A new service has been launched in Sandwell that provides advice, information, and support across the borough for anyone living with the effects of dementia.
Sandwell Community Dementia Service has been commissioned by Sandwell Council and the NHS Black Country & West Birmingham Clinical Commissioning Group to deliver the service.
The service comprises nine local voluntary sector organisations, with the lead provider being Crossroads Caring for Carers. The partner organisations are: Agewell CIC, Dementia Pathfinders CIC, West Bromwich African Caribbean Resource Centre, Murray Hall Community Trust, St Albans Community Association, BUDS (Better Understanding of Dementia for Sandwell), Age UK Sandwell, and Alzheimer’s Society.
The service is also available to the families and carers of those living with dementia.
Referrals can be made by calling 0121 726 8543, or by emailing care.vn4m2@nhs.net
Following a referral, a Dementia Navigator will establish the individual’s requirements before assigning an adviser based in one of Sandwell’s six towns. They will be assisted by a Specialist Dementia Adviser supporting young on-set and rarer dementia, as well as the Dementia Connect out-of-hours service.
Councillor Suzanne Hartwell, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for adults, social care and health, said: “Living with dementia or worries about your health can be very challenging and result in feelings of loneliness and isolation. Sandwell Community Dementia Service will work with individuals to seek a clear and early diagnosis of their condition, before delivering tailored interventions, helping people to make informed decisions about the support and care they receive.”
Councillor Maria Crompton, Deputy Leader, said: “We want the people of Sandwell to live well for longer. We are working with our voluntary and community sector partners to create community-based opportunities – such as Sandwell Community Dementia Service – that will ensure the support is in place so that our residents can live healthy lives with their friends and families.”
Chris Christie, CEO of Oldbury based Crossroads Caring for Carers, “Sandwell Community Dementia Service is an exciting opportunity for us to join up expert dementia support in the area, to deliver a really specialist and integrated service across our health and social care system, which is reflective of our diverse communities in Sandwell. The single point of access acts as the glue that holds everything together and provides a pathway to support people, enhancing their quality of life wherever they may be on their journey with dementia.”
To find out more about the service and to make a referral, please visit – Sandwell Community Dementia Service.
