Three new events are being held this autumn so that people who have recently received a dementia diagnosis, and their families and carers, can find out about local support.

Hosted by Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust at Shipley and Manningham libraries, the events include a short, informative and myth-busting presentation about dementia from dementia-specialist Admiral Nurses, followed by an opportunity to ask questions and talk to different teams, services and groups about what they can offer to people with dementia and their families or carers.

Admiral Nurse team leader James Emmett said: “Dementia doesn’t just affect the person with the diagnosis – carers, family and friends are also living with the effects of the condition, which can feel difficult and frightening. We want to help everyone dealing with this to face the future with positivity and to know you are not alone.”

The lunchtime events run from 12.00pm – 2.00pm at Manningham Library on Wednesday 25 September and 27 November, and at Shipley Library on Wednesday 30 October.

Organisations attending include Carers’ Resource, Community Links, Bradford Libraries, Affinity Care and Pathways, Bradford Metropolitan District Council Social Services, and University of Bradford Research Team, as well as members of the Trust’s library, research and palliative care teams and the specialist Admiral Nurses from Dementia UK who work in the Care Trust’s Proactive Care Team.

Advice on living well with dementia is at the heart of the event, with professionals sharing proven resources and activities, as well as ensuring carers are aware of the support available to them.

Shy Burhan from Bradford attended a previous session at Shipley Library to find out about support for her elderly father. She said: “I wanted to educate myself about dementia and to know what support is available. Like other families with our heritage my parents can be stubborn about accepting help, so I hope I can persuade them to take up that support now I’m well informed about it.”

 

 

Lyn and Gerry James also attended an event to gather information following Lyn’s recent diagnosis. Lyn said: “It’s a learning curve and I wanted to know what I can do to help myself. This event has been very, very helpful.”

 

 

 

Brothers Richard and Malcolm White’s father has vascular dementia and they also attended and were interested to hear the presentation which “rang true” with their experience caring for their dad. They also wanted to hear about research into dementia being carried out locally.

 

 

 

Admiral Nurse team leader James Emmett said: “We know that sometimes people are embarrassed or reluctant to ask for help and support, but we would encourage you to please come along to find out the facts and know who can help and in what way. We’re looking forward to meeting and chatting with you.”

Get full information about the dementia information events on the Care Trust’s website: https://www.bdct.nhs.uk/dementia-information-events/ or contact the team by calling 01274 256131 and asking for Admiral Nurses.