South Gloucestershire Council

Published: 04/11/2014

A ‘Living Well with Dementia’ roadshow takes place at Turnberrie’s Community Centre in Thornbury on Monday 17 November.

These roadshows offer practical, emotional and health advice aimed at anyone who has recently been diagnosed with dementia, their carers or relatives of people with dementia. They are intended to provide people with the information they need to understand their diagnosis and make the most of living with dementia. You can also find out about all the support that is available.

Each roadshow features a welcome and overview from a local GP. You will also receive a specialist’s guide to medication and treatment. There will be talks on managing your legal affairs and a practical session focusing on memory techniques and tips. Experts will be on hand to answer any of your questions and there will be a range of stalls featuring information which is available from local organisations, including support aimed at carers. You will also be able to view a new DVD, with people with dementia and their partners talking about their diagnosis and living well with dementia.

Angie Marsh, Commissioning Manager at South Gloucestershire Council, said: “Being diagnosed with dementia can leave the person with dementia and their family with lots of questions about what they can expect and what they can do to plan for the future. These roadshows provide useful information to help answer these questions and provide reassurance that you’re not on your own.

“Anyone who is currently living with dementia, and their families are encouraged to book a place.”

Dr Peter Bagshaw, the Clinical Lead for Dementia for South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group, which plans and buys healthcare for the local population, said: “We encourage people who think they may have dementia to go to their GP as soon as possible as early diagnosis means that we can start to help.

“GPs can offer medication and signpost people living with dementia to a wide range of support services in the community to help improve their quality of life.

“Around 3,000 people in South Gloucestershire have dementia and this is expected to double in the next 30 years.

“These roadshows provide a good opportunity for both people who have been recently diagnosed with dementia and their friends and family to find out more. We hope they will raise awareness of dementia and help reduce the stigma around the condition.”

Previous roadshow participants have said:

“It’s good to have many experts on different aspects in one place.”

“Really helpful, wish it was available when mum was diagnosed in 2010.”

So come along to our Living Well with Dementia roadshow on Monday 17 November at Turnberrie’s Community Centre, Bath Road, Thornbury BS35 2BB and find out more. The free event runs from 10.30am to 1pm however places must be booked in advance by using one of the following methods:

Book online at www.southglos.gov.uk/dementia

Complete the booking form found on the flyer/leaflet and return it via freepost

Email cchengagement@southglos.gov.uk

Phone 01454 862356

For more information and details of future roadshows visit www.southglos.gov.uk/dementia