Droitwich leading the way when it comes to dementia care and support - The Droitwich Standard

Droitwich leading the way when it comes to dementia care and support

Droitwich Editorial 24th Jan, 2020   0

DROITWICH is leading the way when it comes to the care and support being offered to those living with dementia.

It is hoped the Meeting Dem centre, based on a Dutch model and piloted in the town in 2015, will be rolled out across Worcestershire.

And the county council and the six district councils are investing £540,000, using 75 per cent of the business rates, to help pilot it in other areas.

This funding can be drawn on to help with the first three-year running costs for community groups who want to provide Meeting Centres in Worcestershire.




The centres provide local community support to people and families directly affected by dementia.

At the heart of every Meeting Centre is a social club where people and family carers can meet to have fun, talk to others, and get the help and support they need to help them adjust to living with the changes dementia brings.


Since its introduction five years ago the centre in Droitwich has gone from strength-to-strength.

It has significantly improved dementia patients’ self-esteem, levels of happiness, and a sense of belonging, as well as reducing some of the most distressing symptoms of dementia.

Invaluable support is also brought to family carers.

On February 10 at the University of Worcester Arena there is a special Worcestershire Dementia Meeting Centres Information event featuring a variety of guest speakers.

The University of Worcester’s Association for Dementia Studies, which first brought the Meeting Centres concept to the UK, is leading the roll-out and there will be advice on how funding will be allocated.

Mike Watts, trustee of the Droitwich Spa Meeting Centre, is among the speakers and will be talking about a case study.

He said the Droitwich Spa Meeting Centre had supported more than 60 people living with dementia and their family carers over the past two years alone.

“Having seen the success of this, other local communities across Worcestershire and the UK are now looking to set up new Meeting Centres to ensure that more people living with dementia and their families will have the opportunity to enjoy the warmth, friendship and support that they receive when attending a Meeting Centre ”

Email [email protected] for more information and click here  to book places.

Anyone wanting to visit the Droitwich Spa Meeting Centre for a taster day should email [email protected] or call 01905 740950 or 0800 008 6077.

Buy Photos

Buy photos online from the Droitwich Standard newspaper.

Recruitment

Find a career you'll love with our free career finder website.

Reader Travel

Check out all of the latest reader travel offers to get your hands on some free gifts.

Business Directory

From plumbers, to restaurants, we can provide you with all the info you need.