A ‘one stop shop’ providing advice and support for those living with dementia, their carers and families has today been formally opened by the Mayor of Stockton, Councillor Barbara Inman.
The LiveWell Dementia Hub on Thorntree Road, Thornaby provides a unique community based service for anyone living in Stockton Borough who would like information, support or training related to dementia.
The Hub, which is managed by Stockton Council, offers a calm space where people with dementia can access a range of services including support groups, social activities, memory clinics and cognitive stimulation therapy. Specialised dementia-friendly design principles have been incorporated throughout the Hub to assist people living with the condition.
It is supported by a number of partners – Teesside Age UK, Alzheimer’s Society, Citizens Advice Bureau, Cleveland Alzheimers Residential Centre Limited, Sanctuary Supported Living, Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust.
Councillor Barbara Inman, Mayor of Stockton, said: “It’s with great pleasure that I was able to formally open the LiveWell Dementia Hub today. This project is one of the first national pilots to showcase the best examples of dementia-friendly environments across England and I’m sure that this facility will provide a sanctuary for those living with dementia, their families and carers as well as anyone else who would like to learn more about the condition.”
Councillor Jim Beall, Stockton Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Services and Health, said: “Dementia is a demanding and frustrating condition and we need to do all we can to support people living with the condition and their carers.
“We have worked closely with partners to create this remarkable ‘one stop shop’ – offering assessment, information, training and consultation opportunities. I’m sure the LiveWell Dementia Hub will support and enhance the lives of many of our residents for years to come.”
Ian Mackie, who is in the early stages of dementia and his wife and carer Mary Mackie from Hartburn currently use the LiveWell Dementia Hub. Mr Mackie said: “Mary and I are a user-carer team and we consider the Stockton Dementia LiveWell Hub to be a national front runner in dementia care provision.
“Via the Hub we have been able to access information which has helped us to come to terms with dealing with the practical and emotional consequences of the disease. I am determined to live well with dementia and the care, compassion and support received through services at the Hub is helping me on my journey.”
In 2013 Stockton Council and its health partners secured more than £500,000 of Government funding to develop the LiveWell Dementia Hub and extensively re-design the Halycon Centre, a day care centre for adults including those living with dementia.
In May 2014 the Halycon Centre, was officially re-opened. Since then work to create the LiveWell Dementia Hub, which is situated next to the Halcyon Centre, has been under way.