Brief History of the Branch
The West Suffolk Branch of the Alzheimer's Society was started in 1989 under the chairmanship of Dr. Zoe Slattery who
was appointed for Old Age Psychiatry at the West Suffolk Hospital. Together with a group of CPNs (community practice nurses) and other interested local people,
the aim was to raise awareness of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia in the area.
A grant was made by Head Office to set up the Branch and an inaugural meeting was held at the
Wedgwood Centre in July 1991.
Day care for one day a week commenced at Wamil Court in 1991 but this was eventually taken over by Social Services in 1996. Also in 1991 we were able to provide funds for respite care, on referral from our CPNs, at the Crossroads Care Centre.
In November 1992, a Regional Officer, Hazel Newman, was appointed and the office on Angel Hill opened. Sue Kershaw was appointed regional secretary in July 1993. Successful monthly 'Tea and Chat' sessions, being held at the Regional Office, continued until 1996.
Ann Ellis and Maureen Worsley started a venture called 'The Thursday Club'. This was held in a house in Prospect Row in Bury St Edmunds. After about a year, an administrator was found to run the club and it was then moved to Perry Barn. Clients attended from 10am to 3pm with lunch provided. Later a second day added on a Monday. This venture ran very successfully with funding from Social Services, but finances became difficult to obtain and in 1997/8 was transferred to the Gateway Project.
In 1994 we were given a very large legacy to employ a support to employ a support worker in the Bury and Sudbury area and Cathy England was appointed. This was a great success. Cathy visited carers in their own homes, set support groups and was able to give information, help and advice to families. We have been able to continue this in some measure ever since. At first, 20 hours per week was initially given but this was increased by an extra 4 hour for Bury and 4 hours for Haverhill. Cathy started a Newsletter for members and this still continues today.
In April 1994 a Telephone Hotline was introduced but
was stopped after a year as very few calls were received and we felt the money
could be put to better use. During 1994 a support group was started in Haverhill
and this had variable success. Difficulties were experienced by the worker
because of the increased workload owing to the number of people taking up this
facility.
Early in 1997 Cathy was appointed to a newly made post with
Alzheimer's at Regional Office. Her replacement was Beverly Price who again did
a great job.
In June 1997 a Branch leaflet was produced for the first time and
this has continued ever since.
Office
In 1994 we were offered an office in our Regional HQ on Angel Hill so that we could have a base for our records and for the support worker. Previously each officer had kept their own records in their homes and this was not an ideal situation. Later we had to vacate the office because Regional HQ needed additional space. We were fortunate to find accommodation at the newly opened Citizens Advice Bureau and that is where we still are today.
Funds
Throughout this time we have relied upon our own fund-raising efforts, legacies and a small amount from Head Office, £440 per annum, to accomplish everything that we do. We have most grateful for all the support that we received from local firm and organisations who have given us grants and donations and support in kind such as supplying a computer and software.
Present Time
With a grant from Social care that was started in 2005 we have a second support worker for a three year period primarily to cover the Haverhill and Sudbury area.
Aim
It has always been our aim to spend the money in the local area, to support the carers and to give information and advice as and when sought.