Alzheimer’s team up for regional award

Staff from the Rotherham branch of the Alzheimer’s Society are in the running for the Great British Care Awards in the ‘putting people first’ category.

The Mexborough-based team was chosen for demonstrating their innovative approach to empowering people and helping them to take control.

Liz Hopkinson, support services manager, said: “I am so proud of the team in Rotherham.

“They have worked so hard over the last three years to develop new services and to improve the quality of life for people with dementia and their carers.

“It is crucial that people are helped to live well and are given the opportunity to establish an active social life.”

Rotherham’s team provides a range of services include a monthly singing for the brain group as well as memory cafes in Maltby, Wath, Dinnington and the town centre. They also provide telephone support and home visits.

Liz added: “These activities provide opportunities for people to meet regularly, form new friendships and talk about living with dementia in an informal social environment.

“They have access to information and support from qualified staff and are given the opportunity to learn from the experiences of others.”

The society works in partnership with dementia charity Lost Chord to provide music and get people up and active.

The service has also received support from Rotherham Council.

The awards will take place Friday 8th November at the Railway Museum in York.

For more information or to get involved contact Rotherham dementia support team on 01709 580543 or visit www.dementiafriends.org.uk.