Rotary Clubs - What you can do
In the West country, REPoD Rotarians have already started the ball rolling. Here are some of the things we have achieved so far - we can help you do the same in your area.
The REPoD information web site
As you can see the website signposts all the best sites for dementia information. It also offers a dedicated legal advice page and a downloadable Carers' Pathways booklet, which can be used in conjunction with a searchable database for local support information. However we can't populate the database without your help. For a handy guide take a look at the guide to helping with data collection.
Memory Cafés
We have been working with clubs around Devon and Cornwall, to set up and run or offer support to Memory Cafés from as far afield as the Isles of Scilly to Sidmouth. These cafés provide regular and informal sessions for people with dementia and their carers. Health and social care professionals are on hand to answer questions and offer advice, with volunteers providing entertainment and activities. Take a look at our Guide to Setting up a Memory Café. This autumn we will also be launching the first of a series of one day training sessions on how to run a Memory Café. Contact us for more details.
The Fifth Emergency Service
Rotary volunteers offer their expertise to local families caring for someone with dementia. This can be anything from assisting with very simple household chores such as installing new battery in smoke alarms, tuning DVD players, nailing down a stair carpet and the like, to delivering shopping and even helping fill in official forms. It is often simple problems like this that can be the final straw for elderly and overburdened carers.
REMIND CDs
REPoD member Rtn Geoff Oakshott has produced music CDs for sing-along sessions either in Memory Cafés, Care Homes or at home. Music is a useful tool because it can find pathways to memories that may have been buried for many years. The REMIND CDs are available for Rotary Clubs to buy via the website.
Memory Boxes
We are building a library of Memory Boxes containing items of everyday memorabilia from the 30s up to the 70s. These will be available for loan to local families, care homes and Memory Cafes. Objects from the past can act as triggers to memory and release reminiscences, providing a wonderfully effective therapeutic tool for people with dementia.
Fundraise
REPoD operates on a shoestring, but we do need monies to keep the website running and to cover the cost of printing and postage. All our funds come from Rotary Club donations and fundraising events.
REPoD Reps
We are looking for Rotarians across the UK who would like to become REPoD reps in their areas. We need people to forge links with other local voluntary groups and the statutory services as well as giving talks on the work of REPoD.
Over to you!
If you are already involved in a project helping families with dementia in your area then we would love to hear about it. If you have an idea you would like to look at developing, then we may be able to help you make it a reality.
Stop Press:
Hands across the water
The REPoD message is spreading and not just within the UK. Read this email extract from a couple in Washington DC.
Funding dementia research
The government has announced an increase into funding dementia research. Dementia research funding set to rise to £66m by 2015. - BBC News web site
Dementia Adventure
Looking for a break / holiday for someone you care for or yourself - then take a look at this web site.
John Suchet becomes Honorary President of REPoD
John Suchet, one of the UK's best known broadcasters and journalists, has given his backing to a nationwide Rotary campaign aimed at providing support for families living with dementia.
Since his wife Bonnie was diagnosed with dementia in February 2006, John has become a passionate campaigner dedicated to raising awareness of dementia and providing support for carers.
John said; "I fully support Rotary's nationwide campaign to provide help for families caring for people with dementia. I know at first hand how difficult it is, and how much help and support is needed. I applaud Rotarians for their commitment, and am honoured to become Honorary President of REPoD".
Rotary Club Press Release in PDF format.
RIBI Conference 2011 - Speech
This is a PDF transcript of the speech given by Geri Parlby about dementia and REPoD's activities at the RIBI Conference in Dublin.
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