St Ann's Hospice - Dementia Friendly Cafe

First Tuesday of every month 1pm - 3pm at The Being You Centre at St Ann's Hospice in Heald Green

For more information call 0161 498 3612

Alzheimer's Society Dementia Helpline 0300 222 1122

The word dementia describes a set of symptoms that may include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language. Dementia is caused when the brain is damaged by diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease or a series of strokes. Dementia is progressive, which means the symptoms will gradually get worse.

Dementia is an umbrella term. It describes the symptoms that occur when the brain is affected by certain diseases or conditions. There are many different types of dementia although some are far more common than others.

Alzheimer's Information and Support:

Stockport + District Local Service Office: Tel 0161 477 6999 / 85 Buxton Rd, Stockport, SK2 6LR

Manchester Local Service Office: Tel 0161 342 0797 / Enterprise House, Lloyd Street North, Manchester Science Park, Manchester, M15 6SE

Alzheimer's Society Stockport Dementia Support Service

Angela Payne and Debbie Edwards work for the Alzheimer's Society as Dementia Support Workers covering the Stockport area. The service is unique to your personal circumstances and their aim is to provide you with information, guidance and practical support to help you understand more about dementia and enable you to 'live well with dementia'.

They offer one-to-one support to people with dementia; to carers and to family members. They cannot support people under the age of 18 but can signpost on to other sources of help and support.

The service can be provided face to face, or over the telephone and via email or written communication. They can arrange to visit you at home or meet up with you at a convenient location and time.

The Dementia Support Service does not replace social workers, solicitors, financial experts or other specialist and medical professionals and it cannot provide you with personal care, regular visits and companionship, counselling or transport.

If you would like to know more about the service, contact them:

• by phone: 0161 477 6999 (Monday to Friday 9am - 4:30pm)
• by email: stockport@alzheimers.org.uk
• by writing: Alzheimer's Society, Lansdowne House, 85 Buxton Road, Stockport, SK2 6LR

You can also visit them at their office, but they advise you to ring first as the team are often out on visits.

Caring for a person with dementia

When a person with dementia finds that their mental abilities are declining, they often feel vulnerable and in need of reassurance and support. The people closest to them - including their carers, friends and family - need to do everything they can to help the person to retain their sense of identity and feelings of self-worth.

Click here to view a factsheet produced by the Alzheimer's Society: Understanding and Supporting a person with dementia.

In the Stockport area, there are many groups run with the support of The Alzheimer's Society. These are not just meetings, but a place with access to support and information, as well as activity groups that bring people together in a friendly, fun and social environment. The groups are also a chance to relax and socialise.