Monday, October 1, 2012
10:31 AM

Three Suffolk charities have joined together to provide support to people affected by Alzheimer’s disease or any form of dementia.

Age UK Suffolk, Sue Ryder and Suffolk Family Carers have formed The Dementia Partnership for Suffolk to offer a dedicated dementia helpline, a team of advisors and community support projects in the county.

Seven advisors have been recruited to support people diagnosed with dementia, as well as their families, through home visits and telephone contact. Community support projects are to be developed within the county and the helpline is designed to provide support and information, from 9am-5pm on  01473 353350 .

Suffolk County Council made funding available to set up the specialist team of services after predictions that the number of people affected by dementia in the county was due to rise by 65pc in those aged 65 and over between 2008 and 2025.

Colin Noble, cabinet member for health and adult care at Suffolk County Council, said: “By working with our colleagues in these local charities and providing the funding, we are ensuring the support is available to those who most need it.”

Jo Marshall, business development manager at Sue Ryder, said: “Generally dementia is still not greatly understood; there is stigma and myths surrounding the condition and people are often very scared when faced with the possibility that they or a loved one may have the condition.

“Raising awareness and providing information early on can help people seek help sooner, and although there are many challenges people and family carers face living with dementia, there is also a lot that can be done to support people to continue to have a good quality of life.

“Through these new services we hope we can encourage people in Suffolk to get the right help and support they need and to do this sooner.”

To volunteer, contact  01473 295200  or dementiapartnership@gmail.com

http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/health/