Our memories help to shape our world, they help us to connect with people, form long lasting relationships and develop who we are as people. Memory loss causes a huge detrimental impact on people living with Dementia. This is because when we lose the ability to retain our memories this can leave us feeling confused, frightened and anxious. Being able to cling to things we are familiar with helps to bring us a sense of comfort and stability. Dementia can often leave the person feeling as if they are drifting through the world alone as it can be hard for them to keep track of time, making everything feel like a blur.
Normally Dementia can make it harder for the person suffering with it to perform basic daily tasks, things that include self-care, washing and dressing and preparing a meal. Families who have relatives with Dementia often require a great deal of help with daily care activities as it can be emotionally and physically demanding. This is why charities that offer support and community are so vital to those living with Dementia. Not only do they offer a place of solice, they also offer much needed respite for the friends and relatives of those caring for someone with the condition.
CAST (Community Assets Standing Tall) has set up regular projects to keep services running for people living with Dementia in the Bacup and Rossendale area. The Dementia Cafe set up by our trustee June Worsley is just one of our many projects targetted at helping people with Dementia by providing them with a safe, social environment. The pop-up cafe has been holding events and activities to help people with Dementia form fun memories and bring people together in a community setting.
Past events include clog dancing, flower arranging and craft fairs as well as two annual trips a year to different day out locations including a steam train rally. One of the group featured below is from our trip to Helmshore Textile Museum.
We understand that Dementia can leave people feeling lost and vulnerable as many experience barriers that prevent them from living life to the fullest. It is common for people living with Dementia to suffer from discrimination whether that is financially, socially or relationally. This is because those with the condition can find it hard to do things for themselves without the support of their families and friends and because of the medical affects of the condition this can prevent them from reaching out for help. We encourage caregivers and relatives of those with Dementia to keep regular contact with individuals who have the condition to ensure they are getting medical treatment, much needed essential care and financial advice. Not only this but keeping regular accounts with someone who has Dementia can significantly benefit the individual and also reassure the caregiver or relative that their well-being is being taken care of. People with Dementia have a right to lead a healthy life that includes maintaining relationships, being active in the community, engaging with hobbies and interests and having access to essential services.
Unfortunately due to the Coronavirus Pandemic CAST has had to put these projects on hold as we can no longer hold in person community meet ups. In the meantime why not head over to our about page and see what else our charity does to support different people in the wider community. If you would like to get involved with us and practically support our charity keep an eye out for new job listings and volunteering opportunities. If you are able to donate to us, we encourage you look at our donations page to see what even a small amount can do to support us. In the future we hope that we can restart our community family fun days, Dementia Cafe, Heritage Listing Projects and educational training opportunities. Much of our work is still being done throughout the pandemic as our team of dedicated trustees and volunteers are focused on playing an active part in the community. We want to diligently follow government guidelines to keep our staff and members safe which is why we are still working remotely around the clock to keep these projects active. Remote working has enabled CAST to keep communication with local councils and services to ensure that these much needed community projects continue to work in the lives of those who need them.