Friends like these!

DEMENTIA is a terrible condition that has an impact on so many lives.

But the Side-by-Side Memory Support Groups in Kirkburton, Kirkheaton and Meltham are doing brilliant work to support people with mild to moderate dementia.

They have been set up by Jean Fry and give people the chance to meet up, share stories, reminisce and do activities such as quizzes, singing and crafts – and the Kirkheaton group even provides a hot lunch.

Jean, 70, of Almondbury, set up Kirkburton five years ago and the other two around three years ago and is now only involved with the Kirkheaton group.

She said: “It’s all about conversation, stimulation and inclusion and the ideal number for each group is eight people. Any more than 10 and people feel lost.”

Her grandmother had dementia and her mother-in-law Alzheimer’s so she has seen firsthand how it can affect families.

She joined the Alzheimer’s Society in 1996 and quickly realised there was a gap in the care for people in the early stages of the condition which she has tried to fill with the memory groups. This year the Kirkheaton group has been funded by Comic Relief.

“It’s all about the emotional wellbeing of people,” she said. “The groups help to lift people out of anxiety and depression. It means they have better mental health and it can help them to stay in their own homes.”

She has been nominated by Caroline Lee, who said: “When someone is diagnosed with dementia there are often several years of independent living before the disease advances.

“However, the emotional impact of dementia starts with the diagnosis which can make people become fearful, lose confidence and become isolated. These weekly groups help to diminish that impact and support people to live well with dementia.”

Caroline added: “Over the past two years I have witnessed what a fantastic impact the Side-by-Side group in Kirkheaton has had on my mum-in-law’s wellbeing.

“She has always enjoyed the companionship and support of other members of the group. It has helped her to feel much less isolated to be among friends and to have a level of independence despite her memory problems.

“Dementia is an extremely frightening and debilitating disease and one that many people are reluctant to acknowledge.

“Often symptoms are ignored for as long as possible and this is another reason why I feel it is important to highlight what a difference being involved in the Side-by-Side group can make to people with mild to moderate dementia.

“In addition to supporting group members, Jean is also extremely supportive of their carers.

“She is always happy to take your phone call at any time and provides a listening ear, advice, understanding and, most of all, compassion, helping carers to cope with the changes in their loved one’s behaviour.”

Jean, a retired teacher, has two daughters and four grandsons.