Bassetlaw: Retford woman creates new dementia leaflet

The directory gives advice on legal and financial matters, contact information for support groups and helpful schemes and details about assistive technology.

The leaflet was created by Jan Williamson, from Retford, whose mother had dementia, following her own experiences and from listening to the difficulties faced by other carers, who often said that after their loved one received a diagnosis of dementia they simply did not know where to turn for help.

She said: “Lots of help is available from local charities, national charities, various statutory bodies and a number of informal, local groups but no one had taken the time to collate the information before.”

Having got her directory together, Jan approached Videlle Hamlet of Bassetlaw Royal Voluntary Service who immediately saw the value of the leaflet and arranged to have it printed.

Dr Steve Kell, chair of Bassetlaw Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), also backed the initiative saying he was keen to see the directory reach as many dementia sufferers and carers as possible to back up the work the CCG is spearheading to raise awareness of dementia. This includes ensuring staff are properly trained and promoting services that are appropriate and sensitive to the needs of people with dementia and their carers.

Dr Kell said: “Bassetlaw is striving to become a Dementia Friendly Community, and key to that is being able to raise awareness of the disease and where to get help. This leaflet does both.”

Copies are currently being distributed to GP surgeries, libraries and other information points. It will also be uploaded to a new website, www.bassetlaw-dementia-support.org.uk which is being developed and will also carry additional information about services.