Celebrating Dementia Action Week

Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin marked this year’s Dementia Action Week with two picnics for older people living with dementia and their carers.

We held two socially distanced picnics, each with a small gathering of members from our dementia support groups. Adhering to the Government guidelines to ensure it was Covid-19 safe, the staff and volunteers at Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin were thrilled to see their clients again, over 14 months since the dementia support groups last met.

On Monday 17 May, a picnic took place at Shelton Cricket Club in Shrewsbury and on Tuesday 18 May at Dale End Park in Ironbridge. Entertainment was provided by local musician Adrian Plant.

Emma Wilde, Senior Day Services Coordinator at Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin said: ‘This was an opportunity for us to mark Dementia Action Week and the important work we do to help people living with dementia, but also the vital support we provide to carers. It was a delight to see everyone again after such a long time, many of our clients said how much they had missed seeing each other.’

‘Our dementia support staff and volunteers have kept in touch by telephone and via Zoom during the pandemic but it really can’t replace the importance of face to face interaction for someone who has dementia. Even though we were only able to have a picnic with a handful of clients, I know how positive the experience will have been for those who attended.’

Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin would like to thank Shelton Cricket Club for allowing us to use their venue, Adrian Plant for providing the entertainment and the Prevention Team at Shropshire Fire and Rescue for giving a talk about fire safety.

For more information about Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin dementia support services call 01743 233 123 or email enquiries@ageukstw.org.uk