July 2025 Issue
Annual summer holidays on Thursday 22nd and 29th August, returning on Thursday 5th September.
Introduction
As we approach our annual break we wanted to remind you of the enjoyment of recent weeks. Cake and laughter have, as ever, characterised Thursday mornings. We are also keen to share with you practical support of which we ourselves have been made aware.
Thursday mornings
One of our stated objectives this year was to run more themed occasions to provide variety to our weekly sessions. Although it was belated, our VE Day was a huge success. Surrounded by bunting, scones and cream, we were entertained by the talented Starlight Sisters with their wonderful harmonies and cheery renditions of 1940s, 50s and 60s music.
Thursday feedback
We have always been conscious of ensuring that attendees feel able to pass on their thoughts, including areas where we might improve, and equally we want to ensure that we are providing what is required. A new customer satisfaction survey is issued this week seeking current views on the Thursday sessions.
Community involvement events
As Trustees we have always set as a DSO priority an involvement in community events and building even stronger links with the local community beyond Thursday mornings. Our regular attendance at breakfast networking meetings is a continuing example of maintaining open channels with other care organisations for the benefit of those living with dementia and their carers.
Recently we have attended care home occasions at Glenvale Park, where we joined them to help celebrate their accreditation for Veteran Friendly status, and Overstone House Care Home’s Summer Festival on 12th July, raising funds for DSO. We will also be attending Lancum’s Summer Fayre on 26th July. Jackie has said that anyone is welcome to attend their fayre; please see her for more details.
Dementia Friends training run by Susanne Evans from Tollers has once again proven to be invaluable for volunteers in building empathy and awareness.
We are holding a fundraising quiz in Ecton on Friday 5th December for all members, volunteers and supporters. Details will follow closer to the date.
We have had our attention drawn to a dementia radio initiative based on Merseyside. It can be accessed via “Alexa, engage Dementia Radio” or at www.mdfr.co.uk. The station does not have adverts and does not broadcast any bad news.
Message in a Bottle
An interesting initiative of which we have become aware during our networking events is the Lions Club organisation’s Message in a Bottle. This is a simple but effective way to keep your emergency medical and contact details where they can be found easily and quickly by the responding services: in the fridge.
If the emergency services are called to your home, they are trained to look for two stickers, one on the inside of your front door and the other on your fridge, which will alert them to the bottle and its possibly lifesaving contents. Lions Clubs International fundraise to offer this service free and so far over 6 million Message in a Bottle have been distributed. We have some on our reception desk for anyone to take.
The Herbert Protocol is a national scheme that encourages carers, family and friends to provide and put together useful information, which can then be used in the event of a vulnerable person going missing. This initiative is named after George Herbert, a war veteran of the Normandy landings, who had dementia and sadly died while he was ‘missing’ on his way to his childhood home.
Home Fire Safety Visits from the fire service
Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service offers Home Fire Safety Visits to people living with dementia to help them feel safer at home. Visits include personalised advice to address issues people with dementia may have in keeping safe at home. The symptoms of dementia can increase the fire safety risk in the home, such as forgetting to turn electrical items on or off, or confusion around the use of appliances.
The fire service can offer advice on implementing practical fire safety steps such as shut-off devices which stop the gas supply if a cooker is left on, or a gas tap which can be turned off to prevent unsupervised cooking. It is very easy to request a visit, either for yourself or for someone who you think may need some help.
Individual requests: if you have internet access, please visit northantsfire.gov.uk/home-safety-checks to book a visit for yourself. Visits can also be requested by calling 01604 797000.
Professional agency referrals: online referrals can be made by completing the agency referral form.
Online Home Fire Safety Self-Checker: if you don’t want anyone to visit your home but you want to carry out your own fire safety check, you can use the online portal.
Contacts
We are in the process of updating our DSO database and we would appreciate you confirming your details at our reception desk.
And finally
Gareth and ourselves will be taking our annual summer holidays on Thursday 22nd and Thursday 29th August, returning on Thursday 5th September.
Cathie, Judith, Kathryn, Baz, Lucy, Ruth, Garry & Steve
14th July 2025