INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Dementia Forum 1 - 2 Useful Apps 3 - 4 Dementia Adviser Newsletter Dementia Action 5-7 Alliance

Day Centres 8 Jan 2017

Supported 9 Volunteering What’s on 10 Dementia Forum Nov ‘16 Forest Homes Thank you to all those people who attended our most recent Dementia What’s on 11 Forum in November 2016. This was our most successful Forum to date Bracknell Film society with over 70 people attending the event. The focus during the morning was What’s on 12 on transport. Guest speakers included Phillip Burke from Council discussing the transport agenda and Gavin Austin talking about Reminiscences Groups applications for the Blue Disability Badge. We also had Keep Mobile What’s On 13 promoting their voluntary transport service as well as Vicki Rowland giving Triple ‘A’ us an update on our local Dementia Action Alliance. The afternoon was a time for feedback from people who use local services. What’s On 14 Reuben Colton from Bracknell Forest Council led a discussion on Alzheimer’s ‘Communication’. Reuben is part of a Society team at Bracknell Forest Council who are putting together a Communication What’s On 15 Strategy. Reuben was particularly Alzheimer’s Cafe interested in how well we communicate with you and ideas that could be What’s On 16 developed to improve communication. YPWD Feedback from the Forum highlighted a number of areas where both Bracknell What’s On 17 Forest Council and Bracknell Memory Alzheimer’s Clinic are working well to communicate Singing Klub with people using local services. People also provided constructive feedback on a number of areas where Improvements could be made and What’s On 18 also gave some good suggestions to enhance communication. See page 2 for further information. Gyms Many thanks again for all those people who attended, your views are really What’s On 19 valuable and are used to shape and develop future services. Alzheimer’s Dementia Support

What’s On 20 Age Concern What’s On 21-23 Karen White, Dementia Adviser Carers Tel: 01344 823220 email: karen.white@.nhs.uk Contacts 24 Dementia Forum

Feedback on how well we ‘communicate’:

what worked well

 The 14 week Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) Group for people with dementia  The Carers Understanding Dementia Course  Voluntary support, especially from Triple ‘A’, Alzheimer’s Society and Younger People with Dementia (YPWD)  Dementia Adviser  Local services including the Gym for people with dementia and carers It is always great  Support from the Memory Clinic to hear your views so that we What Could Be Improved can ensure we  Not to ‘overload’ with information deliver the best  Ensure people are linked to the appropriate services  Ensure health and social care practitioners speak clearly, use a re- possible service laxed approach and don’t use jargon  More information available on the internet, but also ensure that this information is available in other formats  Ensure information is ‘timely’  More information on respite services e.g. types, frequency etc

What Areas for Improvement Would you Suggest?  Provide information electronically at Memory Clinic

 Better signage in public areas around Bracknell Forest

 Offer shorter events e.g. coffee mornings for those people who find all day events like the Dementia Forum too long

 Further information on respite care options at Dementia Forum and in a leaflet format

 Offer people information in a variety of formats

 More dementia awareness training to hospitals

 Networking event for all local services—i.e. Dementia Adviser, Stroke Adviser, Cancer Nurses etc. P A G E 3 Useful Apps rallyround

Rallyround is a free and secure online tool that allows family members, friends and carers to organize support for someone they care about. Features like the ‘to-do list’, email and text notification and the noticeboard keep everyone in the loop. Www.rallyroundme.com/bracknellandascot

Storii aApp Storii was created to help families and care workers in residential care settings create personalised life stories for people living with dementia. Families are able to use the platform to share family photos and other media. Care staff can log in and show residents what has been uploaded to their account and run reminiscence sessions to track what is useful for improving a resident's level of happiness and wellbeing. The app is free to use – further information can be found at: https://www.storii.com/

Dementia Guide for Carers and Care Providers

Health Education has developed a guide for everyone who supports someone with dementia. This is available (for free) as an eBook from iBooks and the Kindle Store – or alternatively as an app from the Ap- ple App store. Further information can be found at: http://www.dignityincare.org.uk/_library/news/2016/oct/ Health_Education_England_Dementia_guide_for_carers_and_care_provide rs_2016-08-10.pdf P A G E 4 Useful Apps I

Picture Guess App

An app that’s been specifically designed to provide cognitive stimulation for people living with dementia. This can be downloaded for free from the Apple App Store (iPad only) and Google Play (just search for ‘Picture Guess’)

Alzheimer’s Society Talking Point App

Talking Point now has a free app, making it easier to use the online support forum when you're on the move.

The new Talking Point app is available on iOS and Android and aims to make it even easier to get support and information about dementia - wherever you are.

You can download the Talking Point app from the iTunes App Store and from the Google Play Store.

If you are already a member of Talking Point, you can download the app and just log in with your usual membership details.

If you're new to Talking Point, you can create your account when you set up the app. Your app details will let you log in to the website too. P A G E 5 Bracknell Forest Dementia Action Alliance

I The Dementia Action Alliance is a movement with one simple aim: ‘to bring about a society-wide response to dementia’. It

encourages and supports communities and organisations Well done across England to take practical actions to enable people to live well with dementia. The aim of the Bracknell Forest De- Bracknell Forest mentia Action Alliance is to make a positive difference to the Dementia Action quality of life for people with dementia and their carers. At present Viki Rowland is looking for people with dementia Alliance (DAA) for and carers to join the DAA steering group so if you are winning the interested please contact Viki on:01344 823220 Social Care award [email protected]

Congratulations to Bracknell Forest Dementia Action Alliance (DAA) for winning the award for ‘Best Dementia Research and Support Group UK.’ Well done to each and every member of the DAA and everyone who supports the DAA as this is a fantastic achievement. A full list of winners will be published in the January edition of the GHP Pharma magazine which is distributed to over 260,000 readers worldwide and will also be featured on the GHP Pharma website. If you would like any further information on Bracknell Forest DAA please contact Viki Rowland: 01344 823220 [email protected] P A G E 6 Bracknell Forest Dementia Action Alliance

I

P A G E 7 Members of our Dementia Action Alliance (ever increasing)

 Age UK Berkshire  Bracknell  Sainsburys - Shopmobility Bagshot Road  Alzheimer’s Bracknell Society Berkshire,  Bracknell Town Buckinghamshire Council  Scootermart and Oxfordshire Mobility Centre  Clarks Shoes  Bentalls Bracknell  South Central (a Division of Ambulance Service  Courtney Buses Fenwick LTD) NHS Foundation  Trust  Boots Opticians - Baptist Church Bracknell  South Hill Park Arts  Health Education Centre  Bracknell Citizens Thames Valley Advice Bureau  Specsavers  Healthwatch Bracknell  Bracknell and Bracknell Forest Wokingham  St Joseph and St  HSBC Bank College Margaret Clitherow Bracknell Parish Church  Bracknell  Involve Community Community  Tesco - Bracknell Services Mental Health North Superstore Team for Older  JJM Taxis  The Club Adults  Keep Mobile (Bracknell)

 Bracknell Forest  My Care My Home  The Lexicon Bracknell Council  Waitrose Bracknell  Moor Cottage  Bracknell Forest Veterinary Hospital  Wiltshire Farm Foods DAA (Bracknell)  Royal Berkshire  Bracknell Forest Fire and Rescue New members Homes Service (RBFRS)  Bracknell Film Society  Bracknell Local  Sainsbury's -  First Group Buses Police Area, Bracknell Town Thames Valley  Younger People with Centre Dementia Police P A G E 8 Of Interest

Local Day Centres

There are a number of Day Centres located around Bracknell Forest providing an opportunity for people to socialise and engage in a variety of different activities. All Day Centres provide refreshments and a meal and most provide transport.

Name Frequency Address Ascot District Day Centre Mon - Sat Bagshot Road, Sunninghill, SL5 9PD. Tel: 01344 624923

Age Concern Bracknell Mon -Fri 27 Worlds End Hill, Forest Park, Bracknell, RG12 0XH Tel: 01344 422048

COATs Day Centre Mon - Fri Pinewood Avenue, . RG45 6RQ Tel: 01344 773464

Sandhurst Day Centre Mon-Fri Yorktown Road, Sandhurst, GU47 9BJ Tel: 01252 877601

St David’s Day Care 7 days a week Ascot Priory, Priory Road, Ascot. SL5 8RS Tel: 01344 884079

Berkshire Demcare Mon, Wed, Fri Pinewood Avenue, Crowthorne. RG45 6RQ Tel: 01753540396

Krupa Day Services first Sunday of Sandhurst Day Centre, Yorktown Road, Sand- month hurst, GU47 9BJ Tel: 01344 305891

P A G E 9 Of Interest

Volunteering

Supported Volunteering

Have you ever wanted to volunteer but thought you couldn't?

Think again! involve can help.

Our Specialist Volunteer Services Coordinator has been employed to work with people who need additional support (including those people diagnosed with dementia) to access volunteer work and matching them to appropriate voluntary settings. At involve, we're able to take time and care to make sure we find suitable placements, and to make sure the volunteer is happy and settled. Voluntary placements include retail, admin, conservation and marketing; many offer opportunities for training and development.

As well as the volunteer gaining from supported volunteering, the organisations they volunteer for also benefit from the experience of creating an inclusive environment.

It really is a two-way street. If you're interested in talking to our Specialist Volunteer Services Coordinator about Supported Volunteering, please email Jo Hawkins or call involve on 01344 304404. P A G E 10

What’s On

Want to get out, have some fun and meet new people?

Craft Session Every 2nd Monday of each month Craft Sessions Term time only Every 2nd Tuesday of each month At Broadway House At Clement House Sandhurst Bracknell 13:30 - 15:30 14:15 - 15:30

Singing Sessions Every Wednesday TAI CHI At Clement House Every Friday Bracknell At Farningham House, 14:15 - 15:30 Bracknell 11:00 –12:00 TAI Chi Every Friday At Broadway House Sandhurst 14:30 - 15:30

For more information please contact: Tina Bibic 01344 382853 There is a £2 per person charge for Bracknell Forest Homes residents and £3 per person for Non Bracknell Forest Homes residents P A G E 11 I What’s On

Dementia-friendly Screenings Coming to Bracknell!

Bracknell Film Society is delighted to announce a series of dementia-friendly screenings starting at South Hill Park Cinema

Specially-designed for people living with dementia and their carers, screenings will be in the afternoon on the second Monday of each month starting in early 2017

Free refreshments will be provided after each film screening

The season will kick off on 13 March with Elvis Presley in classic musical comedy Blue Hawaii

Followed on 10 April by energetic musical homage to the age of rock ‘n’ roll Grease

Tickets will be available from South Hill Park box office mid February

See South Hill Park website for further details and to purchase tickets: www.southhillpark.org.uk/whats-on/cinema Box Office 01344 484123 Ringmead, Bracknell RG12 7PA

P A G E 12 What’s On I

Bracknell Forest Libraries

Reminiscence groups

Ascot Heath Library The reminiscence group meets quarterly on a Monday morning. Please contact the library to check if places are available and to find out more. Tel: 01344 884030

Binfield Library Sessions are held as part of coffee mornings at Binfield Library every three months, alternating with a quiz and books. Tel: 01344 306663

Bracknell Library Come along to our group which meets on the last Tuesday of the month from 10.30am to 11.30am. Share coffee and memories. Tel: 01344 423149

Crowthorne Library Groups generally meet at the last Friday of the month (can vary) 10.30am to midday - this group often has speakers with specialist subjects invited.Tel: 01344 776431

Harmans Water Library This group meets on the last but one Thursday of the month from 10am to 11.30 am. Tel: 01344 423660

Sandhurst Library This is normally held on the first Monday afternoon of the month at 2pm but please contact the library for further details. Tel: 01252 870161

Whitegrove Library This group meets on the first Thursday of the month from 10am to 11.30 am. Tel: 01344 424211 P A G E 13 What’s On Triple ‘A’ Ascot Area Alzheimer’s

Sunday Lunch Respite Carers Monthly Lunch Third Sunday of the Month Last Monday of the Month At: Farningham House, Bracknell At: Carnation Hall,

Fund Raising Evening Lunchtime Meeting Fri 31st March 2017 church hall at St Michael’s Church 16/01/17 Fundraising event with 20/02/17 Bracknell Rugby Club and 20/03/2017 YPWD 12.30pm-2.30pm Venue: Bracknell Rugby Club Refreshments provided. Bracknell All Welcome

Fun Days Out for People with Dementia Tues, Wed and Thurs For further information please contact Pam Woodrow tel: 01344 486349

Please contact: 01344 621491 or 01344 486349 for more details P A G E 14 What’s On

Alzheimer’s Society

SINGING FOR THE BRAIN Memory Cafe Every Monday (Closed 20th Feb ) Join us once a month for tea/ coffee and cake, with support, 10.30am – 12noon advice and friendship Langley Hall, For people with dementia and Holy Trinity Church their carers Bracknell Town Centre 2nd Friday of the month People with Dementia & their Carers Coopers Hill welcome . Come along for an easy Community Centre sing-along, + coffee & chat 10:30 - 12.00 noon

For further details phone Geraldine Durrant: 07713390714 P A G E 15 What’s On Alzheimer’s Cafe

Alzheimer’s Café Camberley

Ascot & Bracknell Alzheimer Café ST. Mary’s Church & Centre The Wagtail Centre, Lynwood Care Park Road, Camberley Centre, Surrey, GU15 2SR Rise Road, Ascot, Berkshire, Third Monday of the Month Thursday 9th Feb 6.30 - 8.30pm 2pm - 4pm For further information Thursday 9th March contact 07719 080368 Email: Camber- 6.30pm - 8.30pm [email protected] Thursday 13th April 2pm - 4pm For further information please Telephone: 01344 298083

P A G E 16

Younger People with Dementia If you are 65 years old or under and living with dementia in the East Berks Workshops area then you are entitled to join in any of our East Berks workshops. Walking Group At YPWD we aim to provide Venue: The Lookout, Bracknell a series of engaging, Every Wednesday, 4th Jan - 8th Feb meaningful and activity 2017 based workshops to enable 10 - 30am - 12:30pm younger people with dementia to learn new skills, maintain current ones, build confidence and Sportsable self esteem whilst meeting Venue: Sportsable, Braybrook Rd, new people and most Maidenhead importantly having fun. Every Friday, 6th - 10th Feb 2017 10am - 12 noon

For further information please contact: Charlie Draper Tel : 0750 0806 385 email: [email protected] P A G E 17 What’s On

Alzheimer’s Singing Klub

Singing and light lunch

Singing and socialising for people with dementia, their carers and ex-carers Every Mon from 12.15-2.15pm at St Joseph’s Church Hall (opposite Princess Square) If you would like more information please contact: Angela or Richard Tel: 01344 306951

Drop – In – Support

At The Look In Café Square EVERY WEDNESDAY 10am to 12 noon For Further information Contact Bill on 01344 421292 P A G E 18 What’s On Research has proven that the therapeutic benefits of physical exercise are particularly beneficial for people with dementia

Gym Class Come along for regular supported gym sessions with others in a friendly and fun environment! Bodyworks Gym, Bracknell Leisure Centre Every Monday from 1pm—2pm Contact Mathew Rowell 07887632627

The Green Gym

A free service which combines gardening activities with fun exercise to improve wellbeing.

Please call Alex Rowle for further information and to discuss transport options Sessions run every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10am -1pm.

Jealott’s Hill Community Landshare, Wellers Lane, , Bracknell, Berkshire RG42 6BQ. Tel: 07766 473204 P A G E 19 What’s On

Alzheimer’s Dementia Support

Moves and Grooves Tea Dance Afternoon For people with dementia and their carers. Our tea dance afternoon is an enjoyable fun social event where people can participate as much as they like. Anthony & Denise from 'Learn to Dance' will encourage those who wish to dance and he will take to the dance floor and show us some of his moves. Refreshments will be provided. No need to book - just turn up! We meet on 3rd Thursday of each month from 2 pm to 4 pm at King Edwards Hall, King Edwards Road, Ascot, For further information contact: 07516 165665 or 07516 165647 email: [email protected] P A G E 20 What’s On

Age Concern

DATE 2017 EVENT PLACE & TIME COST th Wed 11 Jan Get Together Priestwood £3.50 Entrance “Sing for your Cuppa” 2.00 – 4.00 pm £1 for carers

th Wed 18 Jan Get Together Priestwood £3.50 Entrance “Hot Under the Collar” 2.00 – 4.00 pm £1 for carers

th Wed 25 Jan Get Together Priestwood £3.50 Entrance “That’s Entertainment” 2.00 – 4.00 pm £1 for carers

st Wed 1 Feb Get Together Priestwood £3.50 Entrance “Spring is Here” 2.00 – 4.00 pm £1 for carers

th Wed8 Feb Get Together Priestwood £3.50 Entrance “Oil Be There” 2.00 – 4.00 pm £1 for carers

th Wed15 Feb BREAK BREAK BREAK nd Wed22 Feb Get Together Priestwood £3.50 Entrance “Bloomin’ Marvellous” 2.00 – 4.00 pm £1 for carers

st Wed 1 March Get Together Priestwood £3.50 Entrance “Works of Art” 2.00 – 4.00 pm £1 for carers

th Wed 8 March Get Together Priestwood £3.50 Entrance “Rocking out at Priestwood” 2.00 – 4.00 pm £1 for carers

th Wed 15 March Get Together Priestwood £3.50 Entrance “Be There With Bells On” 2.00 – 4.00 pm £1 for carers

nd Wed 22 March Get Together Priestwood £3.50 Entrance “Music To Your Ears” 2.00 – 4.00 pm £1 for carers

Venue address:- Priestwood Community Centre, Priestwood Court Road, Brack- nell, RG42 1TU

Events Line 01344 862916 - (no need to book) Event Organisers Debbie and Becky P A G E 21 What’s On

Carers

Carers Lunch Easthampstead Baptist Church on Friday 20th January 11.30am-2.30pm. The topic is “Getting support and help online” It is essential that you let us know if you will be attending and if you have any dietary or access requirements.

Future planned dates: 21st April 2017, 21st July 2017 Tel: 01344 266088 or email: [email protected]

Coffee for Carers Bracknell Forest Carers at Crowthorne Library Support Group Coffee Evenings A friendly and informal coffee morning for all Tues: (Contact 01344 831848 for dates) carers, and those they care for, to get together and share experiences in relaxed surroundings. 5.30pm-7pm, South Hill Park Café, Ringmead, Bracknell, RG12 7PA DATE: Friday13th January Non-alcoholic drinks are paid for by the Friday 10th February group organiser Friday 10th March [email protected] TIME: 10.00am – 11.30 am No booking required. Donations for refreshments. P A G E 22 What’s On

Carers

Carers Education Course

A six -week or ‘one full day’ course offered to carers, designed to raise awareness of different aspects of dementia. Topics include:

 Understanding Dementia – different types, medical aspects, research.

 Memory & Communication.

 Understanding New Behaviours.

 Physical Aspects, Wellbeing and Mobility Issues.

 Legal Issues, Welfare and Benefits.

 Continued Support and Care- information about local services, day facilities, & various options relating to future long-term care.

The course aims to provide practical support and advice, whilst enabling carers to meet and interact with others in similar situations. Contact: Karen White 01344 823220

SHaRON Support Hope and Recovery Online Network for the relatives and carers of people with dementia and mental health problems. Website: www.sharon.nhs.uk Email: [email protected] P A G E 23 What’s On

Carers

Carer’s training- One-off Stress management session

Dr Natalie Almond (Clinical Psychologist) and Corinne Bishop (Assistant Psychologist) Memory Clinic

Many people experience periods of stress triggered by what is currently happening in their life.

Living with, loving and caring for someone with dementia can have many challenges and rewards. We recognise that at some points throughout this journey it can be stressful. This session aims to help you be prepared for the stressful times if and when they arise. This session is open to anyone who cares for someone with dementia, whether you currently feel that you are experiencing stress or not. In this one off session (2 hours) we discuss what stress is, and help you to recognise the symptoms of stress. We also show you a variety of strategies to help you relax and manage your stress that you can take away from the session and use as regularly as you would like. We help you to recognise what strategies you have used in the past to manage your stress, and what you are doing currently and can continue to do in the future to help keep your stress levels low. Contact Karen White/ Nicky Wall Dementia Advisers to express your interest in this session and find out when the next session is.

Talking Therapies

Offers four workshop sessions on a weekly basis on Stress Control. Additional support is also available and adapted to individual needs, to include wellbeing and anxiety management. Contact: Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust 0300 365 2000 or via your GP. Karen White Church Hill House 51-52 Turing Drive Bracknell

RG12 7FR

Phone: 01344 823220 Available: Mon-Fri 9am- 5pm Email: [email protected]

If you would like this Newsletter in another format please contact Karen White

Further information

www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/dementia www.berkshirehealthcare.nhs.uk www.alzheimers.org.uk