Care group commits to dementia action

A Lancashire care provider is working closely in partnership with community services in the county to help pioneer dementia care awareness.

Springhill Care Group, based in Accrington, has teamed up with members of The Hyndburn Dementia Action Alliance (HDAA), a local association of the national Dementia Action Alliance (DAA).

The collaborative scheme aims change the way that people feel about dementia and improve the lives of people living with dementia.

Victoria Huntriss, health and rellbeing lead at Springhill care Home, said that by working together, the community can make a difference to those living with and affected by dementia.

She said: “This partnership means we can get up-to-date information about what is available in the community so that we can take residents along to events or make links with people who can bring events to us.

“We already have some ideas of how we can work together, and this will help make sure that we don’t forget this part of the community.

“We can also signpost any carers or anybody who comes along to our dementia cafes towards this group that we are currently developing to offer local support.

Nationally, there are 7340 members of the DAA with 357 local alliances aiming to encourage partnerships, raise awareness within the community and provide up-to-date quality dementia training.

Partners supporting the programme include Action For Dementia, Carers Link Lancashire, Diocese of Blackburn and East Lancashire Teaching Hospital Trust.

Other groups involved include Home Instead East Lancashire, Homewise Society, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley CVS, Hyndburn Council, Lancashire police, NHS East Lancashire CCG, Woodcocks Haworth and Nuttall solicitors and Hyndburn Community Fire Safety Team.

Lyndsay Wheatcroft, of the Hyndburn Dementia Action Alliance, said: “We are working together to radically improve the lives of people living with dementia and their carers and this is a pioneering community initiative.

“We urge any organisation in Hyndburn who is interested in becoming more dementia friendly to get in touch and see how they can be involved.

“It is free to join, and we ask members to complete a brief action plan setting out what they can do to make a difference to people living with dementia and their carers.”