Supporting Dementia Carers’ in Cambridgeshire
Caring for someone with dementia can be mentally and physically demanding - that's why Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust (CPFT) Dementia Carers Support Service matches volunteers with carers to support them during challenging times.
Thanks to funding from Cambridgeshire Community Foundation, we're hosting events throughout the year for carers to connect, share stories, and enjoy activities whilst knowing their loved ones are cared for.
In Cambridgeshire there are around 7,000 people living with dementia, affecting multiple family members and carers. Many carers are providing round the clock care for their loved one and don’t take enough time out for themselves .
At CPFT, we provide The Dementia Carers’ Support Service, which offers help to family or informal carers of people with a diagnosis of dementia, at particularly challenging times throughout their caring journey. The services supports around 90 carers a year, with help from a team of skilled volunteers.
Following a recent wellbeing group, carers explained they felt “bogged down ”, a “little lost ”, stressed, burnt out and socially isolated. They told us that they have no time for themselves and have difficulties accessing previous hobbies they enjoyed.
This grant allow s us to provide a programme of activities including online and in-person trips such as walks at Wandlebury Country Park , pamper sessions including massages, and relaxation workshops. Volunteers and staff will attend the activities so that those with dementia are looked after in a safe, stimulating environment, whilst carers get a break to take part in the activity .
The Dementia Carers Support Service started in 2011 and has won a number of awards including first prize in the dementia category of Spotlight on Mental Health competition organised by Health Enterprise East (HEE), the regional NHS partner for innovation in 2012. The service also won the Royal College of Nursing’s 2019 Commitment to Carers Award.
“I remain extremely grateful to the team for their dedication and generosity and understanding. For most carers, the situation that they find themselves in has been one of gradual deterioration of their quality of life and the loss of freedom. The team changed that deteriorating situation with the knowledge and help that was given and the opportunity to share with others and to learn from them.” (Carer).