Reflections is a free support group in Redcar for anyone living, or caring for someone, with dementia. They are currently appealing for new members to come along for a visit and see if they can benefit from the support the group can offer.
Reflections runs weekly in Redcar. The group is run by volunteers Carole and Norma, who give everyone a warm welcome and a listening ear.
The support group is a project of Footprints in the Community, a local umbrella charity which runs a number of projects dedicated to reducing poverty and isolation in Redcar and surrounding areas. Footprints in the Community is a ‘Dementia Friendly’ charity. As part of this commitment, Footprints launched Reflections in August 2018. They also encourage their staff and volunteers to sign-up to become a ‘Dementia Friend’, an initiative of the Alzheimer’s Society.
According to the Alzheimer’s Society there are about 900,000 people currently living with dementia in the UK and this is expected to reach 1.6million by 2040. 1 in 6 people over the age of 80 are living with dementia. A lot of the responsibility for care falls to family and friends, who can feel isolated and unsupported. Reflections is an informal and inclusive group, where anyone affected by dementia can come along for a chat over a cuppa, in a calm and supportive atmosphere.
Reflections has been temporarily paused during the Covid pandemic, but has slowly reopened and is now ready to welcome new members.
Reflections Project Manager Carole, said, ‘As part of Footprints in the Community, our Reflections Dementia Support Group is just one of the ways we are supporting people in Redcar and surrounding areas. We would love to welcome anyone who is living with dementia to grow our group and let us know how we can help’.
For more information on Reflections, or to arrange a visit, telephone the Footprints’ office on 01642 484842 or email reflections@footprintsinthecommunity.co.uk
