Support Organisations
General Information
Age UK
Unfortunately, although not absolute, many older people can have a diagnosis of 'Dementia'. Age UK are one of the organisations that can help and support you or family members and carers. Amongst their many services, they give help to carers, cost of living support, benefits and pension advice and cost of living support.
Alzheimer’s Society
What is Dementia?
If you or a loved one has a diagnosis of 'Dementia' Then these pages from the Alzheimer's Society will help you find the information about dementia that you need to know, including symptoms, types, treatments and risk factors.
Befriending & Support Services
Alzheimer’s Society
Helpline.
The Alzheimer's Society offers a range of support services. From a listening ear on the phone to a visit in person and opportunities to connect with others.
Call the Alzheimer's Society Dementia Support telephone number listed to get personalised information, support and advice.
Conversation Works
Conversation Works exists to provide support and services to enable people living with dementia in South Devon, to live better and maintain their independence and well-being.
Conversation Works utilises Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) and runs small groups in Bovey Tracy. The programme consists of 2–hour weekly sessions designed for people with mild to moderate dementia.
There is work in progress to set up CST groups around Ivybridge.
Conversation Works are also involved with the Buckfastleigh Memory Café.
Dementia Friendly Parishes around the Yealm
Dementia Friendly Parishes around the Yealm is a unique charity set up by local people in 2012. They became the first organisation in the country to unite five parish councils in a pledge to make a difference. As a charity they got to know local families and set about making it possible for them to continue doing the things they loved and that were important to them. They are now recognised nationally as offering some of the best practical help to people living with dementia and their families.
Dementia UK
Helpline.
If you have a question that needs an immediate answer or need emotional support when life feels overwhelming, these are the ways a Dementia UK dementia specialist Admiral Nurse can support you.
The free, confidential Dementia Helpline is staffed by our dementia specialist Admiral Nurses who provide information, advice and support with any aspect of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Their Helpline is open Monday to Friday 9am to 9pm and Saturday and Sunday 9am to 5pm; every day except 25th December. The Helpline nurses can also advise whether there is an Admiral Nurse service that you can access in your area.
They also provide an information resources, financial and Legal support, support around a diagnosis and carer support.
Ivybridge Caring Volunteers
Ivybridge Caring is a voluntary organisation with a mission to promote the independence, physical and mental well-being of older and isolated people within the area of Ivybridge, Cornwood, Lutton, Sparkwell & Harford.
Ivybridge Caring's aim is to provide free services such as regular home visits offering support and companionship, help shopping or going out and some Carer relief.
At Ivybridge Caring our aims are to improve the quality of life and promote the independence of the older or isolated and vulnerable people, by the provision of services not normally available from statutory Services.
Examples of the support we offer include:
Befriending
Shopping
Library collection
Prescription collection
Appointments
South Brent and District Caring
South Brent and District Caring volunteers are here to help those living in South Brent and the surrounding communities of Avonwick, North Huish, Diptford and Rattery. They offer befriending and other services including prescription collection, transport, help with forms and administration, assistance with shopping and gardening.
They also have multiple and regular activities including a community cafe based at the Old School House in South Brent.
South Hams Community Action
South Hams Community Action helps local voluntary and community groups to flourish. They work with residents in the South Hams through their health and wellbeing team which includes social prescribers and community link workers.
Their work with residents includes one-to-one support, particularly around loneliness, social isolation and mental health. they also offer buddy support and training to enable digital inclusion.
They also work with groups through their communities team which includes support and development with training, sharing knowledge and expertise, and enabling groups to find their own solutions through collaboration. They also promote and encourage local voluntary activity.
The Filo Project
The Filo Project supports individuals who are socially isolated, many experiencing symptoms associated with moderate dementia, including memory loss. Each day is provided by a host, and is situated in the intimate setting of the host’s own home.
Within the supportive environment of the Filo Project, time and again clients gain confidence becoming revitalised in the process.
Yealmpton Community Association
For those who are housebound or feel isolated and would like some companionship The Yealmpton Community Association (as part of the Yealmpton & Brixton Community Friendship Project ) offer:
Befriending for people who are housebound or feel isolated and would like some companionship
Information about local activities and support groups
A weekly coffee morning
Information about help with transport so that everyone can join in
For Carers
Devon Carers
Devon Carers support unpaid carers and help make things easier where they can. They have a great deal of information and knowledge which can save you time and provide support tailored to your needs.
Devon Carers - Peer Support
This service is about giving carers the chance to meet and make friends with other carers, providing each other with mutual support and understanding. It can be difficult to meet new people and make new friends; Devon Carers are experts at keeping gatherings informal and relaxed and will support you in getting to know some of the other carers in your area.
Devon County Council
Looking After Someone With Dementia.
Devon County Council offer support through contact with Devon Carers on 0345 643 443 or through the Devon Carers website and Adult Social Services. See telephone number listed.
In addition, the council directory also offers online advice including the carers offer, carers assessment, carers allowance and financial advice, taking a break and training courses amongst their advertised services.
Devon County Council
Help to stay living at home.
Devon County Council want more people to live independently in their own homes in the community, to benefit from support that is strengths based and live the life that is right for them.
The council want to create a fairer, healthier, more inclusive and caring society where people feel safe and connected within their community, and able to help themselves and each other.
This directory offers advice and support on such issues as adapting your home, safeguarding, care at home, home safety, self directed support and clothing advice amongst other services.
Home Instead (Ivybridge)
Home care.
Home Instead provide specialists in dementia care and companionship - allowing clients to remain in safe & familiar surroundings where they feel most comfortable, in the place they call home.
Legal & Social
Age UK - Internet Online Safety
Getting online can make life easier in many ways, but also comes with the risk of scams and fraud. Online scams are becoming increasingly common, but Age UK have information on making the most of the internet and advice on how you can protect yourself by knowing what to look out for, and what to do if you suspect a scam.
They have a free advice line (See telephone number opposite) and are open 365 days of the year between 8:00am and 7:00pm.
Alzheimer’s Society - Support and Advice
This section of the Alzheimer's Society website outlines the various financial and legal issues that someone with dementia and their carer may want to consider and looks at sources of help and support.
The Alzheimer's Society's Dementia Support lines are open:
Mon to Weds: 9:00am – 8:00pm
Thurs and Fri: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Sat and Sun: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Citizens Advice Bureau
South Hams Citizens Advice are pleased to be supporting the 4 Rivers Dementia Alliance.
Through their local offices, they can assist clients to find their way forward in many aspects of their lives.
They have specialist advice areas in debt problems, making benefit claims and appealing decisions; housing matters, family and relationship issues, health-related matters, support for Ukrainian families and energy.
As a CAB Energy Champion, Jo Lawton-Cook is keen to support our members not only with their energy needs; but with the full range of advice areas provided by Citizens Advice.
Devon Advocacy Consortium
Give people a voice to secure their rights.
The Devon Advocacy Consortium provides an independent, professional advocacy service for people in Devon and Torbay.
They take action to help people say what they want, secure their rights, represent their interests and to get the services they need. Advocates can visit you at home or a place of your choice and if an advocate can’t help they can find someone who will.
The Devon Advocacy service offers all types of statutory advocacy for adults within Devon and Torbay including:
Independent Care Act Advocacy
Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy
Independent Mental Health Advocacy
NHS Complaints Advocacy (Devon only)
Devon and Cornwall Police
Police Register of information for Missing Persons.
This webpage will give you links to the webpage for people living with Dementia at risk of going missing.
Use this link to find out about the HERBERT PROTOCAL form especially set up for people living with Dementia who maybe at risk of going missing from time to time.
Devon and Somerset Fire Services
If you or anyone you know could be considered at higher risk, you may be entitled to a free Home Safety Visit.
At present, the Devon and Somerset Fire Services have temporarily paused their home safety visit referrals due to high demand. Currently, they are working through a backlog of referrals and will prioritise visits to the most vulnerable and at-risk members of the community.
If you require fire safety advice to ensure that you are safe in your home or if you are caring for someone and have concerns then use the contact information listed to get advice. The website 'Fire Safety Advice' is easy to use with thoughtful information that will ensure you or the person being supported are safe.
Keep checking the website link or telephone for details about when referrals will re-open.
Devon County Council
Safety & Safeguarding.
This is the main safeguarding webpage for Devon County Council and it has links to other web pages for advice and support or to contact them in case of abuse or neglect.
If there are any concerns Adult Social Care can be contacted on the telephone number opposite.
Check the webpage for the area listed emails for Safeguarding in Devon.
NHS Patient Advice & Liaison Service (PALS)
The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) offers confidential advice, support and information on health-related matters.
They provide a point of contact for patients, their families and their carers.
You can find your nearest PALS office from this NHS webpage or you can also ask your GP surgery, hospital or phone NHS 111 for details of your nearest PALS.
South Dartmoor Community Energy
SDCE offer free and impartial home energy advice, helping the community to deal with high energy bills, cold and damp in the home, understanding bills, overcoming fuel debt, switching suppliers and supporting people with crisis grants.
We also help homeowners to unlock any available grant funding for home energy efficiency measures.
We can work closely with clients by offering home visits, phone or video calls across the the South Hams and our advisors are fully qualified, insured and DBS checked.
Clients can self-refer at https://www.sdce.org.uk/request-support.html
Uk & Local Government
Central Government
Attendance Allowance.
Use the Attendance Allowance claim form to apply for financial help for your personal care if you're disabled and State Pension age or older. Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia are classed as a disability.
Remember Attendance Allowance is not "Mean's Tested".
South Hams District Council
Disabled Parking Badge.
The Blue Badge Scheme allows disabled people to park close to their destination. The scheme covers people living with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.
The scheme is run by Devon County Council but can be accessed from this South Hams District Council webpage. If you are unable to apply online you can contact them on the telephone number listed opposite.
South Hams District Council
Council Tax Discount.
You can get a reduction in your council tax if you, or someone aged 18 or over who lives with you, is living with an intellectual disability. The discount covers people living with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.
South Hams District Council - Support Directory
The South Hams Support Directory is an online hub connecting people in the South Hams to all the services you may need.
Whilst not strictly related to Dementia the South Hams Support Directory through it's virtual hub can put you in touch with services that will aid you to navigate the cost of living crisis, deal with health concerns both physical and mental, help with housing and numerous other challenges faced by families and people across the South Hams.
You’ll find all the information you need, when you need it most.
Equipment & Mobility Solutions
Independent Living Centre
Based in Newton Abbot, This NHS therapy team helps people to find equipment solutions to stay active, safe and independent.
They are a joint NHS and Devon County Council funded service, offering completely impartial and independent assessment and advice to individuals, families and carers.
They are open Monday to Friday. Book an appointment to discuss your needs.
Inclusive Activities
4RDA "What's On" Calendar
The Four Rivers Dementia Alliance What's On Calendar is open to all charities and social groups offering support or activities in the South Hams area.
Although the Four Rivers Dementia Alliance focus on Dementia Friendly Communities we are supportive of any event or organisation that is inclusive of people with a diagnosis of dementia, their family members or carers to ensure that all play a part in community life.
We are especially happy to advertise social activities such as singing, arts and crafts, walking, memory and community cafes, village fetes, whist drives, bingo!, etc as well as information events such as workshops and conferences.
Dementia Adventure
Fully supported holidays all around the UK including Devon & Cornwall, for people living with dementia and their loved ones to enjoy together.
Living Memories Online - A not-for-profit social enterprise.
Using archive films, newsreels and social history programmes from 1930-1970s to help trigger memories and reduce isolation. Streamed online to care homes, hospitals, public libraries, memory cafes and in people's own homes. Also runs virtual and live Tea & Memory Groups in Abbeyfield communities
☎ Brian Norris +44 (0) 1297 552358
Ocean Conservation Trust / National Marine Aquarium Plymouth
Ocean for All Project with Virtual Reality headsets with footage from Aquarium Tanks and waters of Plymouth Sound
See on You-Tube Ocean For All-Care Home VCR. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzT7wVNoJno
They will go to care homes or venues within PL1 -PL12 postcodes.
Or community visits to the Aquarium. All rangers are Dementia Friends, DBS checked and safeguarding trained.
See PDF Information Document at bottom of page
Useful Documents
- National Association of Local Councils (NALC) Dementia Friendly Communities (pdf)
- Local Government Association (LGA) Dementia Friendly Communities Guidance for Councils (pdf)
- Four Rivers Dementia Alliance (4RDA) Dementia Friendly Environment Checklist (pdf)
- South Hams Community Action (SHCA) - What is Social Prescribing (pdf)
- Citizens Advice (CAB) - 'We're here to help' Leaflet (pdf)
- World Health Organisation (WHO) - Towards A Dementia Inclusive Siociety (pdf)
- Four Rivers Dementia Alliance (4RDA) Constitution (pdf)
- Four Rivers Dementia Alliance (4RDA) Safeguarding Policy (pdf)
- Four Rivers Dementia Alliance (4RDA) Equality and Disability Policy (pdf)
- National Marine Aquarium Community Projects (pdf)