ANDOVER Mind is a project commissioned by Hampshire County Council providing a team of 12 Dementia Advisers across the county.

The Dementia Advice Service provides free advice, information and support to people with dementia and their carers, families and friends. It is a consistent point of contact to provide the right information at the right time throughout the dementia journey and support people from point of diagnosis to access the appropriate services enabling them to live well and at home for as long as possible.

The team is proud to be able to support the residents of Basingstoke at a time in their lives when they may be struggling the most. They have been able to support many local individuals with a diagnosis, their carers and family members.

Dementia Action week runs from Monday, 21 May to Friday, 25 May and is an opportunity to gain a further awareness nationally and locally. The team is holding various events throughout Basingstoke on the Monday at Basingstoke Hospital and Wednesday and Thursday at Basingstoke Discovery Centre, with all sessions running between 10am and noon..

The team has volunteer vacancies that can help with admin, outreach or a combination of both. Volunteer roles can be very much suited to the individual and their strengths and skill set. It may be that people want to help at a local group, with befriending or with data entry and telephone calls. Please get in touch to find out more – Referrals are welcome into the service and people are able to self-refer.

Contact basingstokedementiaadvice@andovermind.org.uk, at andovermind.org.uk/dementia-advice, via social media or call 01256 423829.

Top Tip

Common dementia early indicators

• Increased forgetfulness

• Forgetting recent events or names of friends or everyday objects

• Losing the thread of a conversation

• Feeling confused even when in a familiar environment

• Increasing difficulties with tasks and activities that require concentration and planning

• Changes in personality and mood

• Difficulty finding the right words

Things to aid dementia sufferers

• Make sure they have got good lighting

• Make sure all flooring is safe

• Make eating and drinking easier

• Get furniture you can see clearly

• Remind yourself where things are

• Keep things simple in the bathroom

• Keep clutter-free

• Use equipment to keep yourself safe

• Keep active and engaged

• Get outside

Go to alzheimersresearchuk.org/about-dementia for further information.