Real stories

Creating a community support hub for people affected by dementia

‘When someone in your family is diagnosed with dementia, you may not know what they need or who to talk to,’ says Sharon Grocock.

This was why Sharon set up a monthly dementia peer support hub in Bassetlaw two years ago. She’s one of two Alzheimer’s Society community development coordinators in Nottinghamshire. Originally a six-month pilot, the hub is growing strong with plans to expand.

Held at Kilton Golf Club, people with dementia and carers meet helpful contacts at the hub like social services, the police, fire service and social prescribers.

Importantly, they also meet people in similar situations.

How the community dementia hub works 

Sharon set up similar hubs in a previous mental health role and saw how beneficial they could be.

She’s thankful for the support of volunteer Sandra Jackson, who organises activities for people with dementia at the hub.

‘People can be referred or drop in,’ says Sharon, ‘and the hub gives them a one-stop wraparound service where they feel safe, get the information they need and can chat to other carers.’

The hub has been such a hit that quarterly rural support hubs are now being run. She has also just been involved in the launch of a hub to address the needs of carers.

‘Feedback has been amazing,’ she says. ‘And it is so rewarding when people tell us, “I wish I’d known about you sooner”.’

Practical dementia support

Tom Carter, Local Services Manager at the Society, says a key advantage of the hub is that people can find all the practical help and advice they need under one roof.

‘Services don’t just hand out leaflets and phone numbers, you can actually sign up to things like the Herbert Protocol with the police, which helps find missing people with dementia more quickly.

‘Another example would be the chance to join fire service safety schemes, which keep people safe.’

He says there are usually six or seven services present at each hub.

‘It helps people know what is out there and they can get practical help straightaway.

‘Meeting people face to face is much better than being a name on an email and once people get that support they don’t feel so alone.’

Tom says the hub has been so successful talks are taking place to roll it out to other areas of the county. Some may tailor them towards specific groups, such as the African Caribbean community.

Feeling lost after a dementia diagnosis

Nikki Warren-Metcalfe, care coordinator for Kingfisher GP practice in Retford, has referred patients to the hub since the start.

‘When people are newly diagnosed, they feel lost and don’t know what to do,’ says Nikki.

But if they come to the hub, it is a simpler and quicker way to see what services are out there.

‘For instance, they might have to wait weeks to get on the waiting list to speak to a social worker from adult services, whereas they can just walk into the hub and speak to one there and then.’

Dementia and social interaction

Ella Wild has been going to the hub for two years with her husband Steve, who has dementia.

The couple, from Shire Oaks, initially went for information and help with paperwork. But they are still going nearly every month for friendship and support.

‘Everyone is so friendly and you can stay for as little or long as you like,’ she says. ‘We can try activities like making Christmas cards or cross stitch and it is good to meet people in the same situation.’

Ella says a dementia awareness course run by the hub was helpful preparation for the years ahead.

The social benefits are great for both of them.

‘Steve would sit and watch TV all day if he could, but coming to things like this gets him out of the house and talking to other people. 

I get even more out of it and have made so many friends.

‘Getting a dementia diagnosis is frightening. But coming to the hub gives me confidence I will know what to do as things change and I can cope with it.