Carers invited to ‘walk in their shoes’ at immersive dementia awareness experience in Whitehaven

NHS services in West Cumbria are holding events to mark Dementia Action Week (18-24 May) to raise awareness and improve the lives of people affected by dementia. The team will also be fundraising to support the service’s work.

On 22^nd May, a ‘Virtual Dementia Tour’ at Hope Haven in Whitehaven will give carers the chance to ‘walk in the shoes’ of those they support. People will be able to visit an immersive experience simulating the physical and cognitive challenges faced by people living with dementia.

The Virtual Dementia Tour will be open from 10am to 4pm on Friday 22^nd May outside Hope Haven, 40 King Street, Whitehaven. The experience is free, and there is no need to book. There will also be a performance by Discord: The Wellbeing Choir at 12pm.

More information and special dementia-themed activities will be on offer at Hope Haven throughout May.

The NHS has also teamed up with yoga instructors, musicians and charities to offer a range of activities including yoga, dance classes, and information sessions across other venues in West Cumbria. (People can visit Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW) website to find details of these events.)

Jenny Harper, a Registered Nurse Degree Apprentice in the Memory and Later Life team at CNTW, said: “Our aim is to help more people understand dementia, empathise with people affected by it, reduce the stigma, and help people recognise the symptoms of dementia earlier.

“We hope these sessions will also remind people of the support available for people with dementia – and for their families. It’s important that carers can access support early and look after their own wellbeing too.”

The Memory and Later Life service is provided throughout West Cumbria by CNTW. They support older adults facing memory loss and mental health challenges, as well as the families who care for them. The team offer assessment and a range of evidence-based treatments depending upon someone’s circumstances. They also offer activities to help people maintain their skills and independence, and connect with others – reducing isolation and boosting people’s wellbeing.

The team’s Dementia Action Week events have been funded by CNTW Charity.

The team will also be fundraising for the Memory and Later Life fund, part of CNTW Charity, to support their work. Funds raised will go towards materials and resources for activities, wellbeing sessions, and groups.

“Every donation, no matter how small, will help enhance care and independence for the people we support,” says Jenny.

People can donate to the team’s fundraiser here: Memory and Later Life Services fundraiser – JustGiving