St Stephen's Church
Saint Stephen’s is an Inclusive Church, which means that we welcome everyone with open arms as representing the rich tapestry of life. There is a whole range of beliefs and ages within the church.We worship together, have home groups and a weekly coffee time for all. Local groups meet regularly in our community centre.
- Updated:
- 9 October 2018
- Location:
- South West
- Sectors:
- Faith Groups
- Local Alliances:
- Bath & North East Somerset
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?
At Saint Stephen’s belonging is very important. God is community, and Jesus lived his life within groups of family, friends and followers. We all belong to the family of Saint Stephen’s and as with any extended family, dementia will become increasingly present. As an inclusive church we want to listen to, support and journey along side those living with, and caring for people with dementia in our community.
2. What are the challenges to delivering these outcomes from the perspective of your organisation?
The challenge of making effective adjustments and adaptions to enable people with dementia to continue to participate and contribute to the life of our church and community. To feel loved by God, our Church family and not isolated and lonely. To meet this challenge we will need to listen to the person with dementia and their carers. And work together with and seek guidance from other churches. Also to refer to the excellent dementia-friendly church guides.
Member website
ststephensbath.org.uk2. Actions
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To become a Dementia Friendly Church Community
Arrange ongoing dementia friends sessions for church members and members of local community.Have a dementia advocate on the PCC to contribute to the regular ‘Inclusion’ agenda item at each PCC meeting.Review physical environment, seating, signage, facilities to ensure it is dementia-friendly.Be proactive to ensuring church members remain positively engaged in church life and worship when they are facing the challenges of living with dementia.
- Status:
- Being implemented
-
Explore setting up a monthly memory community cafe.
Form a small team of interested church members to lead this initiative. Team to visit memory and dementia cafes in Bath and North East Somerset.- Status:
- Investigating
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To join and be an active member of Bath DAA
Work with other local organisations to make our neighbourhood/Church a dementia friendly community. Connect with other Bath DAA faith group members to learn from them and plan joint events together.
- Status:
- Being implemented