Action on Dementia Sunderland: Free support & information for those affected by dementia
In Sunderland alone there are estimated to be over 3,000 people with dementia (and over 800,000 in the UK) and two thirds of these are living within the community, which means they are being cared for mainly by family and friends.
Action on Dementia Sunderland is a local independent charity which not only raises awareness of the issues and needs around dementia but also promotes increased access to support and advice for people with dementia, and their families.
All of its services, including regular support groups, are free of charge.
Aims and objectives
As well as providing information about dementia and services for those individuals affected, and their families and carers, it also actively raises funds in pursuit of the aims of the group as well as fostering closer links with the local community and other organisations.
Chair of Action on Dementia Sunderland, Ernie Thompson, said: “Our current priority is to improve quality of life for those with dementia and their families and carers by enabling all to actively engage with people in the community, which will reduce social isolation, through our support groups.”
Support groups
A weekly support/friendship group is run at the Chester’s pub, Chester Road, Sunderland on Tuesdays between 10.00am and 1.00pm.
“It is a place where anyone who is aware they, or a person they know, has a problem with short term memory loss, may attend having contacted us prior to attending,” said Ernie. “It offers a friendly environment where people feel at ease with others.”.
The group offers a chance to socialise over a cuppa and refreshments and get involved in a range of activities, such as trips out and quizzes. It also helps people with dementia and families and carers to share and exchange experiences and information. It also serves as a point of contact where information and signposting to other services, agencies and organisations will be offered.
There is also a monthly support/friendship group held in Washington on the third Friday of the month. For further details contact Sheelagh Dilworth on 07740 111 182 or email [email protected]
A peer support group is held on the last Thursday of the month, which is offered to clients who have dementia as a form of respite. It is a chance for people with dementia to come along on their own, and socialise with peers in a staff supported environment where they will be encouraged to take part in a variety of activities which are aimed at increasing their confidence and communication skills. The charity also runs a home visiting/befriending service to support people with dementia, families and carers at home in the community, in order to help maintain a good quality of life by offering companionship and social and emotional support.
What is dementia and Alzheimer’s disease?
The word dementia is used to describe a set of symptoms which people who are diagnosed as having dementia may experience. Symptoms of different causes of dementia can vary a great deal and can include memory loss, confusion, and mood and behaviour changes.
Dementia can be caused by a number of different diseases, with Alzheimer’s Disease being the most common. Other causes of dementia include vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies and frontal temporal dementia. In some cases, dementia is thought to be caused by both Alzheimer’s disease and either vascular dementia or dementia with Lewy bodies. This is often referred to as a mixed dementia.
“EXITING DEVELOPMENTS”
DR DANIEL ERSKINE WILL GIVE AN UPDATE ON DEMENTIA RESEARCH DEVELOPMENTS AT OUR AGM ON TUESDAY 7TH NOVEMBER
About the charity
Action on Dementia Sunderland was set up in 2010 and their committee is made up of volunteers who have many years of experience in caring for people who have dementia and who understand their needs and the needs of their families.
Action on Dementia Sunderland has its own constitution based on democratic principles with local control and accountability and guarantee that all funds raised will be used to benefit the people of the City of Sunderland
Contact details
If you would like more information about Action on Dementia Sunderland and their services
You can call Sheelagh Dilworth on 07740 111 182, email the organisation at [email protected]; write to them at: Action on Dementia Sunderland, c/o Westwaters Ltd. 34 Frederick Street, Sunderland SR1 1LP or visit the website