Living well with dementia
“The groups provide a place for Mum to go and be part of society and the team helped me understand more about dementia.”
Dementia Support in the Community
Living with dementia can bring changes and challenges, but there is support available to help people continue to live well, remain independent and stay connected to the people and activities that matter to them. Everyone experiences dementia differently, and the right support will depend on the individual and their circumstances.
There are a range of local and national organisations that can provide information, advice and practical support for people living with dementia, their families and carers.
Support may include:
- information and advice about living with dementia
- local dementia-inclusive groups, activities and social opportunities
- support for carers and family members
- help with care needs and remaining independent at home
- information about aids, adaptations and assistive technology
- opportunities to stay socially connected and involved in the community
- practical guidance and support with planning for the future
Staying connected and taking part in social activities can support confidence and wellbeing for people living with dementia, and local dementia-friendly groups and community activities can provide opportunities to meet others and share experiences.
Find Support Near You
Below you will find links to organisations, services, groups and activities that may be able to provide support in your local community. These include services for people living with dementia as well as support for family members and unpaid carers.
Alzheimer’s Society – 0333 150 3456
Email: [email protected]
For ongoing dementia information, advice and support, referrals can be made to Alzheimer’s Society. Their expert Dementia Advisers provide information, practical guidance and support to help people living with dementia manage day-to-day challenges and prepare for the future, connecting them with support.
Support can be provided by telephone or face to face. Alzheimer’s Society also offers a range of services including carer support groups, information hubs, Singing for the Brain, dementia-friendly activities and individual face-to-face and telephone support.
Colchester Kingswood Centre – 01206 228 928
The Dementia Helpline provides information, advice and support with different aspects of dementia.
Colchester Memory Assessment Service – 01206 228 917
The service provides assessment of memory and thinking skills to help people understand changes to their memory. If someone is concerned about their memory, they should speak to their GP surgery first. Where appropriate, the Memory Assessment Service can assess memory concerns and advise on treatment or other interventions.
Essex Carers Support – 0300 770 8090
Website: www.essexcarerssupport.org.uk
In partnership with Action for Family Carers, Essex Carers Support has been commissioned by Essex County Council to deliver support for Adult Carers in Colchester and Tendring.
Essex Social Care – 0345 603 7630
Website: www.essex.gov.uk/carers
Email: [email protected]
Essex Social Care can support people who are finding it difficult to look after themselves or someone they care for. This can include advice and support relating to care needs, disabilities, mental health, dementia, paying for care, support for carers, adaptations and equipment to help people remain independent at home.
Essex Wellbeing Service – 0300 303 9988
Website: www.essexwellbeingservice.co.uk
Email: [email protected]
The Essex Wellbeing service provides the following advice, information and guidance to carers living in Essex:
- Information on the support that is available to carers in Essex
- Information on local support groups and services
- Advice that is specific to the person and their situation
- A referral for a carers assessment, where appropriate
Care Tec
For accessibility aids: www.essexproviderhub.org/care-technology/care-technology/
Care Technology (sometimes referred to as Telecare or Assistive Technology) is monitoring and alert equipment that can help you to remain independent in your home and in the community. Monitoring equipment provides the reassurance that help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Care Technology covers a wide range of equipment, such as alarm systems, medication dispensers and GPS location trackers.
You are not alone. Whether you are living with dementia, supporting someone with dementia, or are concerned about changes in yourself or someone you know, there are organisations that can help you find the right support.
Our Dementia Inclusive Groups
Our dementia inclusive groups provide a warm, welcoming and supportive environment where people living with dementia, their families and carers can feel comfortable, included and connected.
Dementia Volunteer Friendships
Living with dementia doesn’t mean losing the opportunity to make new connections. Through our befriending service, people living with dementia who are able to engage and enjoy a friendship can be matched with a befriender for regular conversation, companionship and social connection. It’s all about creating a positive, meaningful relationship and helping people feel connected and valued.
Befriending
Our Befriending service offers a matched friendship between a client and a trained unpaid volunteer. We help to facilitate one to one, telephone sessions, and trips out.
Community groups
We run a range of inclusive friendship groups, face-to-face and online. Connect with like-minded people across Essex and have fun!
Stories
People are at the heart of what we do, read some of their stories here.
We can make a real difference to you or someone you know.
We are here for people in later years. We empower you to age well.