Ref:PRSH274                                                                                    Date: 25 June 2019

Housing association helps raise dementia awareness

 
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By sharing a joke, telling a story or demonstrating a skill, residents of a Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH) Independent Living Scheme have been tackling an issue that's an increasing concern for many older people.

As part of a series of events to mark the recent  Dementia Action Week, SARH customers at Jubilee Court in Stafford were invited to a Bring and Share session at the popular ‘extra care' scheme.

Over coffee and tea, they were able to share some of their life experiences or simply entertain their friends.

Elaine Tomlinson, SARH Extra Care Manager, explained: "In keeping with the theme of Dementia Action Week - ‘Inclusion' - those taking part also had the opportunity enjoy a range of activities including making crochet flowers and decorating cakes.

"They were also joined by local Police Community Support Officers who offered advice on staying safe in the community. There was also plenty of information on hand about support for those living with dementia, which noted the importance of talking about and sharing problems and anxieties, and ways of making the most of life too.

"The highlight though was hearing from our customers, who told stories and talked about their lives and experiences."

Similar events were also held at SARH Independent Living Schemes in Marston Court and Doxey House, Stafford, reflecting the housing association's commitment to bringing communities together. They were open to, and attended by, a wide range of customers, not just those living with dementia.

Karen Armitage, SARH Chief Executive, added: "We know the fantastic contribution older people make to our local community and it was wonderful to hear about their skills and experience in such an informal and friendly setting.

"More importantly, it gave SARH the opportunity to show them that, by sharing their worries, help is available, and a problem shared is a problem halved!"

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Caption:

PCSO Emma Fry, Elizabeth Lodge, SARH Health and Wellbeing Manager with residents of Jubilee Court who took part in the Dementia Action Week event.

About Stafford and Rural Homes

Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH) is the largest social landlord in Stafford with around 6,000 homes across Stafford, Stone and the rural villages across the Borough. Established in 2006 to own and manage the former Stafford Borough Council housing stock, SARHset up a trading subsidiary company Housing Worx, to deliver planned maintenance works to its properties and fulfil commercial contracts in 2012. SARHalso offers 18 Independent Living schemes for people aged over 55 andan award winning Telecare home safety and personal security system for the elderly and vulnerable.SARH has invested more than £100 million on improvement and regeneration programmes and building over 500 high quality new homes for rent and shared ownership which have benefited SARH customers by improving neighbourhoods and creating job opportunities for local people. A Community Benefit Society (CBS), the housing association works in partnership with local authorities, health trusts, statutory bodies and a range of voluntary organisations to create safe, sustainable communities where residents can ‘Live, Work and Grow'.

Follow SARH on Twitter@SARHomes

Media contact:

Martin Farrow
CHANGEWORKS Communications
t: + 44 (0) 1785 247588
m: +44 (0)7771 970025
e: mfarrow@changeworkscom.co.uk

Stafford and Rural Homes contact:

Mara Hargreaves
Marketing Manager
t:01785 216793 (Direct) 
m:07800 619 863 (Mobile)  
e:mara.hargreaves@sarh.co.uk