Dementia support service goes from strength to strength

Wealden District Council’s Dementia Action Alliance (WDAA) helps residents living with dementia and their carers.

WDAA, which has been active since 2016, is run by the council in partnership with groups, volunteers and businesses across the district.

Services range from film screenings to cafe events. There's also a dedicated Facebook group and email newsletter.

Local forums also help raise awareness of dementia across Wealden,0 The alliance also supports Care for the Carers and Dementia Information and Support Courses (DISC) with their local carer groups.

Cafes are held in Willingdon, Polegate, Hailsham, Crowborough and WIthyham along with a Saturday Social held in Uckfield. Golden Oldie film afternoons are held in Ninfield, Crowborough and Hailsham. A sporting memories event is also held weekly in Polegate, as a chance to reminisce about favourite sports.

Councillor Pam Doodes, Wealden’s portfolio holder for Community, said, “I would like to thank all the community groups, businesses and volunteers who have been supporting our goal to have a dementia-friendly district. The hard work that goes into running these events is honourable.

“I would encourage anyone with dementia that wants to gain more social interaction to go along to one of the events. They are a safe, welcoming, and comfortable place.”

To get involved and find out more, visit the Wealden District Council website