Alzheimer’s Society
Welcome to Alzheimer’s Society County Durham’s Newsletter.
We would like to wish everyone a Happy Christmas and all the best for 2024!
Thank you for your help in ensuring people affected by dementia in County Durham
continue to access vital support!
Dementia Advice and Support Service
Alzheimer’s Society are commissioned by Durham County Council to deliver the Dementia Advice and Support Service in County Durham. The Dementia Advice and Support Service is the point of contact in County Durham for anyone affected by dementia. This includes people worried about their memory, people with or waiting for a diagnosis of dementia, carers and families. We offer information and practical guidance to help you understand the condition, cope with day-to-day challenges and prepare for the future. We will work with you when you need us, listening to you and offering tailored information and advice so you can consider your options. We empower people to maintain independence and stay active for as long as possible. We link people up with local professionals and services and collaborate with other agencies to ensure people with dementia have their voices heard. Information, advice and support can be provided by telephone, video call, email, post and home visits. We aim to support you at the right time, in the right way, throughout your journey.
♫ Please join us for Singing for the Brain in Spennymoor. These sessions take place on the first Friday of the month.
This event is booking only therefore please call our local team on 0191 389 0400 to book.
The next session is Friday 5th January 2024 from 1.30pm - 2.30pm. ♫
Young Onset Dementia Voice Group
Our Dementia Voice group for people with young onset dementia is held on the third Thursday (please note change of
day) of each month 11am – 12.30pm at St Stephens Community Centre in South Stanley. If you know of anyone who
would like to attend, please call us on 0191 389 0400. The next session is Thursday 21st
December 2023 and booking is required.
We are happy to attend team meetings to talk about our services, deliver Dementia Friends sessions and raise awareness of dementia in County Durham. Please feel free to contact us to arrange a talk.
Please see below our Dementia Advisers by area
Durham Dales:
Gavin Lee – gavin.lee@alzheimers.org.uk
Sharon Simms – sharon.simms@alzheimers.org.uk
Derwentside:
Deborah Waterson – deborah.waterson@alzheimers.org.uk
Kim Wallace – kim.wallace@alzheimers.org.uk
Durham & Chester Le Street:
Claire Burnley – claire.burnley@alzheimers.org.uk
Sue Burbage – sue.burbage@alzheimers.org.uk
East Durham:
David Matthews – david.matthews@alzheimers.org.uk
Mel Hopkins – mel.hopkins@alzheimers.org.uk
Sedgefield:
Emma Brown – emma.brown@alzheimers.org.uk
Penny Martin – penelope.martin@alzheimers.org.uk
We are pleased to announce our new, specialist, Dementia Advisers:
Young Onset Dementia Adviser (supporting people affected by dementia age 65 and under)
Alice Mercer – alice.mercer@alzheimers.org.uk
Veterans Dementia Adviser (supporting people affected by dementia who have served in the Armed Forces)
Laura Collier-Phillipson – laura.collier-phillipson@alzheimers.org.uk
Prison Dementia Adviser (supporting people affected by dementia living in County Durham prisons)
Penny Martin – penelope.martin@alzheimers.org.uk
Support people with dementia this Christmas. To find out more please visit 12 Days of Christmas Appeal | Alzheimer's Society (alzheimers.org.uk)
The Dementia Advice & Support service accepts all professional and self- referrals. Professional referrals: Please refer by completing and sending the attached referral form to durhamandchester@alzheimers.org.uk Self-referrals: Please call 0191 389 0400 (leave your name and number and we will return your call) or email durhamandchester@alzheimers.org.uk To subscribe to this newsletter, please email durhamandchester@alzheimers.org.uk.