Joining forces for people living with dementia

A new partnership between Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin and Shrewsbury Dial-a-Ride is helping a group of older people living with dementia to stay socially connected and supported.

On 1 October, the International Day of Older Persons, the two local organisations are highlighting the difference that community partnerships can make to older people living with dementia and the families who care for them.

Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin has joined forces with Shrewsbury Dial-a-Ride to provide a safe, reliable and friendly transport service for a group of men who attend and enjoy the charity’s dementia respite service at Withywood in Shrewsbury.

The men, who have formed a firm friendship at Withywood through their shared love of music, will now travel together to and from the service. They have been affectionately dubbed “the rock band” and their weekly journeys are now an important part of their social connection and enjoyment.

Emma Wilde from Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin said: “This new partnership makes such a difference to the carers, the passengers and the staff at our charity as it gives everyone more time, convenience and security. We offer very person-centred care and providing a safe and reliable form of transport to and from the venue is an important part of that service.”

Supporting people living with dementia and their carers

Based in the peaceful and comfortable setting of Withywood, Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin’s dementia respite service runs every Monday from 10.00am to 4.00pm.

The service offers a welcoming, engaging and supportive environment for people living with dementia, while giving their carers valuable time to rest, recharge or attend to everyday tasks with peace of mind. For many carers, taking a break can feel difficult. The charity understands how important trust and reassurance are when seeking external support for a loved one with dementia.

The addition of dedicated community transport is helping extend that person-centred approach beyond the doors of Withywood.

More than a journey from A to B

For Shrewsbury Dial-a-Ride, the partnership is about much more than transportation.

Neil Langford, Chief Officer at Shrewsbury Dial-a-Ride, said: “We’re really pleased that we’ve been able to make this work. Community transport is about much more than simply getting someone from A to B. It’s about helping people stay connected, continue doing the things they enjoy and, wherever we can, making life a little easier for their families and carers too.”

“We know how important that extra bit of support and reassurance can be, particularly for someone caring for a person living with dementia. If something as simple as providing a reliable and friendly journey home can make a difference, then that is exactly what we are here for.”

“It’s also a lovely example of what can be achieved when local organisations work together, and I’m very proud of our team at Shrewsbury Dial-a-Ride for helping to make it happen.”

For carers, knowing that their loved one can travel safely with familiar and friendly support can make a significant difference to their own time away from caring responsibilities.

Jan Gibb, whose husband Nick regularly attends the dementia respite service, said: “I was so relieved when Shrewsbury Dial-a-Ride announced they were putting on a return service from Withywood. It is so good to be able to relax knowing Nick will be brought home safely by people who care. It makes such a difference to my day of respite and Nick enjoys the ride home with friends, a big thank you to all who organise the service.”

Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin is encouraging anyone caring for a loved one with dementia to get in touch to find out more about the dementia respite service. To find out more or book a visit to Withywood with one of our dementia support workers, call 01743 233 123 or email enquiries@ageukstw.org.uk