Dementia-friendly activities prove a hit with Ludlow residents
Activities for people with dementia at a local centre in Ludlow and surrounding area are bringing great benefits to local residents.
Helena Lane in Ludlow provides services and activities for people living with dementia in the local area. Due to more interest, the centre now holds of a wide range of dementia-friendly events which people can book or get referred to. Activities include:
The Songs for You – Singing for the Brain Session every Thursday from 1.30pm to 2.30pm
Hosted by Sally Tonge, this event not only offers an enjoyable experience, it can also provide a way for people with dementia, along with their carers, to express themselves and socialise with others in a fun and supportive group. A family member whose mother attends the singing sessions said:
“These singing sessions have been one of the best things my mum is able to do. Music appears to tap into a person where mere words cannot. The sessions are invaluable – not only for those with dementia but the carers too.”
The singing sessions are run by Sally Tonge, an experienced singer and ‘arts for health’ practitioner. Sally sings a range of popular new and old songs. Tea and cakes are also available. This event is free, but donations are welcome.
Other dementia-friendly and well-being events at Helena Lane include:
Forget me not sessions run by Healthy Friendships, every Tuesday morning from 10-30am to 12-30pm, £2 (includes carer)
Forget me not sessions offer a supportive and informal environment for both carers and those who have dementia. People can share and exchange information, socialise and enjoy a variety of activities including craft, reminiscence, seated sport, music, relaxation and cognitive stimulation. Sessions are led by trained staff and volunteers.
Good Companion Lunch Clubs – lunch and activities second Tuesday of the month from 12.30pm to 2.30pm, £3.50, soup sandwiches and pudding provided by Hands Together Ludlow.
A great opportunity for people to take part in a number of activities, making friends with others in their community and enjoying a lunch together.
After lunch a range of activities will be available along with support, advice and signposting.
Hands Together Lunch Club – lunch and a talk fourth Tuesday of the month from 12:30pm to 2:30pm, £3.50
Local lunch group for all with interesting general talks after lunch. Lunch includes homemade soup sandwiches and pudding, provided by Hands Together Ludlow.
Local memory service clinics by South Shropshire’s Memory Service and Home Treatment team, last Friday of the month – by appointment only
Arranged by the local memory service team in south Shropshire, the clinic provides support and advice for older adults over the age of 65 who experience memory loss and dementia.
Let’s talk drop in sessions by People2People, every Monday from 1.30pm to 3.00pm, free
Hosted by People2People, the free ‘Let’s talk’ local sessions offer advice and information for carers and people who need support. Aiding people to stay healthy and well and maintain independence in their home and community for longer. The meetings provide access to information from a range of local organisations including: housing support, Age UK, Occupational Therapy, Social Work, Benefits Advice, Assistive Technology and Independent Advocacy Services.
People2People also host Let’s talk local meetings every fortnight. These are pre-arranged meetings which can be booked following an initial assessment through the council’s First Point of Contact telephone line.
Lee Chapman, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adults, said:
“Helena Lane is a fantastic ‘dementia-friendly’ place that offers a great range of community activities for people with dementia, their partners, families and friends. You can also access helpful information and advice about issues relating to dementia from many organisations all in the one place, or simply meet up for a chat and a coffee at Helena Lane’s Café.”
David Key, Helena Lane manager, added:
“Helena Lane provides many services to meet the needs of local people living with dementia and there carers. We can tailor our service to your own needs. We also have a wealth of knowledge and contacts to signpost people if required. We want Helena Lane to be seen as the local resource and information for people living with dementia. We have many things going on: Singing for the Brain, bathing services and dedicated day care. Do come and see what we have to offer.”
For more information about the activities email helenalane@shropshire.gov.uk or call on 01743 257750.
For more information about how to make the right choice to remain independent and stay well visit Shropshire Choices at https://www.shropshirechoices.org.uk/home/. The newly-revamped website offers information and advice about adult services, housing and health.
Further information
Shropshire Council’s Helena Lane provides dedicated day care for older people and adults with learning disabilities. The centre is open from Monday to Friday 9am-4pm and provides support, activities, companionship, bathing and respite for carers. The centre has been working with various organisations over the last few months to ensure that more services and community resources are available to local people under the one roof. Helena Lane is also home to:
- Vision Technology Training Services
- a hairdresser
- the Royal Voluntary Service
- Age UK
- People2People with ‘Let’s talk local drop-ins
The centre also has a number of rooms available to hire for meetings, groups, clinics and activities as well as a large free car park on site and the entire building is wheelchair friendly
All services are supported by Shropshire Council, Shropshire’s NHS and local charities.
The Songs for You – Singing for the Brain Session uses singing to bring people together in a friendly and stimulating social environment.
Singing is not only an enjoyable activity, it can also provide a way for people with dementia, along with their carers, to express themselves and socialise with others in a fun and supportive group.
Hidden in the fun are activities which build on the well-known preserved memory for song and music in the brain. Even when many memories are hard to retrieve, music is especially easy to recall.
