Latest News

Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST)

Katherine Bailey of Conversation Works came to the Four Rivers Dementia Alliance meeting on 3rd October to discuss the potential idea of starting a Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) group in Ivybridge.

A CST group is for those living with mild-moderate dementia and meets for two hours, once a week, with lots of thinking activities and discussion to 'work' the brain, with all the added benefits of a small social group.

Currently Katherine runs two Cognitive Stimulation Therapy groups around Bovey Tracy.

Following the meeting Ivybridge councillor Shirley Weeks expressed and interest in the possibility of setting up a group in Ivybridge and Katherine has been put in touch with her and Ivybridge councillor Victor Abbot who is working on the Dementia Friendly Ivybridge initiative.

If you would like to understand the basics of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy, Katherine has provided some notes to read.

Katherine Bailey - Basic Information On CST (pdf)

Conversation Works

17th October 2024

Dementia Friendly Parishes Around The Yealm - New Carer's Group

Dementia Friendly Parishes Around The Yealm are starting a new social group for carers.

The new group is inclusive and anyone caring for someone living with dementia or other conditions is welcome. The aim is to create a friendly, supportive and relaxed get-together were ideas, tips and company can be shared over a cuppa and cakes!

The first meeting is scheduled for Friday 1st November between 2:00pm and 3:30pm and will take place at the Methodist Church Hall, Yealmpton PL8 2LZ.

If you would like further information then contact Claire Puckey who is the Community Development Lead for Dementia Friendly Parishes Around The Yealm on 07450 206312 or alternatively email info@dementiayealm.org.

Dementia Friendly Parishes Around The Yealm

16th October 2024

South Hams Community Action - Advise On Loss Of Winter Fuel Payment

HAVE YOU LOST YOUR WINTER FUEL PAYMENT?

DO YOU RECEIVE STATE PENSION BUT ARE STRUGGLING ON LOW INCOME?

The Government believe that there are over 800,000 pensioners who are entitled to Pension Credit but who are not claiming it! Pension Credit is considered a passport benefit, which means if you receive it, you might be eligible to receive other benefits and discounts.

Important to note - you can have savings of up to and over £10,000 and still claim pension credit (if your actual income is low).
You can check your possible entitlement via the following tools:
https://www.entitledto.co.uk/
and
https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator

Here is further information and advice:
https://www.gov.uk/cost-of-living/60-or-over
https://www.gov.uk/cost-of-living/bills-housing-health
https://www.gov.uk/cost-of-living/disabled-or-health-condition
https://www.southhams.gov.uk/support-directory

APPLYING FOR PENSION CREDIT?
You can either apply online here https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim, or you can contact the pension credit claim line as follows (please be aware that some support may be needed):
Pension Credit claim line
Telephone: 0800 99 1234
Textphone: 0800 169 0133
Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 99 1234
British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service if you’re on a computer - find out how to use the service on mobile or tablet, from the ‘how to claim’ information page.
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm

Further support may be available for those who cannot claim pension credit, but who are struggling on low income from the Household Support Fund.
Applications can be made in October 2024, when further details will be released.
Applications are made online or through a trusted partner.

The Household Support Fund is available to provide rapid short-term financial support to meet immediate needs and help those who are struggling to afford food, energy and water bills, and other related essentials this year. Contact telephone number for South Hams District Council: 01803 861234, or go online at:

https://www.southhams.gov.uk/benefits-and-support/other-available-support/household-support-fund

Advice For Print Out (pdf)

South Hams Community Action

16th October 2024

SHCA - Report Into Social Isolation and Loneliness In the South Hams

South Hams Community Action has been undertaking an initial survey across the district to look at loneliness and isolation and also exploring the barriers to joining community activities and hobbies. They have also reviewed the types of activities people might like to see in their communities.
This report was undertaking over four months and is the first phase in understanding the needs of lonely and socially isolated residents in the South Hams.
Although not directly related to dementia the issues raised in the report highlight the same problems and concerns for people living with a diagnosis of dementia and the families and carers. Many suffer social isolation and loneliness, hence the need to work towards dementia friendly communities to support not just people living with dementia but all people in our communities no matter how small who maybe lonely and socially isolated. For communities to flourish residents need to respect and support each other.
Find out more about South Hams Community Action by going to their website.

Social Isolation And Loneliness In The South Hams (pdf)

South Hams Community Action

22nd May 2024

Dementia Action Week - Combined Stand At The Watermark Ivybridge

As part of the Alzheimer's Society Dementia Action Week and in agreement with the library at the Watermark Centre in Ivybridge both the Four Rivers Dementia Alliance and Dementia Friendly Parishes Around The Yealm shared a combined presentation stall highlighting what is possible and what can be done in order to build dementia friendly communities in the South Hams area.
Dementia Friendly Parishes Around the Yealm are a prime example of what can be done even in the smallest of communities and in local communities working together to ensure that people living with dementia are considered and included within the daily life of a community. The Four Rivers Dementia Alliance wants to spread the idea of dementia friendly communities and support communities in investing to become dementia friendly but also appreciating that all communities are different. Our rational is to promote inclusivity, reduce isolation and reduce the stigma around dementia in all it's forms. Simple ideas and small steps can make a big difference to people living with dementia, their families and their carers. Hopefully, our combined effort gave food to thought for those who stopped by and spent a moment or two at our stall.

The Combined Display At The Watermark (pdf)

15th May 2024

Alzheimer's Society - Dementia Action Week

Dementia Action Week is an awareness raising campaign. Each year, the Alzheimer's Society works with individuals and organisations across the UK to encourage people to act on dementia. This year’s Dementia Action Week runs from the 13th to 19th May.
The aim of the action week is to ensure everyone understands that one third of people living with dementia do not have a diagnosis and that thousands of people across the UK are living without the care and support they need to live their lives. The focus will be on highlighting the benefits of receiving a diagnosis, the impact of delayed diagnosis and why this is such an urgent matter that needs fixing now and helps avoid moments of crisis.
As part of the Dementia Action Week, the Four Rivers Dementia Alliance and Dementia Friendly Parishes Around The Yealm will have a joint display in the Watermark Library in Ivybridge. Please come along and learn about living with dementia both as a individual but also as a person living in a community.

Alzheimer's Society - Dementia Action Poster (pdf)

Alzheimer's Society - Dementia Action Week - How To Get Involved

2nd May 2024

Dementia Action Week 2024 - Dementia Friendly Parishes Around The Yealm

Dementia Friendly Parishes Around The Yealm are holding a free information day on Wednesday 15th May as part of Dementia Friendly Action Week 2024.

The event is from 2:15pm until 4:45pm at Yealmpton Community Centre, Stray Park, Yealmpton PL8 2HF.

The afternoon itinerary as scheduled is:

2:15-3pm:
A light-hearted talk on wills and lasting power of attorney issues by Sam Buckthought from Wolferstans Solicitors.
3-3:15pm:
Refreshment Break.
3:15-4:45pm:
Dementia awareness information session led by Claire Puckey (Community Development Lead, Dementia Friendly Parishes Around the Yealm).

Please come and join Dementia Friendly Parishes for all or part of this interactive and informative afternoon event. No need to book, just turn up on the day -Everyone welcome!

For more details, please contact: info@dementiayealm.org or Tel: 07450206312

DEMENTIA ACTION WEEK 2024 FREE COMMUNITY INFORMATION EVENT (pdf)

Dementia Friendly Parishes Around The Yealm

28th April 2024

Lucy's Hilly Half-Marathon For South Brent & District Caring

South Brent & District Caring need to raise a lot of money each year to keep providing the many services they provide for our local clients in the South Brent, Rattery North Huish and Diptford parishes.

As part of the fund raising efforts Lucy Jonas is running a half marathon (13.1 miles) around the parishes and it will be very, very hilly!

The half marathon is scheduled for Tuesday 14th May and there are three fundraising coffee morning along the route. They are at Rattery and Diptford Parish halls (both starting at 10:00 am) and Avonwick Tennis Club (starting at 11:30 am). All three coffee mornings will be attended by team members from South Brent & District Caring, including Lucy!

The attached poster has a 'SCAN ME' for Crowdfunder, if you would like to make a donation to Lucy's forthcoming challenge.

Lucy's Half Marathon - Donate Here! (pdf)

South Brent & District Caring

25th April 2024

South Brent and District Caring - Winter Warm Room 2024

South Brent and District Caring are offering their Winter Warm Room at the South Brent Hub for 2024.

The Hub is open with a volunteer present or on-call Mon-Fri 9.30am-12.30pm. They offer a welcoming space for anyone, to chat, play a game, get support or advice, or help to find out who they need to speak to.

If you are living in South Brent or the surrounding communities of Avonwick, North Huish, Diptford and Rattery and you or a loved one is in need of support and would like further information on the Winter Warm Room or other services offered please call South Brent and District Caring on 01364 700282.

South Brent Warm Space At The Hub (pdf)

South Brent and District Caring

23rd April 2024

An Evening Of Music - Raising Funds For Dementia Friendly Parishes Around The Yealm

On Friday 9th February at Holy Cross Church in Newton Ferrers, 'Dementia Friendly Parishes around the Yealm' are hosting an evening of classical songs and well-known show-tunes in order to raise funds for their ongoing work in the five parishes.
Young singer Annabel Kennedy who is a Mezzo Soprano will be accompanied on the piano by David Green.
The price of the ticket at £10 (£5 for under 18's) includes refreshments and a donation to 'Dementia Friendly Parishes around the Yealm'. The performance starts at 7:00pm.
Tickets can be purchased at TUBBS PHARMACY LTD in Newton Ferrers or by telephoning ADRIENNE ON 01752 872059.
Please come along and support both the performers, the community and the work of Dementia Friendly Parishes around the Yealm!

Poster For The Concert At Holy Cross Church Newton Ferrers (pdf)

Dementia Friendly Parishes Around The Yealm

1st February 2024