Help shape the future of dementia support in Somerset

Age UK Somerset is calling on people living with dementia, carers, professionals and community organisations to share their views and help shape the future of dementia support across Somerset.

The charity is developing its Dementia Wellbeing and Connection Programme, with an initial focus on the Sedgemoor area. The programme aims to improve wellbeing, reduce isolation and enable people living with dementia, and those who care for and support them, to stay connected within their communities.

Proposals include a Dementia Choir, providing a welcoming environment where people can enjoy music and social connection, alongside Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) group sessions.

The programme also proposes 1-to-1 home-based CST support for people who are unable to attend group sessions because of barriers including mobility, transport or rural isolation.

Transport provision is also being considered as part of the programme.

Understanding what communities need

For people affected by dementia, accessing suitable support is not always straightforward. This can be particularly challenging for people living in rural areas, where transport options and local services may be limited.

Age UK Somerset wants the development of its programme to be informed by people who have direct experience of these challenges.

A community survey has therefore been launched to gather feedback from people living with dementia, carers and family members, professionals supporting people affected by dementia, and voluntary and community organisations.

The responses will help Age UK Somerset understand what support people would find most useful, identify potential barriers to accessing it and shape the way services are developed.

Feedback gathered through the survey will also help strengthen funding applications needed to bring the proposed support to life.

Have your say

Anyone with relevant experience or knowledge is encouraged to complete the short survey.

Complete the Dementia Wellbeing and Connection Project Community Survey

Age UK Somerset is also encouraging people to share the survey with friends, family members, colleagues, professional networks and local organisations so that as wide a range of voices as possible can be heard.

By sharing their experiences and views, people across Somerset can play a direct role in shaping dementia support that responds to the needs of local communities.