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Cross Gates & District Good Neighbours Scheme

Cross Gates and District Good Neighbours’ Scheme CIO works with and for older people to: • Reduce loneliness and social isolation • Support independence • Promote healthy lifestyles • Try new things. We work with and for older people in our local area to reduce isolation, support independent living and to promote well-being. We do this by providing an information and advice service, a range of weekly opportunities to socialise, from drop-in coffee mornings, exercise groups, singing groups and luncheon clubs, to groups based around arts and crafts, creative writing, computer lessons crossword classes and ukulele lessons. We offer home visits to older people to access their need, as well as providing a volunteer transport service for those who need it to access our groups. One to one support with members (including transport) is a key element of our success in enabling inclusion for people with extra support needs due to memory, sensory or physical impairment.

Updated:
17 January 2020
Location:
Yorkshire and Humber
Sectors:
Voluntary Sector
Local Alliances:
Yorkshire & Humber Dementia Action Alliance, Leeds Dementia Action Alliance

1. Action Plan

1. The National Dementia Declaration lists seven outcomes that the DAA are seeking to achieve for people with dementia and their carers. How would you describe your organisation’s role in delivering better outcomes for people with dementia and their carers?

Cross Gates & District Good Neighbours’ Scheme offers one-to-one support for people with dementia. Most of our groups include people with dementia. We run a monthly dementia cafe Birds of a Feather; for people with dementia, their families and carers. We also run a monthly sing-a-long group with one-to-one support for people with dementia. We have put in place different measures to support independence, especially for those with memory impairment. Time tables, telephone prompts, organising of appointments, transport and support are just a few of the things we have focused on. From regular feedback, these are making a huge impact and improving the everyday lives of some of our members.

2. What are the challenges to delivering these outcomes from the perspective of your organisation?

We are continually seeking to improve the support offered to those living well with dementia. Challenges faced by our organisation are mainly due to difficulties with communication, either because the person with dementia has deteriorated and has no family to support them or the family find it difficult to accept the situation and to cope with it.

Member website

www.crossgatesgns.org.uk

2. Actions

  • Volunteer and Staff dementia awareness training

    In Spring 2015 we ran Dementia Awareness training for staff and volunteers. The training is part of a pilot scheme in partnership with Leeds Older People’s Forum and other Neighbourhood Networks as part of the Leeds Innovation Fund.     

    . Training was provided for 24 staff and volunteers from here and the other two Schemes taking part in the pilot – AVSED and South Leeds Live at Home. Last year the Training and Transport Coordinator took part in Dementia Workshop sessions with Leeds City Councils Dementia Support Team. We will be reviewing Dementia Training requirements as a result of our volunteer one-to-ones that we are currently carrying out.
    Status:
    Implementation

  • Increase dementia awareness in our local neighbourhood

    We have recently been adopted by Crossgates Shopping Centre as their ‘Charity of the Year’. We will be working closely with them to increase awareness of older people’s needs and this will include people with dementia. We will be promoting Leeds Dementia Action Alliance to the shopping centre.

    Status:
    Implementation

    2020 - First Quarter Update

    We are again the Crossgate Shopping Center 'Charity of the Year', we are working with them on a number of activities for the year. We will ensure that they are all dementia friendly, and plan to have some Dementia specific events.

  • Supporting members with Dementia via Dementia Cafe including digital awareness

    Birds of a Feather is our Dementia friendly cafe. We hold the cafe on the 3rd Tuesday of the month. Activities are designed to encourage interaction, skills and memory development. This is through such activities as reminiscing, music and virtual reality simulation. 

    We are also supporting members in accessing services, resources and online activities on the internet. Using our Digital Champions and free to use iPad's and tablets.

    Status:
    Delivery

  • Respite care for carers of members with Dementia

    We provide activities such as 'Birds of a Feather', Drop-in coffee mornings and supervised trips that give respite time to carers of members with Dementia. 

    At 'Birds of a Feather' we provide time for carers to gather together and share experiences and concerns, whilst the member is looked after by the team. 

    Status:
    Delivery
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