Welcome
Welcome to the 11th edition of Living Well magazine. In our summer edition we proudly announced, ‘We just got bigger!!’ having expanded from 32 to 40 pages. Well, ‘We just got bigger again’ – but this time we have increased our print run due to demand. We have increased from 4,000 to 4,500. A testament to the importance of this community magazine.
By the time you read this edition, Halloween will be behind us, and Christmas will be fast approaching. Drop by our ‘What’s on Listing’ and see our Christmas addition of events. More Christmas information can also be found on our partner pages towards the back.
Each edition includes social & support groups in Corfe Mullen, Ferndown, West Moors, Wimborne & surrounding areas. If you know of or run a group that you would like added to these listings, please do get in touch. New groups are being added all the time – so do have a read through.
We hope that this publication will help anyone who wishes to live well, stay active and support an inclusive community. We look to ensure all activities listed are dementia friendly, and suitable and accessible for all.
What’s inside?
Inside this Winter issue, you will find articles dedicated to living well. As mentioned above we have a seasonal addition in our What’s on highlighting all things Christmas related, an update of our Food banks in your local community, a musical update from St Nicholas Church in Corfe Mullen, and what’s happening with our friends at In Jolly Good Company.
We would love to hear from you!
If you wish to contribute to this publication, please contact via community@fcdouch.co.uk.
Contributions can include upcoming events, experiences, photographs, articles or submissions to the letters page. If you have any questions, please do get in touch.
Thank you!
As always we would like to thank our Partner and Sponsor –ProMedica Dorset & Hampshire. And thank you to all who have supported us by way of advertising.
We need your help – without advertisers or sponsorship, this magazine wouldn’t be possible. If you are interested in supporting the magazine please do get in touch – community@fcdouch.co.uk.
Thank you to everyone who allows this publication to be placed in their premises for distribution. You are helping us to build an inclusive and knowledgeable community.
Best Regards
From the steering committee/publication partners of this magazine.
Contents
Publication Partners:
Emma Regan
Douch Family Funeral Directors / Editor of Living well Magazine
Michael Deane
Chair of Ferndown Dementia Friendly Town
Peter Jones
Chair of Corfe Mullen Dementia Friendly Community / Growing Compassionate Communities Charity
Tracie Jackson
St Nicholas & St Hubert Church, Corfe Mullen
Sue Tipping Chair of Wimborne Dementia Friendly Community
Lynne Morris
Chair of West Moors Dementia Action Group
Mark Müller
Regional partner ProMedica 24
DESIGN, PRODUCTION AND SALES
Production Manager
Ben Pulford | ben@pulfordpublicity.co.uk
Lead Designer
Louis Pulford | louis@pulfordpublicity.co.uk
Graphic Designer
Dexter Elliott | designstudio@pulfordpublicity.co.uk
Media Sales
Simon Thornton | simon@dorsetview.co.uk
It’s going to be a Jolly busy winter for us at ‘In Jolly Good Company’ with many fun events coming up that will help us to raise funds to keep the Jolly show on the road and our vital services running. November marks the start of our ‘Jolly Friendly Winter Lunch Delivery Service’ where a weekly free home cooked meal made by the Friendly Food Club is delivered with a smile and a chance to chat with our wonderful dinner lady Kate. This is a small service that operates in and around Wimborne and if you are interested or know someone else
who can benefit, please contact us for further details. These meals can be a lifeline for people.
This winter we have a Jolly Christmas Raffle with fabulous prizes. First prize: 2x weekend tickets to ‘End of The Road’ Festival 2025. Second Prize: Two-night stay for a couple in a beautiful Pepper Pot Lodge at St Giles House. Third Prize: Lunch for two at The Smokehouse Compton Abbas. Plus, many more! Tickets are now on sale at ‘Fluffetts Home’ 3, Quarterjack Mews, Wimborne and Chettle Shop as well as WS Clarke and Sons Butchers in
Sixpenny Handley please check our Social Media and sign up for our online Newsletter via our website for other venues. We will also have tickets at all Jolly days so please pop in and say ‘hello’. The draw will be at our Christmas Concert on the 13th December, 7 pm in Wimborne St Giles Church. For information about groups and upcoming events have a read of the What’s on section of this magazine. Please visit our website to find out more about us www.injollygoodcompany. com or call Sarah 07884 333117 for more details.
What is social prescribing?
Social prescribing, also sometimes known as community referral, is a means of enabling health professionals to refer to a range of local, non-clinical services. The referrals generally, but not exclusively, come from professionals working in primary care settings, for example, GPs or practice nurses.
“What matters to you?”
Crane Valley PCN
Social prescribing team working with patients registered at The Barcellos Family Practice, The Cranborne Practice, The Verwood Surgery and West Moors Village Surgery.
Poole North PCN
Social prescribing team working with patients registered at The Hadleigh Practice, The Harvey Practice, Birchwood Practice and Canford Heath Group Practice.
Wimborne and Ferndown PCN
Social prescribing team working with patients registered at The Old Dispensary Surgery, Walford Mill Medical Centre, Quarterjack Surgery in Wimborne, Penny's Hill Surgery and Orchid House Surgery in Ferndown.
How to broach the subject of care with someone you care about
How to approach someone you care about when you feel they have a memory problem or care need.
There is no one way to approach everyone, having spoken to some health professionals, people in the care industry and some people we know, we have listed below some ideas, suggestions that we hope will help you.
The first thing is allow a good amount of time to talk, do not rush.
Avoid a public space, it could be an emotional conversation for all, privacy and a comfortable space will help put everyone at ease.
Time of day, as a general rule we are better and brighter in the morning having slept well, it will help if you are both comfortable and relaxed.
Perhaps sit down over a cup of tea.
Do not rush into your concerns and worries.
Ask them is there anything they are worried about. Chances are the person knows something is not quite right. Be kind, be empathetic. If the conversation turns confrontational, just pause, you may even need to revisit another day.
Use open questions, “how would you feel about having someone support them around the house”. Avoid closed questions “do you need care” questions that have yes/no answers will not help you or them to tell you how you and they are feeling.
Ask yourself how you would like to be told someone is worried about your memory. Put yourself in their place, it is a very emotive subject.
It is not your job to put a label on what is happening, the words Dementia and Alzheimers do not need to form part of the conversation.
Perhaps a 3rd party example, someone you both know. Talk about yourself, perhaps forgetting names, where you put the keys, have they noticed the same.
Ask “how are you getting on, be patient and wait for an answer” people need time, 30 seconds may feel like a long time, but it is ok to wait and essential to allow them to answer in their own time and words.
Be honest, say you are worried
and concerned, if you have noticed changes, discuss. I have noticed, say the examples that have worried you.
“How are you, I have noticed and I am a bit concerned”
The fact is we try to protect ourselves, ignore, deny things are changing, put up a barrier. It may be as simple as someone has too much on their plate, but sadly it could be one of the many forms of memory impairment. Facing something like that can be earthshattering, but seeking help, putting things in place early will enable people to maintain their quality of life for as long as possible. Diagnosis is not the end of the line, it is a new path any of us may have to walk one day. Whatever the situation there are people and organisations who can help you and the person you are worried about.
Mark Muller Promedica 24 Dorset and Hampshire
YOUR BRAIN MATTERS
- A guide to brain health -
WHY YOUR BRAIN MATTERS.
This guide has been put together with the support of Alzheimers Research UK-funded scientists, to look into brain health and the importance of protecting yourself against the brain diseases that lead to dementia.
Welcome to your brain. It’s the most fascinating place in the universe, controlling everything you think, feel, say and do. New discoveries are being made all the time, but there’s one thing leading experts agree on: the importance of keeping brains healthy.
Your brain is galactic - and has over 100 billion nerve cells, which is about the same as the number of stars in the Milky Way!
CAN YOUR BRAIN BE HEALTHIER?
Your brain is incredible. And like other organs in your body, you need to look after it. No doubt you’ve heard a lot about the importance of heart healthwell, brain health is just as vital. When you take steps to look after your brain, you give it the best chance of staying healthy in later life reducing the risk of developing the diseases that cause dementia and affect important cognitive functions. We can help prevent dementia and slow down its progression by making positive changes to keep our brains healthier.
Up to 40% of dementia cases could be prevented, as they are linked to risk factors we can influence. (see 7 ways..)
IT HELPS TO THINK OF AN ORANGE.
No really, an orange is a good way to explain dementia.
Dementia isn’t a natural part of aging, it’s caused by brain diseases.
These diseases, like Alzheimer’s, attack the brain and gradually destroy brain cells.
This causes a variety of symptoms that can take over every part of the person’s life. As yet, there’s no cure.
The damage caused by Alzheimer’s can leave the brain weighing around 140g less than a healthy brain - about the weight of an orange.
7 WAYS TO KEEP YOUR BRAIN HEALTHY
It’s time to think about your brain health
Many people don’t start thinking about their brain health until much later in life, when they start to notice differences in their memory and other cognitive functions. But, if you start thinking about your brain health earlier, you can make changes that will benefit you for the rest of your life.
The good news is, you can make changes at any age to benefit your overall health and help keep your brain healthy. Here are a few sciencebacked suggestions to get you started…
1. Avoid smoking
It’s not easy to give up smoking, but thinking about your brain could be a good incentive. Smoking is already linked to a number of health conditionsand now researchers have found it increases your risk of dementia. Whatever age you stop smoking, it helps improve your health - so it’s never too late.
2. Keep your cholesterol and blood pressure in check Keeping these under control can help your overall health and reduce the risk of dementia. There are several things you can do to lower your cholesterol, such as reducing red meat, cheese and biscuit in your diet and increasing your intake of oily fish, fruit and vegetables.
3. Be physically active
You don’t have to train for a marathon to keep your brain healthy. Doing physical activity you enjoy means you’re more likely to stick with it so your body and brain will feel the benefit for longer. Start gently and gradually build up to what is right for you. Quick tip: aim to do 150 minutes of exercise a week - that’s 30 minutes a day for 5 days.
4. Stay connected
In recent years, scientists from several different fields have explored the impact of our social connections and relationships have on our health. For our brain health, social contact is crucial. Evidence increasingly suggests that enjoyable face-to-face interactions can slow symptoms such as deteriorating memory. This is because listening and replying to people involves different parts of the brain working together at the same time. Quick tip: whether online or in real life, join hobby groups, meet friends and keep up those social interactions wherever possible.
5. Eat well
Eating a well-balanced diet is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of several health conditions in later life. Reducing fat in our diet is important, but it doesn’t mean cutting it out altogether. Some fats, such as those found in oily fish, nuts, seeds and avocado can be beneficial. A good balance of fruit, vegetables, pulses, fish and high fibre complex carbs every week can go a long way to keeping our body health.
6. Keep your brain active and exercised
Staying mentally and socially active is linked to a lower risk of problems with memory and thinking. Keeping your brain active can mean anything from spending more time in education to doing crossword puzzles, learning a new language or playing an instrument.
7. Keep an eye on drinking alcohol
It is well known that drinking impairs thinking and judgement. Now research has found a link between drinking too much and an increased risk of diseases that lead to dementia. A good way to cut back on drinking is to have several drink-free days each week.
A precis of an information booklet from Alzheimers Research UK. If you would like to know more visit: alzheimersreasearchuk.org
Sing @ St Nics
Jill has been coming along to Sing @ St Nics since its beginning, with her husband Alan who suffers from dementia. Alan does not say so much, these days but he always finds his voice for singing.
These are Jill's words: "Our singing group meets once a month on the last Tuesday of each month at 10:30am and finishes at 11:45am. We have about 14 friendly members who all
enjoy singing songs from the shows and songs from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s with our leader Lin; with her patience, humour and kindness. The cost is just £3, with a short break for coffee, or tea, and biscuits – all included. Why not come along and join us – we’d love to see you. Plus, it is dementia friendly” For further information please contact the parish office 01202 602948, or just turn up.
Community Larder, incorporating Food, Pet
and Hygiene Bank
Supporting the local community a not for profit organisation providing vital help and support to all in Ferndown and surrounding areas. Including a community larder for all residents, along with a Food Bank+ for those in difficulty. In addition a Hygiene and Baby Bank and Pet Food Bank.
For further information you can get in touch via info@ ferndowncommunitysupport. org.uk / 01202 936121 / ferndowncommunitysupport.org.uk
Castleman Community Larder, West Moors
Based at 136 Station Road supplying a wide range of goods. Set up to tackle food poverty in the local community and operates a membership based social supermarket to support low-income families and struggling households across East Dorset. Visit castlemancommunity.wixsitecom/larder for opening times and further information
Wimborne
Wimborne Community Food Supply
Based at The Allendale Centre, it is open to anyone in need of food support. Choice from a selection of fresh fruit and vegetables, tinned foods, prepared meals, bakery goods cleaning products etc. Contact 07850 825645 for further information.
Wimborne Food Bank
Run by Faithworks, a local charity that supports those affected by homelessness, food poverty,
Recently, we have trialled Saturday opening in response to feedback. Our food parcel is supplemented with fresh items, and we have pet food and toiletries available too. We are all volunteers, who hope
debt, addiction and those who find themselves in lone parent families. Situated at Leigh Park Community Centre, Gordon Road, Wimborne. Debt advice, budget support and regular visits from local agencies offering support, as well as a supply of food items pet, toiletries, baby items and sanitary products.
For further information contact 07766 395944.
Our Foodbank has opened its doors every Wednesday and Friday (10am - noon), for the past ten years
we create an approachable environment, for what is often a difficult situation for those who need us. Occasionally we have Recipe Bags, plus Craft bags, which we base around everyday items - who knew an egg box
could become a dog’s face!
For further details, please contact St Nicholas & St Hubert, Corfe Mullen, 01202 602948 / cmfoodbank@ gmail.com / parishofcorfemullen. church/foodbank
Corfe Mullen
Carers Support
Some of our partners here at Living Well, reached out during ‘Carers Support Week’ in June to help raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK.
It also helps people who don’t think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much needed support.
Many of our partners list their support groups in our ‘Carer Support’ section of this magazine. Please do flick through to find many support groups, charities, social events and surgeries, all with the unpaid carer in mind.
Stress Busters, founded by four ladies from West Moors and Ferndown who met through their husbands attending a local dementia group, hold regular social events in Ferndown. Here is a quote from one of their attendees –
‘When life takes an unexpected turn there are many learning curves to address, and I found Living well Magazine helpful in so many ways but in particular local events and information. Without which I might not have known about Stress Busters, which proved more helpful more than words can say. Kind regards, Ann.’
Carers’ Rights Day 2024
Prama run an event on Carers Rights Day to help carers get the support they need. It’s important to be fully informed about your rights as a carer and the local support services that are available to you.
Do you look after a family member, spouse, or friend? Could you be a Carer? Would you like to find out more about what information and support is available to you? Then come and join us for our Carers Rights Day event on 21st of November 2024 at the Allendale Community Centre in Wimborne from 9.00 till 12.30pm. Come and speak to over 30 different organisations all ready to help support carers. Refreshments are available and we have an activities room so your loved one can relax and enjoy a cuppa whilst you look around the event. We look forward to seeing you there.
For further information in the mean time please call the team on 01202 207329. All calls are treated confidentially, and if they aren’t the right solution for you, they will try their best to signpost you to other support or help.
To learn more about the support services PramaLife offer, please go to: www.pramalife.org/support-for-carers www.pramalife.org/focus-support-scheme
To conclude – if you know of someone that is caring for a loved one and would benefit from support from like minded people, please share this magazine with them and signpost them to the many organisations and groups on hand to offer their help and support.
Meet the Living Well Community Magazine Steering Committee
This magazine wouldn’t be possible without our partners who all volunteer their time and experience to pull this publication together. We also have a new organisation that has joined our committee from this winter edition so please join me in welcoming Tracie from St Nicholas Church, Corfe Mullen to our busy team.
Team members include:
Corfe Mullen Dementia Friendly Community – Peter Jones
St Nicholas & St Hubert’s Church, Corfe Mullen – Tracie Jackson
Ferndown Dementia Friendly Town – Michael Deane
West Moors Dementia Action Group – Lynne Morris
Wimborne Dementia Friendly Community – Sue Tipping
The Douch Family Funeral Directors – Emma Regan (Editor)
Promedica 24 – Mark Muller (Sponsor) Pulford Publicity – (Design & Print)
New member
St Nicholas & St Hubert’s Church, Corfe Mullen
The church centre is a hive of activity for many different groups around the community. We have a selection of rooms that are available for booking, from small meeting rooms to the church itself. You can even book the whole complex if required.
Community groups include social clubs, coffee mornings, community lunch, fusion choir, knit & natters and many more. Many of which you can read about in the ‘What’s On’ section in this magazine.
You can also read about our Food Bank and details of opening times etc in the ‘Food Bank’ article. For further information please do contact Tracie on 01202 602948 / https://parishofcorfemullen.church/
Continued overleaf
CORFE MULLEN DEMENTIA
FRIENDLY COMMUNITY
part of Growing Compassionate Communities Registered Charity Number 1176047
Dear friends,
Since the launch and creation of Corfe Mullen Dementia Friendly Community we have come a long way. Since our first meeting some 10 years ago we began to explore and produce action plans in relation to how we might grow Corfe Mullen as a dementia friendly community. It has been a long journey, and often challenging, but these were our first steps towards that goal.
To that end I would like to appeal for your help in making this happen. If you feel you can contribute to this process, please do get back to me.
As a community we seek to journey with both the carer and the older person with dementia, allowing them to inform and shape a dementia friendly community, a community that is safe and non–stigmatising.
Aims
• To raise awareness and understanding of Dementia in the Corfe Mullen Community.
• To create a safe and non-stigmatising community where older people with dementia can live well.
• To create an environment where the carer and or older person with dementia can seek appropriate help and support.
CMDFC subscribes to the Growing Compassionate Communities aim of growing compassionate inclusive communities. Contact Peter Jones for further details at - peterjonescipn@outlook.com
FERNDOWN DEMENTIA FRIENDLY TOWN
part of Growing Compassionate Communities Registered Charity Number 1176047
Dementia is a disease that can affect anyone at any time, young and old.
The very minimum requirement of the Ferndown Dementia Friendly Town Steering group, which is part of the larger Growing Compassionate Community Group, is to understand what it is like to live with dementia not only for those diagnosed, but for their carers too, and to try and help make life a little easier, or the services available more accessible.
It is essential to find out more from those with dementia, and their families and carers, about the experiences of living in our community, where they feel supported and where improvements can be made. This feedback can and will direct the actions of the steering group. Please feel free to email me on michaeldeane1@hotmail.com with any comments, concerns or questions you may have.
Moving forward, the group’s objective is to raise money that will be spent locally in supporting carers and families of loved ones affected by this cruel
growingcompassion.org.uk/corfemullen/ growingcompassion.org.uk/ferndown/
disease. Please follow our activity and updates on our FaceBook page. As always, many thanks to everyone for your ongoing support.
Michael Deane – Chairman Ferndown Dementia Steering Group For more information contact 07900 898085
WEST MOORS DEMENTIA ACTION GROUP
Over the Christmas period there will be plenty of opportunities to join with others to have a good sing or to enjoy listening to choir led concerts. Hearing the carols can certainly add to the festive spirit. Singing, and music generally, is said to be very good for us. Did you know that singing, especially in a choir is good for the body and the brain and gives us a real positive feeling. It exercises the lungs and, remembering the words and tunes stimulates and exercises the brain in an enjoyable way.
There are a number of Carol Services in West Moors listed under -’What’s On’, Music & Choirs.And if you fancy wrapping up warm there’s Carols on the Petwyn too for a great outdoor community event. Do look up details.
Within our Dementia Action Group we have also been reviewing our Aims and Objectives mainly around making West Moors a ‘safe’ place where people with dementia and other needs feel valued. More on this next time. Do get in touch it you would like to know more
We wish you all a very happy Christmas and our best wishes for 2025.
Lynne - on behalf of the West Moors Dementia Action Group
• Candlelight Carol Service at St Martins URC 18th December 6.30pm.
• Candlelight Carol Service at St Mary’s West Moors. 22nd December, 6.pm.
• Longest Night. A service for people bereaved, or those who find Christmas difficult for other reasons. Sunday 15th December. 4.pm. St Mary’s West Moors.
WIMBORNE DEMENTIA
FRIENDLY COMMUNITY
part of Growing Compassionate Communities Registered Charity Number 1176047
The WDFC Steering Group continues to ensure that people living with Dementia, their carers and their families, are listened to and provided for in Wimborne. We have representatives from In Jolly Good Company, The Douch Family, Prama Care, Connected Living, Streets Meadow, Oakley Friends, Wimborne Businesses {BID}, Museum of East Dorset {MED} and Wimborne Minster. Quite a cross section of members, all concerned with supporting those involved in Dementia in some way.
Our What’s On page shows just how much is happening in Wimborne for those living with Dementia. Jolly Days continue to meet at MED on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month 2pm – 4pm, with a variety of activities, such as singing, crafts, poetry and yoga. There is also the Companionship Café at Wimborne Community Centre, biweekly on Wednesdays 10am – 12 noon. Everyone is welcome. Take a look at our What’s On pages and also the Around Wimborne Community News [available in a number of outlets],
which lists even more activities and events in and around the town.
As we approach Christmas, there is a Christmas Craft Fair on 16th November and a Christmas Bazaar on 28th November, both at the Allendale Centre. The Lunch Club at the Allendale is having a Christmas lunch on17th December. More information is available from the Allendale Centre.
Wimborne Minster has several special Christmas services and events, including the Shoppers Carol Service on 21st December and the ever popular Carols in the Cornmarket on 20th December. Keep an eye on the board outside the Minster for more information.
We are still planning a Cake Concert in the new year, with members of the BSO. This is such a good opportunity for those living with Dementia and their carers to get together, listen to great music and eat cake! Something to look forward to in 2025! WDFC can be contacted at: wimbornedfcommunity@gmail.com growingcompassion.org.uk/wimborne/
Important contacts
Help & Support lines
Age UK
0800 678 1174 www.ageuk.org.uk
Alzheimer’s Society - www.alzheimers.org.uk
Carers Support Dorset
0800 368 8349 carersupportdorset.co.uk admin@carersupportdorset.co.uk
Christians Against Poverty 07458 395740 pamansell@capuk.org
Crisp 01202 128787 crispweb.org carersupport@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
Dorset Mind 01202 551660 contact@dorsetmind.uk www.dorsetmind.uk
Dorset Open Door ‘Supporting Bereavement Together’
East Dorset Citizens Advice
01305 361361 dhc.dorsetopendoor@nhs.net
0344 245 1291 eastdorsetca.com
Help and Care 0300 111 3303 contact@helpandcare.org.uk www.helpandcare.org.uk
Help and Care Dementia Co-ordinator Service
0300 1231916 memory@helpandcare.org.uk www.helpandcare.org.uk
The Leonardo Trust – Charity No: 1086045 01202 698325 info@leonardotrust.org www.leonardotrust.org
Livewell Dorset - www.livewelldorset.co.uk
Memory Support & Advisory Service
National Dementia Helpline
0300 1231916 dorset@alzheimers.org.uk
0300 2221122
NHS Helpline (Health advice) 111
Community Contacts
Corfe Mullen Dementia Friendly Community
East Dorset Good Neighbours
Ferndown Community Support CIC
Ferndown Dementia Friendly Community
Growing Compassionate Communities
In Jolly Good Company
Oakley Friends - Carer Support – Charity No: 1047919
Pramalife
Reach & Care
07715 940548
Peter Jones/peterjonescipn@outlook.com
01202 804003 goodneighbours@prama.org.uk
01202 936121 www.ferndowncommunitysupport.org.uk
07900 898085 @Ferndowndementiafriendlytown
07715 940548 www.growingcompassion.org.uk peterjonescipn@outlook.com
07884 333117 sarah@injollygoodcompany.com
01202 698325 www.leonargotrust.org/oakley-friends info@leonardotrust.org
01202 804904 carol.davies@prama.uk
07715 940548
West Moors Carers Group - Alison 01202 865800
West Moors Dementia Action Group 01425 477470
Wimborne Dementia
Peter Jones/peterjonescipn@outlook.com
Lynne Morris
Friendly Community - wimbornedfccommunity@gmail.com
Social
Prescribers
Crane Valley Network cranevalleypcn.org/ Poole North PCN northconnectpcn.nhs.uk/social-prescribing/
Wimborne and Ferndown PCN pennyshillpractice.co.uk/about-us/pcn/
Transport
Reach & Care
07715 940548 Peter Jones/peterjonescipn@outlook.com
Dial a ride Wimborne - darwimborne.ismysite.co.uk
Wimborne Neighbour Car
07912 273722
