A place for carers and loved ones living with dementia to get together.
Over the past few months, the Health and Wellbeing Team in Monmouthshire have worked with carers, and support services, to set up a new Dementia Carer Support Group in the south of the county. This initiative was born out of 'What Matters' conversations that Angela James, Wellbeing Links Advisor, was having with individuals in Caldicot. Angela recognised that there were no local support groups for carers of people living with dementia. From there, Angela worked Miranda Thomason, Wellbeing Links Lead and Kelly Sullivan, Health and Wellbeing Partnerships, as well as other partners to set up this support group.
The carers were given the choice to name their group and they chose 'Sharing is Caring'!
The group meet every other Wednesday between 1pm-3pm in 'The Burrows' at Severn View Residential park in Caldicot: Innovative Severn View Park Care Home opens - Monmouthshire. During this time, carers have the opportunity to chat, laugh or gossip with other carers.
Carers have also had the opportunity to meet representatives from support services in Monmouthshire who could offer them and their loved one information, advice and guidance.
These organisations have already visited this group, and there are many more in the pipeline:
To add to this, a local Ukulele Band recently performed some 'Oldies, but Goldies' for the carers, their loved ones and for people living at the Residential Park. Everyone sang along and the room was full of smiles and laughter!
There will be more performances from other musicians over the coming months.
'Sharing is Caring' will be meeting next on the 2nd October at 1pm and every other week from there on. If you're a carer in need of some company, some advice, or just a listening ear, whilst having a cuppa, then please do come along.
Here are the directions.....it can be tricky to find:
Severn View Residential Park is within the new housing development at Elderwood Parc, Crick Road, Portskewett, Caldicot, Monmouthshire, NP26 5RT. Heading towards Caldicot from Chesptow on the B4245, take a left following the yellow sign for Ellwood Parc. Drive through the new housing estate to the Severn View Residential Park and 'The Burrows' is the communal building in the centre.
If you have any questions or queries about this group, please contact:
Angela James - angela.james@gavo.org.uk
Kelly Sullivan - kelly.sullivan@gavo.org.uk
Miranda Thomason - miranda.thomason@gavo.org.uk
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