Vandals hit charity
A charity for people with dementia has fallen victim to a vandalism attack this week and has spoken about the impact is has had.
Vandals smashed windows at a dementia support centre in Tangmere last week.
A spokesman said staff at the charity were ‘absolutely gutted’ after a group reportedly threw ‘hefty’ rocks into Dementia Support’s Sage House in City Fields Way, Tangmere in the early hours of Thursday (October 15).
Part of the building now cannot be used for delivering vital dementia services until repairs have been completed, a spokesman for the charity said.
Debris found at the scene included large rocks and stones that had been thrown at the windows, smashing two of them.
“The affected room is in permanent use by the charity’s Wayfinding Service, which helps and supports anyone affected by dementia with advice, information and emotional support.
Sally Tabbner, Dementia Support chief executive, said: “During lockdown, our customers missed vital face-to-face support. Some of the situations they faced
whilst shielding were truly frightening for them and they have been desperate for our services to return so that they can get the support that they need.
“We know how much anxiety this has caused to everyone but particularly to those caring for loved ones at home with a dementia. In the past two months we have been able to re-start this service in person, which has provided so much benefit and reassurance to people. Now, however, through these mindless acts we are not able to use this room to provide such vital services for those living with dementia,
bringing detrimental affect to their health and well being.”
The charity is now left with the costs and lost time to repair the damage.
A spokeman for Sussex Police said: “Around 12.30am on Thursday, October 15, a report was received of youths throwing stones at the windows of Sage House at the City Fields Business Park in Tangmere.
“A window was smashed, but there are no indications that an attempt was made to gain entry.
“Anyone with information about the incident is asked to report online or call 101 quoting serial 19 of 15/10.”