Burnham-On-Sea residents will be able to have their say on changes to the way people with Dementia are supported when the County Council holds an ‘engagement event’ in the town.
As the number of people diagnosed with Dementia in Somerset rises, the County Council is reviewing how it provides daytime activities and respite for people with Dementia and their carers.
The council is running ‘engagement events’ through September at various locations across the county, with one being held on September 19th at Burnham-On-Sea Library from 10am–1pm when all will be welcome.
The event will allow Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge people to tell the council their views on the proposals, when council officers will be on hand to explain the proposals and answer questions.
Service users and residents were recently asked to complete an online survey to help shape the future of the service going forward after the contract with Somerset Partnership, who currently delivers these services, ends in 2019.
Survey responses suggested some innovative ideas for how services could be delivered in the future.
There are a range of services and activities in Somerset which look to encourage people to socialise, get out the house and take an active part in their community. It is the Council’s vision to enable these existing groups, and the development of new groups, to be able to support their community, pre and post dementia diagnosis.
The County Council is proposing to enable communities to support their own needs, by allocating a community grants programme focussing on specialist support services for people with dementia. The grant will be intended for grass roots organisations and to continue supporting existing community run groups to continue their work.
Councillor David Huxtable, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care at Somerset County Council, believes that finding the best option for the future is key for those suffering with the condition.
He told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “The number of people living in our county with dementia is increasing, and it is important that we make sure they are getting the right support to live their lives the way they want to.”
“The previous services were not built around the individual, however by supporting community groups it will provide a stronger, individual approach which will benefit those who need it.”
