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Castle Hill United Reformed Church

Castle Hill Church has a congregation of around 70 regular worshipers. It is a community centred Church that caters for all ages. It is particularly committed to serving the elderly through lunch clubs, social activities and an annual three-day Holiday at Home for the elderly

Updated:
21 May 2018
Location:
East of England
Sectors:
Children Young People and Students, Community organisations, Faith Groups, Charity, Letting, Voluntary Sector
Local Alliances:
Ipswich 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?

As a dementia-friendly Church, we will welcome those living with dementia and their carers, as integral members of our community fully including them in a range of social activities. We aim to raise awareness of dementia within our congregation through publicising information in our Church Newsletter, through special Services and through face to face presentations. We shall also publicise our experience to other Church's in the locality and when opportunity arises, through local media. Our Annual 'Holiday at Home' for the elderly will include activities such as painting and craft work, entertainment containing music and old favourite songs etc. We recognise, however, that dementia can affect people of any age. The Church has a pastoral care ethos in which certain Elders, have a dedicated group of people from the Church community over which they exercise pastoral oversight. Through this arrangement, those either living with dementia or showing signs of the disease will be readily identified and supported in the context of the Church's role. We will audit our buildings to ensure that it takes account of the needs of those living with dementia and will seek advice and share information with local dementia organisations. Responsibility for maintaining a dementia-friendly environment will rest with the Church's Outreach Group and dementia issues will be included in its regular meeting agendas.

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

The main challenge will be maintaining momentum. Linking with other organisations will be an effective way to share information but like all voluntary organisations, it's not always easy to find those willing to give up time and commit to maintaining our dementia-friendly status. By tasking a particular group to exercise oversight of Dementia support the Church hopes to keep the issue alive.

Member website

www.castlehillurc.org.uk

2. Actions

  • Dementia Friendly Worship

    We shall encourage Worship leaders to include a proportion of well-known favourite hymns and prayers into Worship.

    Status:
    Initial Scoping

  • Raise awareness amongst congregation

    We are encouraging members of our congregation to become Dementia Friends through a campaign to raise awareness and understanding of those living with dementia. This is being achieved through a programme of education using videos, regular monthly newsletter features and presentations.

    Status:
    Being implemented

    2018 - First Quarter Update

    Church Meeting has received a presentation given by Rodger Fern of the Ipswich Dementia Action Group resulting in several members signing up as Dementia  Friends. Following this, the Church's Outreach Group is to add  Dementia Action to its  Terms of Reference. A first Step was to present a proposal to the Church meeting that the Church as a whole should register as a 'Dementia Friendly Church. 

  • Pastoral Care for those living with dementia and their carers

    Pastoral oversight of the congregation rests with a dedicated group of Elders (deacons) each of which has a list of named individuals under their care.  This relationship through personal contact, home visits, etc. means that those living with dementia are readily identified.  Through the awareness action, those tasked with pastoral care will gain a better understanding of the needs of those living with dementia and also of their carers so that the Church can provide loving support such as through inclusive activities and worship.

    Status:
    Planning
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