Dementia Support for Wandsworth

News - 13 April 2022

Help raise awareness of Dementia and find out what support is available for people in Wandsworth.
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During the pandemic people have told us that there has been a significant impact on people with dementia and their carers as some services have not been available as usual. People told us that they want more information about support that could be available. Help us to spread the word.

Alzheimer's Society

The Alzheimer's Society will be promoting diagnosis as their main campaign this year. Their research shows that the misconception around memory loss being a sign of normal ageing is the biggest barrier to people seeking a dementia diagnosis. They say that getting a diagnosis can be daunting, but they believe it’s better to know and so do 91% of people affected by dementia. They want to encourage those who are concerned they or a loved one may be experiencing signs of dementia to seek support and guidance from them about next steps to take, what to expect during and after the diagnosis process, and what support Alzheimer’s Society can offer throughout. 

To find out more about the campaign visit the Alzheimer's Society website. You can download or order posters and leaflets. You can also promote signs and symptoms with this poster.

If you would be interested to invite a Demetia Friend Ambassador to deliver a 45 minute awareness session to your group during dementia action week or any other time, contact Dementia Friends using this website or email leanne.stephens@alzheimers.org.uk.
 

Support for people with dementia and their carers varied over the pandemic for a number of reasons. In February and March 2022 we called several dementia support services to find out what they are currently offering listed below.

Dementia specific support for people affected by dementia and their carers

  • Iris Dementia Cafe: chat to people and share experiences in the Balham area every third Saturday of the month from 16th July 2022. The cafe runs between 2.00pm to 4.30pm at St Luke's Church, 194 Ramsden Road, Balham SW12 8RQ. Here is more information.

  • Alzheimer's Society Singing for the Brain: Singing session led by a musician - Online. Email wandsworth@alzheimers.org.uk

  • Alzheimer's Society Side by Side: volunteer buddies with interests in similar activities, call Andrea 07703 471 517 or email wandsworth@alzheimers.org.uk

  • Alzheimer's Society Love to Move: For Merton residents only. age and dementia friendly seated gymnastics programme every Wednesday 3:30-4:30pm, online or at Merton Dementia Hub
  • Sunflower Cafe: Mount Court, Weimar St., Putney SW15 1SJ - first Saturday of each month 1:30 - 4:00pm

For Merton residents only:

  • Alzheimer's Society Carers Peer Support Group: For Merton residents only. 2nd Monday (6:30-8:30pm) or 4th Wednesday (10.30am-12pm) - Zoom meetings
  • Alzheimer's Society Carer Information and Support Service (CrISP): For Merton residents only. course for carers to learn how to look after someone with dementia - Zoom meetings
  • Rare Dementia Support Group: runs online support groups and webinars for young (U65's) and rare types of dementia (www.raredementiasupport.org)

Non specialist support that is Dementia friendly

The following are services available that may be that may be suitable for people with mild to moderate memory loss. They cannot support people who have personal care needs or those who wander. The services should be contacted first to discuss the level of support required before deciding to attend.

  • Young Onset Dementia Support Group: More information here.
  • Wild Times Clapham dementia friendly nature discovery: dementia friendly nature discovery: over-55s outdoor sessions to explore nature, share skills, garden, create and chat to help support wellbeing. More information here. 
  • Weekly lunch & activities club: STORM family centre, Doddington Estate. People can attend with their carer but not specialist dementia support 020 7498 0311
  • Regenerate-RISE: Putney and Battersea; social club/activities day center that may be suitable for people with mild to moderate memory loss, in-person only; More information here.

  • Mushkil Aasaan Care Agency: A range of services, befriending, advice and advocacy but not specialist in complex dementia support. Languages: Urdu, Gujarati, Hindi, Bengali, Punjabi, Arabic, Somalian, French, Tamil and British Sign Language. Contact 020 8672 6581   

  • Furzedown Project: programme of social, educational, and recreational activities to improve wellbeing and independence for older people. Not specialist support for complex dementia, but some members have mild memory problems and early-stage demental. More information here.

  • Hestia Age Activity Centre: space for people over 60 to socialise and learn new skills; may be suitable for people with mild to moderate memory loss. More information here.

  • Roehampton 60+ Drop in Café:  various activities people can attend with their carer but not specialist dementia support. 020 8788 5577

Other support and resources 

Before the pandemic a really useful guide was created with information you might want to know about dementia, what to do and where to find support. As things have changed since the pandemic so service information may have changed, but there is still a lot of useful information and tips about what do do. You can view the guide here.

The Alzheimer's Society have a webpage you can use to search for services here.

  • Wandsworth Older People's Community Mental Health Team: offers an assessment of functional mental health needs and plan of care and support person. Can be accessed through a referral by a GP.
  • Wandsworth Council Adult Social Care: 020 8871 7707, email: accessteam@wandsworth.gov.uk
  • Mental Health Crisis Line: 0800 028 8000 (run by SW London and St Georges Mental Health NHS Trust)

  • Wandsworth Carers' Centre: 020 8877 1200 More information here.

  • Talk Wandsworth: support for people with stress, worry and low mood through wellbeing workshops and more. More informaiton here.

  • Films and Books: www.reading-well.org.uk
  • Dementia Carers UK: https://dementiacarers.org.uk/ free courses and virtual carers' centre to develop skills, build confidence and practical tips on how to make life manageable and maintain your own health and well-being is vital when you’re caring for someone with dementia. 
  • Online courses: www.open.edu/openlearn (search dementia); Understanding Dementia www.futurelearn com
  • Assisted Holidays: www.dementiaadventure.co.uk,  revitalise.org.uk, www.carersholidays.org.uk, www.mindforyou.co.uk Get useful tips for going on holiday with a loved one who has dementia: www.unforgettable.org (Search for ‘dementia holiday tips’).
  • Activities to Share: www.activitiestoshare.co.uk
  • Dementia UK Helpline: 0800 888 6678
  • National Dementia Support Line for Alzheimer's Society: 0333 150 3456
  • Wandsworth Community Transport: 020 8675 7460
  • Care Place: www.careplace.org.uk
  • Wandsworth Wellbeing Hub (MIND Brentford Wandsworth & Westminster): cstreet@bwwmind.org.uk

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