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29
Nov 2023
The Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal 2023: How does Dementia Forward work?
This year’s Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal is to raise £30,000 for a much-needed minibus for Dementia Forward in the Harrogate district.
The appeal is kindly sponsored by Vida Healthcare.
Please give generously to support local people and their families living with dementia. Let’s not forget who needs our help this Christmas.
Today, we find out how Dementia Forward works.
For over a decade, Dementia Forward has become a lifeline for thousands of families in the Harrogate district.
Many don't know where to turn after a dementia diagnosis. Their lives have changed suddenly, and it can feel lonely and isolating. But the Dementia Forward team are on hand every step of the way to provide unrivalled support.
The dementia support advisers' (DSAs') first step is to visit the person living with dementia and their carer at home. They want people to feel as comfortable as they can in a time of such uncertainty. The advisers form a relationship with them and let them know they're not alone.
One of the founding members, Kathy Patton, said:
The team make it their mission to advise on what they see in front of them – rather than to frighten people over what is to come – and, from there, the support and care remains.
For those that may not be ready to take the leap with Dementia Forward yet, the team makes routine check-ins every six months to ensure the person is doing well and to provide any updated guidance that may be needed.
Better yet, the core service is entirely free.
Some of the Dementia Forward team.
The DSAs tailor their care and support to the individual. Whether this is emotional or physical support, financial or legal advice, the team understand the condition and the needs of the families, and work tirelessly to meet them.
CEO Jill Quinn said:
Dementia Forward also offers regular social groups across the district. These offer a temporary escape from the disease, a place to feel understood and less isolated, as well as much-needed respite for carers.
The charity’s Hub Club takes places every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Those living with dementia spend the day at the Burton Leonard’s site and enjoy hours of games, puzzles, music and good company.
People with dementia can also visit the weekly wellbeing café, which offers board games, table tennis and lunch to enjoy. It’s a safe space where they can feel heard and carers can offload to others sharing the experience.
Kathy added:
Dementia Forward also hold monthly coffee mornings for those living with dementia, their carers, their families, and anyone else in the wider community. They fundraise for the charity and educate people on dementia and the life changing affects it has.
But none of this would be possible without Dementia Forward’s minibus service. The minibus is already used by more than 50 people in the district; it allows those living around Harrogate and Ripon to attend social groups and access support they may not otherwise receive.
However, Dementia Forward’s current bus is old and urgently needs to be replaced. The charity would seriously struggle to afford a new one, which is why they need your help to keep this vital service going. Without it, many people living with dementia wouldn’t be able to access the help and support they need.
Every donation to our campaign will go directly to Dementia Forward to help us hit our £30,000 target.
Please give generously to those that need our help this Christmas. Click here to donate whatever you can – you never know when you, your family or a friend may be in need of Dementia Forward’s help too.
Thank you.
The NHS found that one in 11 people over the age of 65 in the UK are living with dementia. If you need urgent help or have a dementia-related enquiry, call 0330 057 8592 to speak to a helpline adviser.
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