Dementia

Quick links: Dementia Friends Information Sessions

What is Dementia?

Dementia is a condition that affects how the brain works. It can cause problems with memory, thinking, communication and everyday activities.

People with dementia may:

  • Forget things more often

  • Feel confused about places, people or time

  • Find it harder to follow conversations

  • Need support with daily tasks

  • Notice changes in their mood or behaviour

Dementia usually gets worse over time, but it affects everyone differently. Some people may find that changes happen slowly, while others may need more support sooner.

There are different types of dementia. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type. Although each type affects people in different ways, they can all make everyday life more challenging.

Dementia is not a normal part of ageing and help is available. Getting support early can help people stay active, independent and connected to family, friends and their community for as long as possible.

Find Out More

If you are worried about your memory, or the memory of someone you know, speak to your GP.

You can also find more information about:

  • The signs and symptoms of dementia

  • Getting a diagnosis

  • Living well with dementia

  • Support for family members and carers

on the Alzheimer's Society website.

To learn more about the signs of dementia, what causes it, and how it can be treated, visit the Alzheimer’s Society website.

Local Support

There are services, groups and activities available across South Tees to support people living with dementia and those who care for them.

Dementia Action Teesside

Dementia Action Teesside is a local charity that works to make Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland more supportive places for people living with dementia and those who care for them.

Dementia affects the brain and can cause problems with memory, thinking and everyday tasks. This can make day-to-day life more challenging.

We're encouraging local businesses and organisations to make simple changes that can help people living with dementia.

Small actions can make a big difference, such as:

  • Being patient and understanding

  • Using clear signs and information

  • Providing a quiet space where possible

These changes can help people feel welcome, supported and confident when using local services and visiting community spaces.

If your business or organisation would like to become more dementia-friendly, you can join our dementia-friendly programme. It's free to join and easy to get started.

To find out more:

Teesside Mind Dementia Advisory Service

Teesside Mind provides support for people living with dementia, as well as their families, friends and carers.

The service offers free advice, information and wellbeing support to help people live well with dementia.

They can help by:

  • Providing information about local dementia services, support groups and activities.

  • Running wellbeing sessions for people in the early stages of dementia, as well as their families, friends and carers.

  • Helping people access social care services and other local organisations that can provide support.

  • Offering information about dementia and practical advice on supporting someone who is living with it.

  • Running friendly groups where people can meet others, share experiences and take part in activities together.

  • Delivering the START programme, which helps family members understand dementia, plan for the future, support their loved one and look after their own wellbeing.

Teesside Mind also works with local organisations and communities to help make Redcar and Cleveland a more dementia-friendly place, where people living with dementia feel supported, included and able to live well.

For more information, please call 01642 257 020 or email daos@teessidemind.org.uk

Dementia Friendly Communities

A dementia-friendly community is a place where people living with dementia feel welcome, understood and supported.

It helps people with dementia, as well as their families and carers, to stay involved in everyday life and continue doing the things that matter to them.

Dementia-friendly communities encourage understanding and help challenge common myths about dementia. They promote kindness, respect and inclusion, helping people feel valued and connected to their community.

Small changes can make a big difference. By making places and services more accessible and supportive, we can help people with dementia remain independent and live well for longer.

Together, we can create communities where everyone feels included and able to take part in everyday life.

Dementia Friends Information Sessions

A Dementia Friend is someone who learns more about dementia and how it can affect people's lives. They then use that understanding to help make their community more supportive and inclusive for people living with dementia.

Dementia Friends Information Sessions, run by the Alzheimer's Society, help people learn more about dementia and the difference small actions can make.

People living with dementia often want to continue doing the things that are important to them, such as shopping, socialising and taking part in community activities. Sometimes, a little extra understanding and support can help.

By becoming a Dementia Friend, you'll learn more about dementia and discover simple ways to support people living with it. This could be anything from being patient and understanding to helping someone feel more included.

The sessions are led by Dementia Friendly Ambassadors, trained volunteers who can deliver sessions either in person or online.

The sessions are friendly, interactive and last around one hour. They provide an opportunity to learn more about dementia and consider ways to support people living with the condition.

Book a Dementia Friends information session

To book a session, please contact:

Julie McGee - Julie_McGee@middlesbrough.gov.uk

Find out more

For more information about becoming a Dementia Friend or learning about Dementia Friendly Communities, visit the Dementia Friends website or their Facebook page.