Suffolk Community Tackles Dementia Head–on
Dementia is an illness set to affect one in three of us in the future. For carers, coping with their loved one’s behaviour, and symptoms of dementia, is exhausting, stressful, isolating and heartbreaking.
Because it is estimated that there are already between 70 and 100 people with the illness in Debenham and its surrounding villages 4, we are launching a groundbreaking community–led project. It is dedicated to giving practical and emotional support to all those within a 4 mile radius of the village who care for someone with dementia. The Debenham Project is unique to the county and, probably, to the UK. It is tackling a problem which has touched almost all families and which will continue to grow – and which could easily overwhelm the NHS and the Social Services. The project is beginning to change the way that carers and their loved ones are supported in rural areas. No carer or client should have to travel from the security and familiarity of their local area in order to access quality care – 7, 10 or 14 miles is too far. All the services being offered are locally based, run by local people co–operating with the best professional support that the NHS, the Social Services and Charities can offer. Project chairman Lynden Jackson says: “It is not about who does what, but about what we can do together.“
The range of services already include: a confidential telephone support line, an information and advice centre, activities and social support sessions, Food 'n' Friends luncheon clubs, a website and medication management.
The Project is working with Age Concern, Alzheimer’s Society, CAMEO, Debenham GP Surgery, Debenham Pharmacy, Debenham Post Office, St. Mary’s Church, Sanctuary Housing Association, Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Family Carers, Suffolk Libraries, and Suffolk Mental Health Partnerships NHS Trust.
The Debenham Project has captured the imagination and support of everyone – not just of our volunteers, but also the local authorities, the NHS and the charities. Cllr Eddy Alcock, County Councillor for the Debenham area and Vice–Chairman of Suffolk County Council says: "As the local Member, I very much welcome this initiative, as does Suffolk County Council, who recognise that such services are invaluable to the community and The Debenham Project is just the type of initiative the County Council wishes to encourage".
The vision goes further, leading to a day when social, day, residential, and nursing care are all integrated as a natural part of our local environment so that those with dementia can be cared for within their own homes for as long as possible, but when this is no longer possible they can remain within their community, and their friends and family can easily continue to be an everyday part of their lives.
“I believe that we are firmly about ‘doing things’ and realising ‘real benefits’ based on our vision of improving the quality of life for all carers and those they care for,” says Lynden Jackson. “what can be done to support carers will be done”.
Comments
"I am very pleased to lend my support to the Debenham Dementia Project. Eddy Alcock has told me about all the hard work undertaken by the community to get it prepared.
Debenham is so wise to have recognised the increasing challenge of the growing number of people suffering from dementia and also the considerable stress and problems this causes for their families and friends. I have selected The Alzheimer's Society( Suffolk) to be my Chairman's Charity for the year. This means that I can help raise the profile of dementia as well as raise some money for them.
I am very sorry not to be able to be with you for the launch but send my congratulations to those who have developed the project and my best wishes for the future."
Joanna Spicer (Chair of the County Council) 07/10/09
"I thought I would just let you know, I went to a talk at lunchtime today given by Jeremy Pembroke (Leader of Suffolk County Council) and Andrea Hill (Chief Executive) and I felt so proud to come from Debenham. They were talking about The Debenham Project and how well Debenham had done to get something like that up and running."
(Heather Keeble - Portfolio Support, Suffolk County Council).
