Local dementia specialists, Belong Newcastle-under-Lyme, are marking the the return of Dementia Action Week by encouraging the uptake of support options available to local people.

Care village operator, Belong, has explained that engaging with community networks, being socially active, and accessing expert guidance are the cornerstones of caring for loved ones with dementia.

Statistics from Alzheimer's Society reveal there are around 1.8 million people providing some form of care for people with dementia in England.

On average, these unpaid carers are spending about four working days a week (28.5 hours) providing essential practical and emotional support.

Age UK revealed that a staggering one third of the total are providing more than 100 care hours weekly.

Josephine Mollison, general manager at Belong Newcastle-under-Lyme, comments: "In our experience, there are many, many families in the community muddling through the complexities of supporting a loved one with dementia.

!It can feel incredibly isolating and lonely, but our message is that you don't have to go at it alone.

Notably, its monthly B's Cafe, a memory cafe offering complimentary coffee and conversation, provides both vital respite and social connection for carers, meanwhile loved ones can enjoy an activity offering meaningful engagement.

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The sessions enable access to Belong's Admiral Nurses, a service offered in partnership with charity Dementia UK, which helps through advice and signposting. For example, assisting with arranging assessments with healthcare professionals, sitting in on social services meetings, or advising how to secure finance.

More information about Belong Newcastle-under-Lyme can be found at the website here or by emailing [email protected]

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