deliver the Dementia Friends Awareness session within your own organisations and outside of your organisations to an even wider audience!
For details of the next local Dementia Friends Champion sessions please see the link below. If you are a champion who would like to be included on the Halton Champions' Register, being contactable by the Halton DAA coordinator to see if you are free to deliver a session/sessions to local potential dementia friends, please contact emma.bragger@halton.gov.uk
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** NEWS Halton Stadium new Karalius Suite **
Halton Stadium's recent refurbishment of the Karalius Suite has followed the design and décor principles of the Dementia Friendly Communities Environmental Checklist to enable the environment to work for people with sensory/perception difficulties.
The refurbishment has taken into account colours, contrasts and patterns on walls, carpets and furniture. Lighting is even, with no spotlights causing areas of shadow. Furniture is in contrasting colours and consideration has been given to patternation of the flooring. With the final finishing touches to signage taking place shortly, the room will offer a space that is both welcoming and practical for people living with dementia.
please contact ian.booth@halton.gov.uk for more information about the Karalius Suite at the Halton Stadium
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** RESOURCE A Practical Guide to Healthy Ageing **
This colourful A4 publication includes the ‘walking speed test’ and aims to support people to stay physically and mentally well by providing hints and tips on how to keep fit and independent. It would appeal to clients of activity classes, day centres, lunch clubs, befrienders and friendship groups.
https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/hlthy-ageing-brochr.pdf
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**NEWS The State of Ageing in 2019 Report: Adding life to our years**
The Centre for Aging Better have published a report that gives a snapshot of ageing today and in the future, focusing on the areas we know make a difference to people’s later lives. 'The State of Ageing in 2019', uses publicly available data to give a snapshot of what life is like for people aged 65 and older today. It also investigates the prospects for people currently in their 50s and 60s looking across four crucial areas: work and finances, housing, health and communities.
https://www.ageing-better.org.uk/publications/state-of-ageing-2019
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**NEWS Haylo Theatre**
About us:Targeting health, social care and education sectors, Haylo Theatre is a theatre company that create bespoke performances and workshops that initiate inter-generational conversations around difficult subjects, such as the impact of health upon individuals, families and communities.
Over the Garden Fence: Our debut play, ‘Over the Garden Fence’ follows the story of Annabelle and her Gran Dolly. Annabelle and the audience are take on a nostalgic journey through Grans life, sharing memories of happiness, sorrow and joy. It is a fast paced, uplifting and comical exploration into family, life and relationships that promotes an awareness of dementia that is accessible to all. The stories within the play are personal.
‘Over the Garden Fence’ is one hour long, fits perfectly into any setting, it can be performed anywhere and is completely self-sufficient. ‘Over the Garden Fence’ is suitable for theatrical venues, educational settiings. Professional’s, care workers and mental health care services, use this play as a tool to reinforce the message of person centered care in Dementia patients.
For more information or to book ‘Over the Garden Fence’ for an event please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Email: haylotheatre@hotmail.co.ukPhone: 07754887540www.haylotheatre.com
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** NEWS Elected Members in Halton become Dementia Friends**
In February 2019, 13 elected members of Halton Borough Council became dementia friends, as part of awareness raising with Councillors activity.
The Dementia Friends Awareness session was delivered by the Council's Dementia Friends Champions from Halton Library Service. This follows a session at the November 2018 Halton Borough Council Health Policy and Performance Board meeting on the impact of dementia locally, our dementia community and role of the Alzheimer's Society in Halton.
Halton Borough Council signed the Liverpool City Region Dementia Pledge in 2018 to demonstrate it's commitment to working to improve the lives of people living with dementia partly achieved by raising awareness of dementia amongst our community.
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**SUPPORT GROUP Dementia Carers Group **
Halton Carers' Centre runs a group for carers of people living with dementia every other Monday, at Brunswick House, Water Street, Runcorn, 6:30pm-8pm
Contact 01928 580 182 for dates of future groups.This is a really friendly group where confidentiality is adhered to and carers can speak openly about their caring role with one another.
Research has proven carer peer support groups can really help as others understand what you are experiencing in your caring role.
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** NEWS from Halton Carers' Centre! Are you a carer who lives in Widnes?**
Our Widnes office has now moved and we are based within St Marie's Church on Lugsdale Road (Next to Tesco). Our opening hours remain the same and you can call in for advice every Wed & Thurs 10am - 4pm, the phone number has also changed if you wish to ring our Widnes office you will need to call 01928 592405, this is for Halton & St Helens VCA who will put you through to our Widnes based support worker.
Our weekly therapy appointments with Emma and podiatry appointments with Stuart will also be here. It is a beautiful relaxing setting so why not pop along and see us in our new base. ________________________________________________________________
**RESOURCE Explaining dementia to young people**
Finding out that someone close to you has dementia, and then coping with it from day to day, can be distressing for everyone involved. It can be particularly challenging explaining things to children and young people.
Alzheimer's Society have produced resources to explain how children and young people can be affected when someone close to them has dementia. It also suggests how parents can talk to their children about the condition and ways to help them feel secure and involved.
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/daily-living/explaining-dementia-children-and-young-people
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** SUPPORT New dementia friendly café opening in Runcorn in Feb 2019**
Hope friendship and dementia café is offering a warm welcome to people every Friday from 8th Feb, 10am-12pm, at Hope, 70 Clifton Road, Runcorn. WA7 4TD. On the corner of Ascot Avenue and Clifton Road.Where you will be warmly welcomed and can meet with people from all walks of life.
With games, quizzes, chat& relaxation, and of course great food and drink, we are sure there will be something going on that will be something to look forward to each week.
Perhaps you are affected by dementia and would like some support or advice, our friendly team will help and support you. We are wheelchair accessible with good access to parking.
For more information please contact Harry on 01928 564538 or Richard on 07711 048933
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**RESOURCE Music for dementia...inclusive, meaningful social experiences!**
Research has shown and lived experiences demonstrate that music has the ability to help reduce the often-distressing symptoms of dementia, such as agitation, apathy and anxiety.
Music supports people living with dementia to communicate beyond words, helping them to connect with others. It supports emotional health and wellbeing, particularly at a time when emotions can be overwhelming or difficult to process or manage. It has a valuable role to play in enhancing quality of life and supporting carers in their vital roles.
Visit the Music for Dementia website for details of how music can be used to help people living with dementia, and their carers, and access a range of resources, useful information, details of events etc.http://www.musicfordementia2020.com/
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**RESOURCE Alzheimer's Society's 'Dementia Friendly Finance Guide' for financial services providers**
The symptoms of dementia can make interactions with financial service providers difficult, particularly if a person experiences forgetfulness or difficulty following processes.
This can have significant consequences – for example forgetting to pay a bill could result in debts. With support and adjustments from financial service providers, people affected by dementia can continue to independently manage their finances and access insurance that meets their needs.
This guide highlights the many ways finance and insurance companies can transform themselves to better support people affected by dementia, so they can live and participate in their local community.
Please see the link belowhttps://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-involved/dementia-friendly-communities/organisations/dementia-friendly-finance
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** RESOURCE Creating Dementia Friendly GP Practices**
'iSPACE' is a number of actions designed to improve the patient experience through delivery of a set of improvements in care planning, communications and awareness of dementia for staff in primary care settings to make GP surgeries dementia friendly.
Please see link below:https://wessexahsn.org.uk/projects/45/creating-dementia-friendly-gp-surgeries-ispace
This approach was piloted in Hampshire, implemented on the Isle of Wight and then evaluated by the Wessex Academic Health Science Network Centre for Implementation Science at the University of Southampton.
This project has shown good outcomes for patients and is now being spread across Wessex.Learning and resources from the project have been shared with NHS Halton Clinical Commissioning Group to circulate to Halton GP practices.
If you work in a GP practice and would like to know more about how your practice can become more dementia friendly please contact emma.bragger@halton.gov.uk
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** EVENT Culture and the arts - relaxed performances in local music and theatre venues**
There are a number of theatres, music and arts venues that provide relaxed performances and accessible environments that may appeal to people living with dementia, and their carers.
For details of relaxed performances please see the links below:
Story House Cinema, Chester https://www.storyhouse.com/accessible-cinema
Story House Theatre , Chester https://www.storyhouse.com/accessible-performances
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool https://www.liverpoolphil.com/whats-on/dementia-friendly-concert-1819-2https://www.liverpoolphil.com/whats-on/dementia-friendly-concert-1819-2
The Brindley, Runcorn https://tickets.thebrindley.org.uk/en-GB/shows/sleeping%20beauty%20-%20relaxed%20performance/info
Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester https://www.royalexchange.co.uk/relaxed-performances
The Everyman Theatre, Liverpool https://www.everymanplayhouse.com/relaxed-performances
St Helens Theatre Royal, St Helens http://www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com/access/
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** NEWS Halton Borough Council Health Policy and Performance Board**
At the November meeting of the Health PPB, elected members were presented with an insight to what dementia is, how it can impact on people's lives and the role of the Alzheimer's Society in supporting people living with dementia, and their carers.
This was an opportunity welcomed by members to increase their awareness of Dementia.
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** RESOURCE Halton heritage resources**
Community History information is available in all Halton Libraries but the largest collections are based at Halton Lea and Widnes Library.
https://library.haltonbc.info/community-family-history/
Picture Halton is a resource of local history through images, that are printable from the website. Landmarks, celebrations, transport and industry images are featured. These can provide useful talking points for reminiscence sessions!http://www.picturehalton.org.uk/
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**RESOURCE Creativity and Culture in Dementia Care - Activities for people living with dementia**
Halton DAA attended an event at Tate, Liverpool on 20th November which showcased examples of how art, sport and culture can be incorporated into dementia care and therapeutic activity.
A local example that is offered in Halton, 'The Chemics Cafe', showed how Widnes Vikings work with a major care provider (Community Integrated Care) to offer a fully funded, safe social space to meet every month for people living with dementia and their carers.
Using reminiscence objects from Widnes Vikings rich sporting history enables people to reconnect with memories and share stories in a comfortable environment. A great opportunity to socialise and for people living with dementia, and their carers to meet other people on a similar journey.
For more information about Chemics Café or how you can incorporate creativity, physical activity, reminiscence and culture into dementia care, please see links below.
Chemics Café, Widnes https://www.c-i-c.co.uk/chemicscafe
Creative activities for people living with dementia https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/blog/5-creative-activities-help-people-living-dementia
Physical activities for people living with dementia https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/daily-living/exercise
Activities for people living with dementia
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/activities/
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**NEWS Dementia Awareness in Halton Schools**
As part of Halton Borough Council Public Health department's 'Healthy Schools' programme, schools can now access age appropriate dementia awareness sessions and resources.Please see link below for full details of the 'Healthy Schools' offer, including how to access age appropriate dementia awareness.
A number of primary schools in H
Alliance Members
- Administrator - Halton Dementia Action Alliance
- Age UK Mid Mersey
- Alzheimer's Society - Cheshire North & St Helens
- Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS
- Brookvale Practice
- Castlefields Health Centre
- Catalyst Science Discovery Centre & Museum
- Cheshire Constabulary
- Cheshire County Football Association
- Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service
- Cineworld Cinemas
- Community Integrated Care
- Damibu
- Deafness Resource Centre
- DG Holistic Therapies
- Elite Care North West Ltd
- Grove House Practice
- Halton Borough Council
- Halton Borough Council
- Halton Borough Council - Active Halton Leisure Centres
- Halton Borough Council Trading Standards
- Halton Carers Centre
- Halton Chamber of Commerce & Enterprise
- Halton Health Improvement Team
- Halton Library Service
- Halton OPEN
- Halton Speak Out
- Healthwatch Halton
- Helping Hands Extra
- Liverpool Housing Trust
- Norton Priory Museum and Gardens
- PD Law NW Ltd
- Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Liverpool
- Runcorn Shopping Centre
- Sandra Currie Care Home Entertainer
- St Ambrose Church (CofE) Widnes
- The Reader Organisation
- Tide - Together in Dementia Everyday
- Victoria Community Care Ltd
- Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Wellbeing Enterprises CIC
- Widnes Chiropractic Clinic