Peer Support Network

Why have a Peer Support Network ? In the Spring of 2009, the Government launched its first ever National Dementia Strategy. Entitled, 'Living Well with Dementia' the focus was intended to move away from the concept of being ill with dementia to making the most of life, despite having such an unwelcome diagnosis.

The strategy has three main aims: first, to improve awareness of the condition. Second, to ensure a person receives an early diagnosis and support afterwards. And third, to develop a range of appropriate, flexible services to support the person who has dementia living at home or in a care home and support their carers where they exist.

Objectives of the strategy have been translated into local projects which can genuinely help and support the person who has dementia and their carers. In Kent, we have a 'Peer Support Network' along the lines of the model recommended by the Government. A 'network' will comprise people who have dementia and who wish to support and learn from each other. This network will also provide knowledge and experience to inform services being developed by health and social care.

Where are the Groups ?

There are 5 Peer Support groups throughout Kent. Ashford, Maidstone, Tenterden, West Malling and Dover.

About the Groups

Each group will consist of about eight people who are aware of their diagnosis of dementia and feel comfortable about sharing their experiences with the rest of the group. In line with other support groups, discussions on the day will range across a variety of topics chosen by the group. The groups will meet every two weeks and the meetings should last about three hours.

Aim of Each Group

The main aim of each group will be to provide information for individual needs such as:-

• Offer mutual support
• Help people come to terms with their diagnosis
• Help them live well with Dementia
• Reduce social isolation
• Increase access to information
• Tailored information for individual needs
• Help maintain independence and life skills
• Help maintain health and well being
• Provide stimulating conversations

If you would like to know more about the Peer Support Networks, you can contact:

For West Kent:

Ellie Potier
Peer Support Facilitator
Alzheimer's Society, Kent and Medway Locality
Park Lodge, Goldsmid Hall, Tudeley Road
Tonbridge
Kent
TN11 0NW
Tel: 01732 370 330
Email: ellie.potier@alzheimers.org.uk

For East Kent:

Jo Jones
Dementia Support Worker
Alzheimer's Society - Ashford & Shepway
3 & 4 Lemanis House
Stone Street
Lympne
Kent
CT21 4JN
Tel: 0845 04 05 919
Email: ashford-shepway@alzheimers.org.uk


For more information about using the DementiaWeb Kent and Medway web site go to Help.

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Last updated: 11th January 2012