MCST Service of the month
Published on 06 September 2023 01:53 PM
Celebrating our first year of MCST
The MCST programme has now been running in the Wakefield District for a year and we are thrilled to say that the service will continue!
MCST stands for Maintenance Cognitive Stimulation Therapy and is a programme for people with mild to moderate dementia. The sessions run weekly at venues across the district, with a different theme each week and a variety of activities.
There are 18 key principles regarding delivering MCST, these include:
- Mental stimulation
- New ideas, thoughts and associations
- Opinions rather than facts
- Maximising potential
- Person centred
- Fun
It is always heart-warming to see the groups bond over the sessions and wonderful when people stay in touch at the end of the programme to continue the friendships and support that they have gained.
The best way for us to talk about and celebrate MCST and what being part of the group means, is to look at the feedback our previous group members have given:
“I looked forward to going, I felt positive when I got there. It’s reassuring that you’re not the only one. I’ve formed nice friendships with others.” - Group member
“It’s been a big help. I looked forward to coming to the sessions, everyone was friendly” - Group member
“Meeting likewise people and being able to discuss the problems our partners were experiencing and gaining knowledge of how to get help for their needs. You realised you weren’t alone.” - Carer
“I’d whole heartedly recommend the group. No matter how reticent prospective clients are in joining the group I would say ‘Just give it a go’. The people are so friendly and the activities are stimulating and enjoyable.” - Carer
We have thoroughly enjoyed getting this service up and running over the past year, and to be able to continue supporting people in the district to live well with dementia. If you or a loved one would be interested in joining an MCST session and would like to find out more information, then get in touch with us via phone 01977 552114 or email mcst@ageukwd.org.uk or have a look at the MCST webpage
“For me it was meeting a group of people that had empathy, not sympathy”