World Alzheimer’s Day: Where Havering Families Can Find Support
From memory assessment to advice for unpaid carers, support is available locally and nationally for people affected by dementia.
Today, Monday 21st September, marks World Alzheimer’s Day, an opportunity to challenge the stigma surrounding dementia and ensure Havering residents know where they can turn for help.
The annual awareness day forms part of World Alzheimer’s Month. This year’s international campaign highlights the importance of receiving a timely diagnosis, under the theme “The Earlier You Know, The More You Can Do: A Dementia Diagnosis Matters”.
Dementia is not a natural part of ageing. It can affect memory, language, judgement, mood and a person’s ability to manage everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is one type of dementia.
The NHS advises anyone whose increasing forgetfulness is affecting daily life, or causing concern to them or somebody close to them, to speak to a GP. Other health conditions and medicines can also affect memory, so seeking advice is important.
Help in Havering
The Havering Memory Service provides assessment, diagnosis, treatment and support for adults with memory difficulties and their families. People are usually referred by their GP.
The service is based at 26 Gubbins Lane, Harold Wood, Romford, RM3 0QA. It is open from 9am until 5pm, Monday to Friday, and can be contacted on 0300 555 1135 ext 66700 or at Haveringmemoryservice@nelft.nhs.uk.
Alzheimer’s Society also runs a Live Well with Dementia Programme for Havering residents who have recently been diagnosed or are in the early stages of dementia. The face-to-face and online sessions offer practical information, help with day-to-day life and guidance for carers. Booking is essential. Email havering.groups@alzheimers.org.uk to ask about forthcoming sessions.
Support for carers
Havering Carers Hub supports people who live in Havering, or who care for an adult living in the borough. It offers advice, awareness courses and social and wellbeing activities. Call 01708 961111 or email info@haveringcarershub.org.uk.
Carers can also ask Havering Council for a carer’s assessment by calling 01708 432000. The assessment looks at how caring responsibilities affect someone’s life and what support may help.
National advice
Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Support Line is available on 0333 150 3456. It opens from 9am to 8pm Monday to Wednesday, 9am to 5pm Thursday and Friday, and 10am to 4pm at weekends.
World Alzheimer’s Day is a reminder that nobody facing memory concerns, a diagnosis or caring responsibilities has to navigate the journey alone. Seeking advice early can unlock treatment, practical help and the chance to plan for the future.
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