SOUTH Gloucestershire residents will have the opportunity to find out more about dementia next month, at the Living Well with Dementia roadshow.
The event, which is free to attend, will take place at Baileys Court Activity Centre in Bradley Stoke on May 23, from 6pm until 8.30pm.
It is intended to provide people who have recently been diagnosed with dementia - and their family, carers and friends - with the information that is needed to understand the diagnosis, find out what support is available and learn how to live well with dementia.
Experts will be on hand to answer questions and attendees will be able to take home a handy guide to all of the relevant services and support that’s available.
Cllr Ben Stokes, cabinet member for adult care in South Gloucestershire, said: “A dementia diagnosis can leave the person with dementia and their family with lots of questions about what to expect and what they can do to plan for the future.
"These roadshows provide useful information to help answer these questions and provide reassurance that you’re not on your own.”
Dr David Soodeen, GP and clinical lead for mental health at Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire CCG, said: “People do not always experience dementia in the same way.
"We would encourage anyone who thinks they may have dementia to go to their GP as soon as possible.
"An early diagnosis means that we can start to help. As GPs, we can signpost to a wide range of support services in the community to improve quality of life.
“The roadshow event is designed to connect people with dementia and their families and friends with the services and support available.
"Finding the right support and meeting others going through a similar experience can make a huge difference, and this event will be a great way of achieving this.”
An attendee at a previous roadshow said: “The best part was being made aware that you are not alone.”
The Living Well with Dementia roadshow is free, but places should be booked in advance by using one of the following methods:
Book online at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bradley-stoke-living-well-with-dementia-roadshow-2018-registration-38403782748
Email cchengagement@southglos.gov.uk
Phone 01454 862356.
For more information and details of future roadshows visit www.southglos.gov.uk/dementia
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