New service in Basingstoke helping those with dementia (From This is Hampshire)

New service in Basingstoke helping those with dementia

12:30pm Tuesday 26th February 2013 in News By Emily Roberts, Chief Reporter

A NEW dementia advice service has opened in Basingstoke – a boost to the thousands of people who are affected by the debilitating condition in the area.

Launched by Andover Mind, the centre in Vyne Road has been commissioned by Hampshire County Council to provide support for people with dementia, their carers, family and friends.

It will offer a single point of contact for people and ensure those with dementia have the information they need, at the right time, to help them maintain the life they want for as long as possible, and to plan for the future.

Angie Mills, Basingstoke team leader, said: “There is a real need for the Dementia Advice Service in Basingstoke and Deane and Alton, and it is good to be part of the team bringing this new initiative to the area.

“If any of your readers are concerned about dementia, either for themselves or on behalf of a relative or friend, we are here to help.”

The service is run by Andover Mind, set up in 2009 in partnership with the county council and NHS Hampshire to run a dementia advice service in Andover.

As one of 22 pilot schemes nationwide, it was part of the Government’s National Dementia strategy and in October 2012 was extended across the whole of the county.

An event will be held on March 4 to officially launch the new service in Basingstoke and raise awareness of its presence in the town.

For more information, you can go online to andover mind.org.uk.