Who are Memory Works?

Memoryworks CIC is a Community Interest Company providing programmes of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) for people living with memory concerns and dementia.

What is Cognitive Stimulation Therapy?

Cognitive Stimulation therapy is used to help people living with dementia to maximise cognition, independence, and well-being. The UK Government NICE guidance (2006, 2018) on the management of dementia recommends the use of group Cognitive Stimulation for people with mild to moderate dementia, irrespective of drug treatments received.

What’s the point of the programme?

• Provides mental stimulation so that people can create new connections.

• It encourages new ideas, thoughts, and associations so that people experience the process of learning again.

• It stimulates memory so that people can reconnect with their identity.

Why is Cognitive Stimulation Therapy important for people with dementia?

CST is important because, as well as stimulating the mind, the group sessions offer an opportunity to share experiences and talk with other people with dementia in a relaxed and supportive way.  Being part of the group helps to build self-esteem, to feel better about yourself and more confident to join in conversations and interests. 70% of groups said they were less lonely, and 2/3 thirds said that their mood had improved.

What is the service?

Memoryworks offers a vital early-stage support with our structured programme of group activities and discussions. Our aim is to keep people’s mind active and engaged. This counters the risk of people becoming withdrawn which results in further impairment due to loss of skills and confidence.  Each group meets for one hour once a week for a period of 14 weeks. We have small groups, with a maximum number of 10, to encourage discussion.

What about the carers?

Carers provide 1.1 billion hours of unpaid care to the 944,000 people living with dementia in the UK. Whilst loved ones attend the group Memoryworks offers an opportunity to share the ups and downs of their lives and some of the challenges that dementia can bring in a supportive environment over a cup of tea. Health professionals are invited to talk informally based on the carers needs.

Who delivers the sessions and when and where are they?

The Memoryworks Co-Ordinator is an experienced social care professional who has facilitated groups for many years. She understands that carers can be at loss as what to do, when a loved one has been diagnosed with dementia

Where will the sessions be and how much do they cost?

The sessions will be available at the New Forest Heritage Centre in Lyndhurst – others will be held at Milford on Sea, Lymington and New Milton. They cost £12 per session. 

Interested?

To find out more or to see if someone you care for is eligible, please ring Elena on 07590 503210, or email hello@memoryworks.org.uk, website: www.memoryworks.org.uk