Hawker

Describes a support group where family carers new to the challenges of dementia can learn more without loosing their privacy. 'One Day at a Time' is a series of monthly talks run by the Dementia Development Team within social services in Kensington and Chelsea who want to develop their understanding and knowledge of dementia, without disclosing all in an emotional support group.

Chreanne Montgomery-Smith tells the story of ‘Singing for the brain’, a music programme for people with dementia and their carers.

Ian James, Ian Powell and Katharina Reichelt describe how they encourage carers to monitor their own thoughts as a way of understanding the strong emotions they experience. This knowledge can then help carers to find better strategies for coping with difficult caring situations

Ealing, London: Francis English describes two new videos produced by Alzheimer’s Concern Ealing to support people with dementia and carers from ethnic minority groups

The author describes carer information groups developed and run by Stockport Dementia Care Training, and the research undertaken to evaluate their effects.

Penny Redwood, Diana Robinson and Jane Price describe the development of a dementia cafe in Leeds – a meeting place where people with dementia and their carers can spend an enjoyable time, share problems and obtain information and support

The author, a community mental health nurse, describes the setting up of a dementia cafe in a rural area. Some of the aims and objectives of the cafe were to provide social opportunities for those living with dementia and their carers; provide activities to stimulate memories of those living with dementia; provide an opportunity for carers to share problems. Challenges and future changes are also discussed.

Looks at how health professionals, social services and the voluntary sector are all working together to support people with dementia and their carers at the Petersfield Centre in Harold Hill in north-east London.

Describes the process and outcomes of developing a carers' training and education programme, for carers of people with dementia, using a partnership approach.

The author describes a mobile library service in North Bedfordshire, which takes equipment to older people with dementia and also provides support for them and their carers. The equipment provided includes the areas of hobbies and leisure, reminiscence; arts and craft and sensory resources activities.