Dementia support group to be expanded

A dementia support group is to be expanded after families hailed the success of its pilot phase.

The Living Well with Dementia initiative was opened to patients who recently completed cognitive stimulation therapy at Thurrock Community Hospital.

Sessions held by Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust in 2024 saw patients and their partners meet with other affected families once a month.

Leaders at the NHS trust said the scheme would run in Brentwood from March, with plans to roll out the service in Southend-on-Sea and Castle Point at a later date.

It was set up by staff members Lucy Hedge, Paige Wickington and Keeley Jacks in spring 2024.

Ms Hedge, a senior occupational therapist, said everyone involved in the programme "loved it".

"They all got on really well and they looked forward to seeing each other every month," she said.

"It's frightening for the person who is diagnosed and for their families... But they come into the room and feel 'it's not just me'."

Staff invited speakers from organisations to the support group, including Essex Police, the Alzheimer's Society and Sport for Confidence.

They were told the monthly meetings were "brilliant" by the families, the NHS trust said.

Ms Jacks added: "It's really nice to see the relationships and bonds they build."

Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.