The event provided information and support from 20 information stalls and health care professionals to over 50 carers who attended the event. Carers and delegates had the opportunity to attend a number of workshops throughout the day hosted by Memory Assessment Team; Warwickshire County Council Strategy and Commissioning Team; University of Warwick Care Companion initiative as well as appointments with Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Care Navigator Service for one to one support.

The most fun and memorable  part of the day for many was the ‘Love to Move’ seated exercises led by Think Active which brought professionals, carers and those living with dementia together for hand, eye co-ordination exercises which though challenging brought smiles and laughter to everyone’s face.

For anyone who attended with their loved ones living with dementia, caring support was provided by Appoint Us, Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and Age UK who arranged activities including craft, therapy pets and music for those living with dementia. Carers were free to seek specialist advice and meet other carers, sharing stories over a cup of tea and refreshments.

The event was opened by Councillor Bill Gifford, The Mayor of Royal Leamington Spa. In his address Cllr Gifford praised those working to provide vital support services around dementia care and helping to make communities more dementia aware, a theme he will continue to focus on throughout his mayoral year.

Warwickshire County Council portfolio holder for adult social care and health, Councillor Caborn, added: “Warwickshire County Council is dedicated to supporting those living with dementia and as such, has developed Warwickshire's Living Well with Dementia Strategy. The views, opinions and suggestions of people living with dementia, carers and professionals will support the development of the refreshed strategy and help shape the dementia services and support available.”

Warwick District Council’s portfolio holder for Health and Community Protection, Councillor Judy Falp added:

“The Council is very pleased to support this important annual event and is encouraged that it is so well attended by those living with dementia and the people in our community who are working so hard to offer support. I very much hope that these events will leave a lasting legacy all those in our district who are affected by this terrible condition.”

The event was organised by Warwick District & environs Dementia Support Network led by The Pam Britton Trust for Dementia with support from Warwickshire Community & Voluntary Activity (WCAVA), Warwickshire County Council, Locality Team and Warwick District Council, Community Partnership Team.

For more information about local dementia support service, please contact The Pam Britton Trust for Dementia:

• Email: contact@pbrittontrustfordementia.org.uk
• Website: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/dementia