A diamond club for dementia sufferers
It's a social club – but with a difference.
For the members of Age UK's Diamond Drop-In Centres are all victims of dementia – either patients or their carers.
Dementia already affects 6,500 people in the county aged over 65, and that's a figure set to rise.
It is estimated that by 2021 more than one million people aged over 65 in Britain will have the condition. Its victims often report feeling lonely and isolated.
Carers can find themselves losing touch with their hobbies and friends, adding to the feeling of being alone.
To help, Age UK Shropshire,Telford & Wrekin has set up a number of Diamond Drop-In Centres across the county for people to meet and have a break once a month.
The latest centre opened in Wellington, and it has proved a real boost for its users.
"It's good to speak to people going through the same thing because sometimes you feel so cut off," said one carer who did not wish to be named.
Lyn Suddes, who runs the Wellington drop-in centre and works for the NHS Telford & Wrekin Clinical Commissioning Group, said: "The sessions provide members who have dementia and their carers with support and information and an opportunity to take part in interesting activities, reminiscence sessions, the opportunity to socialise with others in similar situations but more importantly have fun.
"I personally have gained a lot of knowledge and skills out of the sessions over the years and it's very rewarding to see our members laugh, sing and take part in every thing we do."
Age UK Shropshire,Telford & Wrekin runs centres in Shrewsbury, Telford and Oswestry.
In 2014-15 more than 1,814 visitors attended 123 drop-in sessions. And it's highly likely that the charity will have to put on more over the coming years.
According to the charity's figures, more than seven per cent of people aged 65 years and over in Shropshire currently have dementia.
Around 8.5 per cent of women in that age group have been affected, compared to 5.5 per cent of men.
The numbers are set to increase to 7.5 per cent of the population aged over 65 by 2021.
As a result more and more people will be in need of the help provided by the drop-in centres.
Heather Osborne, chief executive of Age UK Shropshire,Telford & Wrekin, said: "We are very proud to have our Diamond Drop-Ins around the county.
"Living with dementia touches the lives of over 6,000 people in Shropshire and the people who care for them and we want our Diamond Drop-In centres to put a little sparkle back into their lives."
And that seems to be working. As one carer put it: "The drop-in centre has been a real boon to me personally as it helps me cope as a carer and my husband gets such a great deal out of it, too. It's like a very good social club."
l The group in Wellington runs on the last Wednesday afternoon of every month at the Sir John Bailey Club, and there is a charge of £3 per person. For more information or to book a place call (01952) 201803 or email lyn.suddes@ageukstw.org.uk
Contact Age UK STW's offices in Shrewsbury on (01743) 233123 or Telford on (01952) 201803.
