Herald - Issue 408

Page 38 • The HERALD • 24th June 2021 v SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES v Health, Beauty & Wellbeing What is Cognitive Stimulation Therapy? by Memory Works - Helping people live well with dementia One in three people born this year will develop dementia in their lifetime. It is a disease of the brain and not a natural part of ageing. It is not just about losing your memory; it also a ects cognitive skills such as learning, problem solving and communicating. Cognitive Stimulation erapy (CST) is used to help people living with dementia to build language and thinking skills which in turn lead to greater con dence. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance (2006) recommends that people with mild to moderate dementia should be given the opportunity to take part in a CST programme. Key points: • People who have taken part in CST said that there was an improvement in their life • Implicit learning rather than explicit teaching, using curiosity to learn together • Continuity and consistency between each session • We use multisensory cues not just relying on one sense • We have fun which improves mood Why is Cognitive Stimulation Therapy important for people with dementia? CST is important because, as well as stimulating the mind, the group sessions o er an opportunity to share experiences and talk with other people with dementia in a relaxed and supportive environment. Being part of the group helps to build self-esteem, so they feel better about themselves and more con dent generally. What is the service? Memory Works o ers 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. Each group meets for one hour once a week for a period of 14 weeks. ere is a maximum number of 8 participants along with two facilitators. What about the carers? Carers are invited to have tea/co ee whilst their loved one attends the session. An opportunity to talk to people who are experiencing similar issues. Health professionals are invited to talk informally based on the carers needs. To nd out more about our CST Groups or to see if someone you care for is eligible to attend please ring Elena on: 07590 503210, email: hello@memoryworks. org.uk or visit: www.memoryworks.org.uk e Coates Centre at Lymington is currently open for co ee mornings on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 10am until 12noon for anyone who is living with a chronic or life limiting illness. Anyone living across the Waterside, Totton, the New Forest and surrounding areas, iswelcome, along with family and friends. You do not need to be known to Oakhaven. Sit in the light and airy Hub at the Centre on comfy settees and chairs, enjoy a cuppa, chat with others and nd out more about the support available from Oakhaven Wellbeing. At time of press you will need to book a place as numbers are still restricted to ensure social distancing. is may change in line with the Government’s roadmap, so telephone: 01590 638521 or email: wellbeing@oakhavenhospice.co.uk for more details. e monthly Illness Support group is continuing on Zoom for the time being but is hoping to meet face-to- face at the Coates Centre in August. Hosted by Dr Lucy Boyland, sessions take place each month on the 2nd Monday of the month from 9.30am until 10.30am, and the next session is on Monday 12th July e group o ers the opportunity to nd support from each other, share experiences and learn skills in managing stress and di culties, as well as looking at ways to live life as well as possible. To book your place and get the Zoom link contact: wellbeing@ oakhavenhospice.co.uk More details Oakhaven Wellbeing support can be found at: www. oakhavenhospice.co.uk/wellbeing ILLNESS SUPPORT