A brand-new specialist dementia centre believed to be the first of its kind in the UK is preparing to open in Tangmere, Chichester.
The brainchild of Dementia Support, a local charity founded by businessman Anthony Wickins in 2014, the 10,000 sq ft Dementia Hub will offer information, advice, many kinds of health and social activities, a café and garden and assessment services for people living with dementia.
“We aim to deliver purpose-designed space to provide a very full and complete support hub for local people with dementia and for their carers,” says Anthony. “The scale of the planned support hub is quite unique. The board of trustees collectively combines a broad mix of complementary and appropriate skill sets.”
There are already pilot sessions under way at the Hub, including art workshops and classes, exercise and music sessions, theatre productions, therapy dogs and even hairdressing – all under one roof, just off the A27, for dementia sufferers and their loved ones in the Chichester, Bognor Regis, Arundel, Selsey, Witterings, Emsworth, Midhurst and Petworth areas.
When you have just received the crushing blow of a dementia diagnosis it’s vital to stay active and involved with other people, says the Alzheimer’s Society.
“One of the most important ways of keeping involved and active is simply to talk to others, and not allow yourself to become isolated,” the charity says. “Keeping in touch with other people can make you feel better now, and when you need more help in the future.
“You may feel like you no longer want to go out or stay involved with the activities you usually do. But it’s important to keep enjoying the things you did before your diagnosis. You should still be able to continue doing many of the things you do now, sometimes by making small changes.”
The Hub will fully open next spring. For more details, or to offer your support, click here.
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