Dementia group here to help

The aim of The Bay Dementia Hub is to give those affected with the condition in the Bay area a ‘one-stop shop’ where they can get information, advice and practical support. 

This is a joint initiative between St John’s Hospice, University Hospitals Morecambe Bay Trust and Lancaster University, supported by Lancaster CityCouncil, Lancashire County Council, The Alzheimer’s Society, Age UK, Lancashire Care NHS Trust,Lancaster and Morecambe Dementia Action Alliance and many other organisations.

Dementia is a collection of symptoms caused by conditions which affect the brain. It affects a person’s mental abilities such as memory and thinking as well as their behaviour.

The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease.

There are currently over 10,000 people in Lancashire who have been diagnosed with dementia, but it is thought that the actual figure of people with the condition could be much higher.

This new initiative will seek to build on the existing work of dementia-specialist organisations that already have a strong presence in the area. It will aim to provide advice from the memory clinic, nurses, financial planners, benefits advisors, lawyers, researchers, carer support, technology experts as well as a chance to engage with people living with the conditions and their families. Dr Penny Foulds, Honorary Researcher at Lancaster University and founder of the Defying Dementia campaign said: “This initiative is about helping our community know where to go for information and services when a diagnosis of dementia is made, or even before if they are worried about a loved one.” The Bay Dementia Hub will be held on the first Friday of every month, starting on September 2, at The Oak Centre in the grounds of St John’s Hospice, 1.30pm to 3.30pm.