Dementia Support: Age UK Barnsley
For this year’s #AlzheimersAwarenessMonth, we're highlighting areas of support available in Barnsley.
Age UK Barnsley is a fiercely independent local charity that focuses on promoting the dignity, wellbeing, independence and happiness of people aged 50 and over in the Barnsley Borough. Their mission is to make Barnsley the best possible place to grow older.
“We will always do everything we can to support our clients at every stage of their dementia journey and endeavour to provide a safe, supportive environment.”
Elizabeth Activity Centre
Earlier this year, Age UK Barnsley launched the Elizabeth Activity and Care Centre at Queens Road, which provides a safe, friendly and stimulating environment for older people in need of a little extra support. Their specialist staff provide bespoke support for older people living with health conditions, mobility problems, those who are socially isolated and for people living with dementia.
Their activities programme provides a person-centred approach to a variety of activities, focusing on supporting people to retain their existing skills and offering opportunities to gain new ones. Activities include gentle exercise, art and crafts, musical and sporting opportunities, local and life history reminiscence and so much more!
A delicious two-course hot meal and refreshments are served throughout the day. They can also accommodate any special dietary needs. Please call 01226 776827 for more information.
Maintenance Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (MCST)
Age UK Barnsley also provide a Maintenance Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (MCST) programme, which is an evidence-based treatment designed to improve cognition, independence and wellbeing for people living with dementia. Group members participate in stimulating and meaningful activities proven to help maintain memory and mental function.
MCST sessions run on Thursdays at the Elizabeth Centre, there are also MCST community outreach groups in the North East, Penistone and South area. In addition, the MCST trained staff can provide Dementia Awareness training for local organisations.
The Ken Littlewood Suite
The team at Age UK Barnsley have also recently launched a brand-new spa facility at the Elizabeth Centre, a facility where clients can enjoy a wonderful array of treatments and relaxation in a safe, comfortable environment. They provide professional hairdressing, nail care, footcare and massage services – which is available both to clients and to carers who are looking for a little respite, safe in the knowledge that their loved one is being cared for in the Elizabeth Centre.
Musical Memories Choir
Running every Thursday in the Elizabeth Centre (1pm-3pm) the Musical Memories Dementia Choir is open to everyone aged 50 and over, especially people living with dementia.
The Choir gives everyone (whatever your ability!) the chance to join in with singing and musical reminiscence for the first hour before enjoying coffee, refreshments and the opportunity to meet friends old and new.
Barnsley Older People Physical Activity Alliance
Funded by Barnsley Council and led by Age UK Barnsley, BOPPAA is an alliance of NHS, private and third sector organisations offering physical activity opportunities for over 50s in Barnsley, which aims to increase the provision of physical activity programmes that will improve the strength and balance of older people across Barnsley.
BOPPAA currently run Dementia Friendly Swimming and Sporting Memories Reminiscence Sessions for people living with dementia. Age UK Barnsley are planning to increase the number range of dementia friendly physical activity opportunities available through the BOPPAA over the coming weeks and months through their work with a range of providers across Barnsley, offering training and support to enable new programmes to be developed.
Find out more about dementia and what support is available near you
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