A new charity, set up by local people, will support Islanders living with dementia and their families.
Dementia Support Hampshire & IOW will provide free emotional support and information to anyone and everyone living with dementia across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Charity director, Helen Hamblen says:
“We know from first-hand experience the emotional impact a dementia diagnosis has on patients, families, and caregivers.
"Common feelings during this life-changing experience can include anxiety, distress, and depression, not just for the person that has dementia but for the whole family.
"Families and friends provide most of the care for people with dementia and it is vital that everyone living with dementia receives the help and support they need to maximise their health and wellbeing.”
Hampshire is one of the top five UK areas with the highest incidence of dementia, with over 24,000 people in the county being diagnosed with dementia in 2020. (ARUK)
By 2025, one million people in the UK will have dementia, and this will increase to two million by 2050.
The new charity will provide a helpline to those who need it, which is available from 8am-6pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).
Anyone struggling with their emotions due to a new diagnosis or because they are feeling overwhelmed with their caring responsibilities is invited to call and chat with a member of staff or volunteer that will be on hand with a listening ear.
People can also phone if they are struggling to find information about dementia, and pathways for diagnosis, treatment, or care.
A website is also being launched this week, with information about dementia, dementia pathways, finance and benefits, memory and living aids, as well as details about support groups and social events across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. See www.mydementiasupport.org
Helen Hamblen says:
“Support for people living with dementia is hard to find, and at a time when your whole world is upside down and you are dealing with the emotional impact that dementia brings, the last thing you need is to have to search tirelessly for support near to where you live.
"The national charities are great, but face-to-face support and local knowledge is what you need at times like this. We know how exhausting living with dementia can be, that’s why we’ve created this charity, to help make things just that little bit easier.
“We host our own support and social groups and also work with other voluntary organisations across the region so that we can provide information about all the support and social events available in our local communities.”
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