Leading Bury St Edmunds charity’s plan for ‘dementia hub’ to bring services together

A leading Bury St Edmunds charity plans to create a ‘dementia hub’ to bring together much needed services and expertise under one roof.

Gatehouse wants to launch a single point of access for all those affected by the condition to help them continue to successfully live at home for longer.

It follows a recent seminar hosted by the charity about the future for dementia services in Bury, where concerns were raised about GPs failing to provide patients and carers with information about what help is available.

Julia Wakelam, chairman of Gatehouse, said: “Dementia is the hidden disease - people are often embarassed by the diagnosis.

“That, coupled with the lack of readily available information, means that people are missing out on services which could make their lives easier and, in some cases, delay the disease’s progression.

“The Dementia Hub will, we hope, help fill that gap and as we develop our services in conjunction with the clients themselves and with other organisations, become a dementia service fit for the 21st century.”

Charities such as Age UK, Sue Ryder, The Alzheimer’s Society and Suffolk Family Carers have already expressed an interest in providing a service at the hub.

Gatehouse already runs a day centre, memory cafe and services for carers.

Chief executive Amanda Bloomfield said: “It’s something we’re working towards in the next financial year.

“Over the years we’ve increased the services we provide to people living with and caring for dementia.

“We want people to have a single point where they can go for guidance and services throughout the whole of their dementia journey.

“There’s lots of good things going on in Bury but no-one knows about them or how to access them.”

The charity is looking at providing a salon and chiropody service for those with dementia. Mrs Bloomfield said another issue raised at the seminar was looking at educating about the condition.

The charity plans to remodel its building to make its first floor accessible for the disabled and creating a separate entrance for its day centre. Visit www.gatehouse.org.uk