A NEW dementia support group is set to receive a £1,000 boost to its plans after applying to an initiative run by regional housebuilder Persimmon Homes South Coast.

Dementia Support - Hampshire & IOW applied to the Community Champions scheme which was created for local charities, organisations and good causes to go to for financial support.

Helen Hamblen from Dementia Support - Hampshire & IOW said: “We are a new charitable group, set up by individuals with lived experience of dementia through having cared for a loved one with the condition.

“We plan to establish a weekly support group for those living with dementia including their loved ones and family carers. The aim of our group is to provide emotional support, information, signposting, and social events and generally help families navigate the dementia pathway.

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“We are planning to conduct a survey to ask people living with dementia what their needs are and what activities they would like. Based on the results, we will establish up to five support groups per week to held in different locations. Ultimately our aim is to help people cope with the emotional impact of a dementia diagnosis and to retain their independence and stay in their own homes for as long as possible. The group meetings will also enable them to meet people and make new friends while increasing their social support network.

“There is very little provision of this type of service in Hampshire & IOW and people living with dementia need support to help them cope their everyday experiences. We’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Persimmon Homes South Coast for this donation, which will go a long way to getting our group up and running.”

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Joe Lindsay, director in charge at Persimmon Homes South Coast, said. “Dementia Support – Hampshire & IOW – is exactly the kind of good cause that Community Champions was created for, one that sits at the very heart of the community, working to help and support local people.

“The group has a clear and ambitious plan to provide a strong network for those affected by dementia in our region and we are delighted to be able to provide them with this £1,000 funding.”

Charities, organisations and good causes from around the region can apply for a donation from Community Champions via our website. It is very easy to apply, and they could find themselves as being our next community champion.

Those interested can complete an online application form at www.persimmonhomes.com/charity

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