Dementia Web - Dementia Information Resource for Oxfordshire

DementiaWeb - Dementia Information Resource for Oxfordshire

Local Support

Getting Support

Living with dementia can be hard, whether you have a dementia diagnosis yourself, or care for someone who has dementia.

Many people find it helpful to have someone they can talk to who understands dementia and/or is able to help them access services and information that can help.

CPNs and Mental Health Team

Specialist support is provided for people with dementia through the Community Psychiatric Nurses (CPNs) and Mental Health Team. More information is available in our Local Services - Health section.

Age Concern Flexible Care

Time-limited therapeutic home based service for older people with any mental health need.

Flexible carers work to meet specific mental health needs with agreed outcomes for clients. They engage in a range of therapeutic activities which aim to:

  • Improve clients mental health well-being
  • Build relationships and reduce social isolation
  • Help clients gain confidence so that they are able to benefit from other available services e.g. Day Care and Respite Care
  • Where possible prevent further deterioration of mental health functioning and maintain current levels of functioning
  • Maintain and maximise residual abilities through individual pursuits and interests
  • Provide support to carers/families
  • Help clients to continue to enjoy interests and hobbies where these enhance mental well-being
  • Support clients to continue to live as independently as possible in their own homes.

In 2001 the Flexible Care Team won a prestigious Department of Health Award under the category of "Improving the lives of people who are older". The service has become an integral part of the mental health services for older people in Oxfordshire working in collaboration with Health and Social Services.

Most referrals come from Community Mental Health Team. Referrals can be made by individuals, GP or social care worker  Most users are over 65 years but clients may be accepted at a younger age if they have early onset of a dementing illness.

Age Concern Memory Services

Age Concern also offers memory services in conjunction with Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Mental Health Trust . The services provide advice and support via carers groups.

Age Concern Mental Health Day Centres

Day care for people with varying degrees of cognitive impairment.

Mental Health Services Manager: Andy Buckland
Email: [email protected]
Day Services Director: Adrian Sell
Email: [email protected]

Contact details:

Age Concern Oxfordshire City & County
St. Edmund House
39 West St Helen Street
ABINGDON
OX14 5BW

Tel: 01235 849400
Fax: 01235 849449

Telephone Helpline: 01235 849400
10.00am to 4.00pm, Monday to Friday
Answerphone at other times

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Support Workers

A number of organisations in Oxfordshire employ Support Workers, or Carers Support Workers. Support Workers can provide an understanding ear when you need someone to talk to, as well as helping you to access the information and services you may need.

Different support workers have different specialist areas, so do not be surprised if a support worker from one organisation offers to refer you to a support worker from another organisation.

Most support workers accept referrals from any source, (e.g. self or a care professional).

Alzheimer's Society Support Workers

Alzheimer's Society support workers specialise in supporting people who are living with dementia, and their family and friends.

Oxfordshire Branch

Carers Support Worker: Maggie Jarrott

Support Worker hours:
9.00am to 5.00pm, Tuesday to Friday

Tel: 01865 876508
Fax: 01865 876508
Mobile: 077716 1041

Email: [email protected]]

Covers: North West Oxfordshire, Bicester, Witney, North Oxford       and surrounding areas

Abingdon & Vale of White Horse Branch

Support Worker: Sue Smith
Carer Support Worker
The Alzheimer's Society
Abingdon and Vale of White Horse Branch
Abingdon Community Hospital
Abingdon
Abingdon Alzheimer's Club: 01235 205 407
Mobile: 07833 952 514

Banbury and District Branch
Banbury and District Branch covers Banbury, Chipping Norton, and the surrounding Oxfordshire villages.

Support Worker: Frances Claydon
Telephone  01295 811144 (24 hr answer machine picked up by part time outreach worker)
Email: [email protected]

Clive Project Support Workers

The Clive Project, an Oxfordshire Charity for younger people with dementia, has two teams of support workers:

  • One-to-One Service: a team of eleven trained support workers provide individual sessional support to younger people with dementia.
  • Family and Friends Service: two dedicated support workers offer information, and practical and emotional support, to family and friends of younger people with dementia.

Contact details:

The Clive Project
PO Box 315
WITNEY
OX28 1ZN

Tel: 01993 776295

Carers Centres Carer's Support Workers

Carers Centres support workers offer support to any carer, not just people who are caring for someone with dementia. They can help you to access respite funds, and also help with completing forms for Attendance Allowance, DLA, and Carer's Allowance, etc.

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Carers Centres

A variety of support is available to carers of all ages through the Oxfordshire Carers Centres (Princess Royal Trust for Carers). The Carers Centre provides information, support and advocacy including help with benefits, courses, days out, trips and groups. This includes:

  • Support Workers
  • Young Carers Projects
  • Support Groups
  • Help with Form Filling
  • Newsletters
  • Training Courses
  • Respite Funds

More information about Carers Centre services can be found on the Carers in Oxfordshire website: www.oxoncarers.org.uk

Contact Oxfordshire Carers Centres:

North and West Oxfordshire Carers Centre
27 Horsefair
BANBURY
OX16 0AE

Tel: 01295 264545
Fax: 01295 270660

Open Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 10-4
Closed Tuesdays
Telephone help Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri 9am to 5pm

Email: [email protected]
Web: www.oxoncarers.org.uk (North & West Oxfordshire)

Oxford Carers Centre
174a Cowley Road
OXFORD
OX4 1UE

Tel: 01865 205192
Fax: 01865 242569

Contact: Caroline Lattin-Rawstrone
Opening times: Tuesday to Friday 10am to 4pm
Referrals can be made by GP or other health professional; Social Services or the carer themselves.

South and Vale Carers Centre
3-5 Lydalls Road
DIDCOT
OX11 7HX

Tel: 01235 510212
Fax: 01235 512198

Email: [email protected]
Web: www.svcarers.org.uk (South & Vale)

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Support Groups

A number of support groups exist, in and around Oxfordshire, that enable carers and family members of people with dementia to meet other people who know what it's like for them. Groups may also have programmes which include speakers and/or social events.

The Chipping Norton Group is open to people who have dementia, as well as carers. Other groups, marked with an asterisk, may be able to arrange care for the person with dementia while their carer attends the group:

Table of Carers Support Groups

Details of carers support groups for those specifically caring for someone with dementia in Oxfordshire. Further details of programmes and activities are available from the contacts shown.

Where When Contact
Abingdon
Abingdon Community Hospital, Marcham Rd
2nd & 4th Thursdays each month 1.30 to 4.00pm Sue 07813 627091
Sarah 01235 205404
Banbury
Carers Centre, 27 Horsefair
1st & 3rd Fridays each month 10.30 to noon

Frances 01295 811144

Bicester
Julier Centre, Coker Close
2nd & 4th Tuesdays each month 10.30 to noon Judy 01295 264545
Maggie 0771 611041
David 01865 455816
Cassington***
Cassington Village Hall, Cassington.
4th Thursday of month 7.30pm to 9.30pm

Sue 01235 522382

Chipping Norton **
The Fox Hotel, Market Place, Chipping Norton
2nd and 4th Mondays of month 10.30 to noon

Frances 01295 811144

Didcot *
Ridgeway Day Hospital, 99 Wantage Road
1st Thursday of month noon to 1.30pm Brenda 01865 455816
Stella 07796 441203
Henley *
Christ Church Centre, Reading Road
3rd Wednesday of month 2.00 to 4.00pm Margreet 01491 576503
Tom 01491 637453
Thame *
Wykeham Park D.H., East Street
1st Wednesday of month 1.00 to 3.00pm Maggie 07716 11041
Brenda 01865 455816
Wantage
The Health Centre, Mably Way
Fortnightly on Fridays from 07.11.08
1.30 to 3.30pm
2009: First meeting 16th January and fortnightly thereafter
Sue 07833 952514
Alison 01235 810575

Witney*
Methodist Church, High Street

1st and 3rd Mondays each month
2.00 - 3.30pm

Linda 01993 202100
David 01865 455816
Maggie 07716 11041

Woodcote
Community Centre, Woodcote
2nd Wednesday of month 2.00 to 4.00pm Mary or Rory 01491 637469

* Note 1: It may be possible at these locations to arrange for the person with dementia to be cared for whilst carers attend the group.

** Note 2: This group is for people with any form of dementia AND those who care for someone with dementia.

*** Note 3: This is a cafe for peer group networking.

Note 4: Friends and family of younger people with dementia are welcome at any of the support groups above, but can also access The Clive Project Exchange. Exchange meetings offer an informal and friendly opportunity to share experiences and expertise with others. Venues vary; for the current programme please contact:

Sue Hosty
Tel: 01865 821699
Mobile: 07813 654077
Email: [email protected], or

Diana Letchford
Tel: 01993 891955
Email: [email protected], or

Anna Eden
One to One Co-ordinator
The Clive Project
Tel: 01865 794311

In addition to the groups listed above, the Carers Centres (see next section) also run carers support groups, and social events, across the county. These are for all carers, not just for people who are caring for someone with dementia.

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Oxfordshire Carers Centres

A variety of support is available to carers through the Oxfordshire Carers Centres (Princess Royal Trust for Carers), this includes:

  • Support Workers
  • Young Carers Projects
  • Support Groups
  • Help with Form Filling
  • Newsletters
  • Training Courses
  • Respite Funds

The Carers Centre Support Workers advise people who are caring for people with all different sorts of disabilities. As well as offering general support they can help you with form filling, and to access specific funds that are there to help you with caring or to help you take a break.

More information about Carers Centre services can be found on the Carers in Oxfordshire website: www.oxoncarers.org.uk

Contact Oxfordshire Carers Centres:

North and West Oxfordshire Carers Centre
27 Horsefair
BANBURY
OX16 0AE

Tel: 01295 264545
Fax: 01295 270660

Open Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 10-4
Closed Tuesdays
Telephone help Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri 9am to 5pm

Email: [email protected]
Web: www.carers.org/local/south-east/banbury/ (North & West Oxfordshire)

Oxford Carers Centre
174a Cowley Road
OXFORD
OX4 1UE

Tel: 01865 205192
Fax: 01865 242569

South and Vale Carers Centre
3-5 Lydalls Road
DIDCOT
OX11 7HX

Tel: 01235 510212
Fax: 01235 512198

Email: [email protected]
Web: www.svcarers.org.uk (South & Vale)

* Note 1: It may be possible at these locations to arrange for the person with dementia to be cared for whilst carers attend the group.

** Note 2: This group is for people with any form of dementia AND those who care for someone with dementia.

Note 3: Friends and family of younger people with dementia are welcome at any of the support groups above, but can also access The Clive Project Exchange. Exchange meetings offer an informal and friendly opportunity to share experiences and expertise with others. Venues vary; for the current programme please contact:

Sue Hosty
Tel: 01865 821699
Mobile: 07813 654077
Email: [email protected], or

Diana Letchford
Tel: 01993 891955
Email: [email protected], or

Anna Eden
One to One Co-ordinator
The Clive Project
Tel: 01865 794311

In addition to the groups listed above, the Carers Centres also run carers support groups, and social events, across the county. These are for all carers, not just for people who are caring for someone with dementia.

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Advocacy (including ADAPt)

Advocacy is a way of helping people, in partnership, to express their views and wishes, so they can be heard.

Making sure that people listen to what you want to say can be difficult for many reasons. These include embarrassment: not wanting to hurt anyone's feelings: and, being unsure of your rights. This is no different for people with dementia.

What is different is that sometimes it is assumed that people with dementia cannot make choices or do not know what they want. But, if given time, clear information and the chance to say what they want, many people can express their wishes and play their part in making informed decisions. This is where an advocate can help.

ADAPt : All-age Dementia Advocacy Project, provides an advocacy service for people with dementia, of all ages, in Oxfordshire.

Referrals can be accepted via any route, e.g. self, carer, professional, etc.

Contact details:

ADAPt Advocacy worker
Barton Neighbourhood Centre
Underhill Circus
Headington
OXFORD
OX3 9LS

Open 9.00am to 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday

Tel: 01865 742745
Fax: 01865 761546
Email: [email protected]

Advocacy Worker: Julia Harmer-Hunt
Management Group: Oxfordshire Advocacy Development Group

Supporting Care Rights / Making a Complaint

If you need support to help you access care rights, or to make a complaint about hospital treatment, there are organisations in Oxfordshire who can support you. Details are in our Care Rights and Complaints section.

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Supporting People from Ethnic Minorities

A number of groups and organisations exist to support people whose first language is not English, or who have distinct religious or cultural needs:

Alzheimer's Disease International has an extremely helpful web page, of contact details and web links for Alzheimer associations in around 75 different countries around the world. This information is likely to be useful for people living with dementia in Oxfordshire whose first language is not English, and also useful for people who live locally, but have friends or family members living with dementia abroad.

Oxfordshire Language Services (OLS) offers an interpretation service seven days a week, 24 hours a day in 30 different languages. There is a charge for this service.

Other contacts include:

Community Development Officer for the African & African-Caribbean Communities

Contact: Ben Lloyd-Shogbesan

134(b) Cowley Road
OXFORD
OX4 1JH

Tel: 01865 815024
Fax: 01865 244852

Community Development Officer for the Chinese Communities

Contact: Ka-Lee Powell

134(b) Cowley Road
OXFORD
OX4 1JH

Tel: 01865 200982
Fax: 01865 244852

East Oxford Health Centre
Chinese Health Advocates

Contact: Kwai Coll or Jennifer Siu

Tel: 01865 456619

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Community Development Officer for the Indian, Pakistani & Bangladeshi Communities

Contact: Usha Masih

134(b) Cowley Road
OXFORD
OX4 1JH

Tel: 01865 810709
Fax: 01865 244852

Asian Carers Support Workers
who speak Bengali and Urdu

Contact: Shamsia Hoque or Saheema Khan

Oxford Carers Centre
174a Cowley Road
OXFORD
OX4 1UE

Tel: 01865 205192
Fax: 01865 242569

Asian Health Advocate

Contact: Robina Zafar

Orchard Health Centre
BANBURY

Tel: 01295 814100

Robina speaks Urdu and Punjabi, and also works at:

North and West Oxfordshire Carers Centre
27 Horsefair
BANBURY
OX16 0AE

Tel: 01295 264545
Fax: 01295 270660

Open Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 10-4
Closed Tuesdays
Telephone help Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri 9am to 5pm

Email: [email protected]
Web: www.oxoncarers.org.uk (North & West Oxfordshire)

Further Information

Information on national organizations providing a wide range of advice and support, can be found in the Alzheimer's Society factsheet Voluntary organisations.

Last updated: 1 Apr 2010

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