People with dementia and their family carers in Warminster have been invited to join a new weekly social group.
Warminster Memory Group, run by Alzheimer’s Support, will meet in the foyer at Christ Church on Tuesday afternoons from the end of April.
Local residents Graham and Alwyn Harris have already signed up to the new group. The pair previously took part in Alzheimer’s Support’s Warminster art group.
Graham said, “We are on a learning curve after Alwyn was diagnosed with cerebral dementia, and are finding ways to help her deal with her dementia. In this situation, you tend to spend a lot of time on your own, together, and we are looking for avenues to stimulate our minds, particularly for Alwyn but also for me.
“We enjoy the art group and the new memory group sounds really good too. Alwyn is looking for companionship and I want to meet other carers. I go to Alzheimer’s Support’s carers lunch once a month which is quite nice but this is something we can do together, and it is local for us.”
The first and third weeks of the Warminster Memory Group each month will feature a memory cafe with entertainment, refreshments and the chance to seek informal support from dementia advisers.
Meanwhile the second Tuesday of the month will surround a Music for the Mind dementia choir. And on the fourth Tuesday of each month, the group will run gentle exercise session ‘Movement for the Mind.’
Community services coordinator Cathy Lawrence said, “People can come along every week or just come to the activities they enjoy most. It’s a chance to socialise and spend some time as a couple, or with a companion, with others in a similar situation. We know from our other groups how much people value the chance to be together with others in a supportive social setting.
“Our groups are relaxed and fun, with lots of chat and laughter conversation and it’s lovely to see friendships forming. We always start with refreshments and a catch-up.
If people have questions or just want to offload a bit, then there are people on hand to talk to.”
Warminster Memory Group starts Tuesday 29th April. To book a place or find out more, call Cathy on 01985 624005 or book online at www.alzheimerswiltshire.org.uk
Pictured: Alwyn and Graham Harris look forward to attending the Warminster Memory Group
