Worthing & District Branch

Welcome to the Worthing & District Branch website!

Services we currently offer:

The following services are available to local people, living within the area of Littlehampton to Fishersgate and Pulborough to Henfield, together with all the villages and towns in between.

INFORMATION CENTRE

Information Centre volunteers, operating from Stone Lane, provide up-to-date information on all types of dementia, including Alzheimer's Disease and related disorders. Leaflets are available on benefits and services, residential care and caring for someone at home. Enquiries from those already working with dementia sufferers and those entering the caring profession are also welcome. Dedicated volunteers, most of whom have experience in caring for a person with dementia, provide understanding and support over the telephone or in the comfortable surroundings of the Centre. The Information Centre is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 4pm.

Please telephone before visiting on 01903 690490.

RESPITE CARE SERVICE

We offer long-term carers a short break from looking after their loved ones, by providing a trained respite care assistant for three hours, once or twice a week. The allocated care assistant looks after the person with dementia in their own home, whilst the carer takes a well-deserved break, enabling them to pursue their own interests, with the reassurance that the person with dementia is being well cared for. We operate a waiting list which is regularly reviewed and updated. We make a small charge of £4.50 per hour per visit of 3-4 hours Mon-Fri, and £6.00 per hour after 7.00pm and at weekends.

Telephone: 01903 262666 for further information.

CARERS' SUPPORT GROUP

Carers and those with dementia are invited to attend a support group once a month so that they can socialise with other people who are undergoing similar experiences. The people with dementia are looked after by a team of care assistants and, as well as having refreshments, they are assisted to participate in a number of activities such as: puzzles, reading, art and craft or just sit back and chat. Someone is invited to give a talk on subjects of interest to carers, such as Power of Attorney, benefits, or other services that may be available to them. Facilitating this group is seen as a valuable way to support carers on a regular basis, and is much appreciated by the carers themselves. The meetings are held from 2-4pm on the third Wednesday of the month at Stone Lane, Worthing, and from 4-6pm on the first Monday of each month at The Laurels, Rustington. There is a small charge of £1 per person which includes refreshments and a raffle ticket.

Telephone Contact No. 01903 262666 for further information.

ADVOCACY SERVICE

This service provides an Advocate who works with the person living with dementia, enabling them to have an independent voice and make their wishes known. Advocates offer all the available options for the client to make their own decisions; attend meetings with social services or health professionals on the client's behalf, to ensure their voice is heard; help to gain access to services that may help on a day to day basis; protects the client's rights such as the right to express their feelings, voice an opinion, make a mistake and the right to say "no". Subject to assessment some clients no longer able to make informed choices will still be supported by using a non-instructed approach. People with dementia that have diminished mental capacity can still expect an advocate to reflect their wishes throughout their life and to the conclusion of their illness. This service is provided free of charge. By appointment only.

Telephone Contact No. 01903 262071

DEMENTIA AWARENESS TRAINING

Sessions are held by a trainer who has qualified with the Alzheimer's Society, together with a Community Psychiatric Nurse. They are available for people ranging from health professionals to carers of a person with dementia. They will learn about the different forms of dementia and how to deal with the various stages, with tips and information-sharing between healthcare professionals and amongst carers.

For further information please telephone 01903 262071

CENTRE CLUB

The Centre Club is a social day club for younger people with a dementia (diagnosed before the age of 65) in the early to moderate stages. It is not suitable for those with nursing care needs. The Club is open to members on Tuesdays between 10am and 3.15pm with a hot lunch provided. We are sometimes able to offer some transport, although emphasis is on members making their own way to the Club, which aims to provide a person-centred approach, with staff and members being equals. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, conducive to those attending enjoying their own interests, maintain social skills and participate in a variety of activities. They may also choose to sit quietly, read, or listen to music, and are not required to take part in activities if they do not wish to. The Manager and Support Workers are there to facilitate and support members. Local walks and outings are also offered to members particularly during fine weather. Referrals are via GP's, psychiatrists, neurologists and Community Mental Health Teams. For further information please ring 01903 267902 and ask for the Centre Club Manager.

ALZ CAFÉ

The Alz Café offers a social, fun environment for younger people with dementia, together with their family and friends, to enjoy a social evening with light refreshments. It is held once every two months at Stone Lane, Worthing, and is well attended and enjoyed by all. For further information please contact the Centre Club Manager on 01903 267902.

HISTORY

Worthing and District Branch of the Alzheimer's Society started as a steering group in 1988/89. They ran a respite care service which was supported by West Sussex County Council. The steering group became a branch in 1990, and formed a committee. Peter Delamere was elected Chairman by that committee, and has been Chair ever since. In 1993, the branch bought their premises at Stone Lane with a legacy left to them. The building was officially opened in 1994 by Claire Short MP, whose husband had suffered from Alzheimer's disease. The branch has around 300 members at the present time.

GENERAL ENQUIRIES:

Please contact the Branch Administrator on 01903 267902.

Last updated: June 2007