Free help for those affected by memory loss from Action on Dementia Sunderland – support and information

Action on Dementia Sunderland was set up in 2010. It is a voluntary organisation that exists to not only increase awareness of the needs around dementia but to also promote the best access to support, advice and information for those who are living with it – either coping with dementia themselves, or helping support a friend or relative who as it.

Not only does it provide information and services but it also fundraises to help forward the aims of the group, as well as fostering closer links with the local community and other organisations – and it pledges every penny given or raised raised will be used to benefit people within the City of Sunderland.

Figures show two thirds of those who have dementia are living in the community – that means relying on friends and family for support. Action on Dementia Sunderland’s services, including regular support groups, are free of charge to all users, which can be a lifeline.

About Dementia

Dementia is one of the biggest challenges facing health and social care within the UK but our understanding is changing all the time.

Action on Dementia Sunderland will learn more about the latest developments from Dr Daniel Erskine, Alzheimer's Research UK Senior Fellow and Senior Lecturer in Neurodegenerative Pathology at Newcastle University, when it holds its AGM this month.

For health and social care in the UK dementia is one of the biggest challenges – there are estimated to be over 3,000 people living with the condition in Sunderland, contributing to some 800,000 cases in the UK as a whole.

The symptoms of dementia can vary greatly – from confusion and memory loss to mood and behaviour changes. The word dementia itself is used describe a set of symptoms which people who are diagnosed as having dementia may experience.

And dementia is not always caused by the same thing – Alzheimer’s Disease is a common cause, but there are many other triggers including vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies and frontal temporal dementia. In some cases it could be a combination of these factors and is often described as mixed dementia.

What help is available

Whatever the cause of dementia, the need for extra help and support is pretty universal. Action on Dementia Sunderland can provide vital information about dementia and services for those individuals affected, and their families and carers.

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.”

Come to a support group

Chester’s pub, Chester Road, Sunderland, hosts a weekly support/friendship group on Tuesdays between 10am and 1pm.

“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 refreshments and get involved in a range of activities, such as trips out and quizzes. It helps people with dementia and families and carers to share and exchange experiences and information and 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.

Find out more

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