Guideposts Trust

The Guideposts Trust Independent Living Centre, in partnership with Oxfordshire County Council, provides information on products and organisations to assist people with disabilities and older people to increase and maintain their independence. The Centre, based in Witney, provides this service to any adult residing in Oxfordshire.

The Centre has a showroom with equipment for the kitchen, lounge, bedroom and bathroom. Two Occupational Therapists are available for personal and confidential consultations, by appointment. There is also an Information Line available 01993 899985. See their website

 

19th October 2011: New community groups across rural Oxfordshire aim to support people with memory loss and dementia

 

When Alison gets up in the morning she isn’t sure who she is or where she is. Roused by a loving voice, guided gently through her breakfast and daily routine, she later goes out for a walk along roads long familiar but hard to place. She is greeted by friendly voices. She is shown across roads and into the local post office. She chats and laughs - especially if the conversation turns a bit unusual. Alongside her are neighbours who understand what she can do for herself and what she needs help with. She is happy. She is living independently and well with her dementia.

Local people wanted to join one of six new community learning groups in rural Oxfordshire.

This project, led by Oxfordshire Adult Learning and supported by Guideposts Trust, Age UK Oxfordshire and the Oxfordshire Rural Community Council, aims to bring together local people of all ages and backgrounds to learn from specialists all about living with memory loss and dementia. The course will explore practical ways in which each of us can make a difference in talking with and supporting people we know with memory problems. During the six free sessions participants will be able to share their experiences and together create a local plan for a dementia-friendly community.

Information events are being held in November and December

Cumnor – Information Event: Sat 5 November 10.30 – 12 Cumnor Old School

Enstone – Information Event: Wed 16 November 7 – 8.30 Enstone Primary School

Watchfield – Information Event: Tuesday 22 November 7 – 8.30 Watchfield Village Hall

Chinnor – Information Event: Monday 12 December 7 – 8.30 Chinnor Village Hall

Hook Norton – contact Catharine for details

Bampton – contact Catharine for details

Refreshments and things to do and see. All ages are welcome and no experience is necessary. There are also volunteering opportunities.

For more information speak to Catharine Arakelian 01865 849768/  07751 809271 catharine@newdementiacare.org.uk  

This project has been funded by the Skills Funding Agency.

The Oxfordshire Dementia Information Line is a resource for the County. It is a telephone service that can give information to people who have dementia, their carers, social and health care professionals – in fact anyone seeking information about dementia and local dementia resources within Oxfordshire. There is also an accompanying website www.dementiaweboxfordshire.org.uk The service is contracted to Guideposts Trust by Oxfordshire County Council and will be answered by a rota of volunteers under the guidance of our professional staff. We are extremely keen to promote this valuable service to as wide a range of individuals as possible.

Oxfordshire is currently estimated to have 7,500 people aged over 65, and 160 younger people under the age of 65, who have dementia. Not everyone who has dementia has a diagnosis. Not everyone has sufficient information about dementia or local resources. The Oxfordshire Dementia Information Line staff will guide callers to seek the appropriate input from health and social care as well as point towards other resources such as support groups, clubs etc.

The service can make a real difference to people. It will contribute to increasing awareness and understanding of dementia; break down barriers of fear, misunderstanding and stigma about dementia and be a valued local resource We are currently looking to recruit, train and support volunteers to take calls on The Oxfordshire Dementia Information Line. There are also administration and networking opportunities around Oxfordshire to increase the awareness of our new service. Please contact us if you would like to volunteer. We would like to hear from anyone who may be able to make a commitment of a few hours a week to provide this very important service.

Please contact us if there is something you would like to know about dementia or the resources available in Oxfordshire – no question is too small or insignificant. For more information, please contact The Dementia Information Line 01993 700061

Rachel Niblock Dementia Information Service Coordinator 01993 700061

Email: rniblock@guidepoststrust.org.uk  

 

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