‘It’s basically to showcase what we, and other charities and organisations, do,’ explained Julie Thompson, manager at Guernsey Alzheimer’s Association.
Those attending the drop-in had the opportunity to speak directly with representatives from those other charities and organisation, which included Admiral Nurse, Health Connections and Alzheimer’s society, and could also try out some of the sports activities the association hosts throughout the year.
Keith Hodder, who was brought down to the drop-in by his wife, spent his time making the most of the walking football, an activity offered by the charity that he has grown to very much enjoy over the six months he has been attending.
‘I think these sessions are very important. It gets me out and about and you don’t get bored down here. It’s all good fun,’ he said.
‘It means you’re not socially isolated. You’re not staying at home,’ added Mrs Thompson.
‘Everyone talks to each other here. They all know that they’ve got dementia and they support each other too. So it’s a great support network.’
She was also keen to stress the benefits of the activity sessions for careers too.
‘Every time we do an activity, the carers will come and they’ll have coffee together,’ she said.
‘It’s their time to offload. They come, they chat and they have respite for about an hour and a half. So, it’s peer support and it’s worked really, really well.’
Although simple in nature, she described the coffee meet-ups as ‘lifelines’ for those carers who attend.
‘It’s hard for them. It’s 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and respite is so important. That’s why we do it,’ she said.
Echoing that message was Beth Brouard, service manager of Carers Guernsey. The charity, which was present with a stall on the drop-in day, helps to make sure careers have all the practical and financial information they need, as well as emotional support.
‘It is really scary actually when someone gets diagnosed because there isn’t much information out and about for the carers. So it is really important,’ said Mrs Brouard.
‘We’re about giving carers a support plan for their needs and their care needs, and being very much around for them so that they don’t get burnout.’
She encouraged anyone who has found themselves in a position of care to reach out to her and her team at 07781 444 488.
Mrs Thompson also encouraged any carers or people with dementia to get in touch at 01481 245121 to join the Alzheimer’s Association’s activity sessions.
‘Alternatively, you can just turn up,’ she said.
‘You can live your best life with dementia. Don’t feel lonely.
Try and get involved with some groups, even if you’re not a group person. Come and enjoy it.’
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