Dementia careinthe spotlight

Dementia workshops for family carers and volunteers are being offered at Stirling University.

The free four-hour workshops, which are run by the Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC), cover aspects of dementia care that many people find difficult, and provide practical solutions.

They are aimed at family carers and volunteers who care for or support someone with a diagnosis of dementia.

Sue Lavery, who cared for her mother Anne, attended the first workshop in October.

“Before mum died, she had issues that caused her distress and she wanted me to continue to be her voice with a view to helping others,” she said.

“Remembering her in bed with very little ability to speak, if I had not been there to find out what support was out there, mum would have become one of the hidden individuals in the community.

“The workshop gave me a very good knowledge about what community support is available in Stirling.

“It also allowed carers to share and reflect on their experiences, and see things from the perspective of someone with dementia by giving them an understanding of what life is like when you have dementia.”

The DSDC has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise £15,000 to enable it to continue the workshops until November 2018, as well as create an online hub of information.

The money will also fund an advisory group of people living with dementia to help shape future services.

For more information about the workshops and to book your place, telephone DSDC on 01786 467740 or email dementia@stir.ac.uk.

To donate to the Crowdfunding Campaign visit: http://www. crowdfunder.co.uk/dementiaeducation