Reconnect - managing housing issues

If you live in Somerset and have memory loss or dementia, you can receive regular support from a Reconnect worker who will visit to help you manage your housing related issues for up to two years. They will also advise you on practical issues around keeping your home safe.
Contact the Reconnect team on 01823 256832 or email reconnect@rethink.org. Please note this is a new telephone number, not as printed on their current leaflet.

BBC Music Memories

Excellent and very useful web site if you want to use music to trigger memories at https://musicmemories.bbcrewind.co.uk/.

BBC Music Memories website is designed to use music to help people with dementia reconnect with their most powerful memories. Evidence shows that music can help people with dementia to feel and live better. Memories from teenage years can often be the most powerful, so why not start by looking for music from that time and begin to create a music playlist? You can choose from Classical Music, Popular Music and Theme Tunes, so there is something for almost everyone.

Are you a Carer?

Somerset Carers Service can help with:

• Linking you to groups and events in your area.
• Finding information that will help you and the person you are caring for, tailored for you.
• Guiding you through financial support you may be eligible for & assisting you with applications.

You can refer yourself or another person, just contact the team on 0800 31 68 600 or email carers@somersetrcc.org.uk.

Problems handling your finances?

One of the speakers at our recent public meeting was Rhiannon Gogh, who spoke principally about the need to put a suitable Power of Attorney in place while you still have mental capacity to handle your own affairs.
Rhiannon Gogh is a locally based Chartered Financial Planner providing financial advice to families touched by disability or mental illness. She runs no-obligation, drop-in Financial Advice Clinics in Somerton, at the Parish Rooms every second and fourth Thursday of the month. She can advise on Investments, Retirement Planning and Family Protection. As a holistic financial planner, she is also able to discuss Inheritance Tax Mitigation and importantly, the use of Wills and Trusts. The next clinics in Somerton are between 9am and 12pm on 27th September, 11th October, 25th October, 22nd November, 13th December.

Successful meeting!

Our public meeting preceding the AGM was well attended, and there was plenty of networking going on. We had speakers from Somerset Carers and Reconnect giving details of the services they offer, enabling people to continue living in their own homes, and a financial planner talking about Power of Attorney.
At the AGM we adopted the new Constitution and Alyson was confirmed as Chair with Shirley taking on the roles of Secretary and Treasurer.
Those who attended were give Post-it notes to write down their suggestions for things that would improve the lives of those with dementia in our area. We need to do a bit more work on this list, but it will probably find its way onto this website soon.

Your chance to shape Dementia Action in Somerton

On Monday 24th Sept, at Wessex House, we are consulting with the public on the sort of services that would make a real difference, locally, to anyone living with dementia.

Monday activities

Our friends at Langport DAA have for some months been arranging events at High Ham on Mondays. They have just produced their list of activities for the next three months, and you can download a copy in PDF here.
Activities include: MONDAY MUSIC at High Ham Village Hall, alternating with MONDAY MEANDERS with a variety of starting points, and in term time, the MONDAY MIX with pupils from High Ham Primary School. In months with 5 Mondays there will be MONDAY MUSIC & MORE - a bit of a song and dance!
For more information or directions please ring Jane on 07973 873663 or e-mail janedalrymple@btinternet.com.