A big THANK YOU to Lucy and Tom, who raised £740 for Hertswise while running Vitality Big Half Marathon on Sunday! It was their first mass participation event and they completed the 13.1 miles in 2 hours & 23 minutes. Very impressive!
We are very grateful for their support and the money they raised will go to help fund Hertswise projects across Hertfordshire.
Hertswise are working in partnership with North Herts Minority Ethnic Forum to deliver Dementia Awareness sessions to members of the Asian Community of Hitchin to learn about the support and advice that is available for them if they need us. If you are worried about your memory or know of anyone affected by dementia that is needing support, please call Herts Help on 0300 123 4044
The Hertswise Team and Age UK Hertfordshire were out in force at Herts Pride, showing support and solidarity with our LGBTQ+ colleagues, clients and carers. We are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion across all of our workforce and all of our services, and our attendance this year was once again sponsored by Hertfordshire County Council which gave us the opportunity to provide support and advice to those attending the great and colourful event!
I would like to say on behalf of my father and myself how the support of Hertswise during the pandemic has been brilliant, from the phone calls regularly to the packages.
Dad is now able to attend his dementia group run by Connor. He has been in contact regularly with my Dad and has given him confidence to return to a much needed service. Dad really enjoys the quizzes and the chance to chat with people.
Connor also managed to secure Dad a tablet from Age UK Hertfordshire to use and to help with social interaction and this enabled him to join the Zoom groups before attending physically. Connor, where possible, has always made sure Dad is comfortable at the group and has contacted me to update me on how he has been at the sessions.
This service is brilliant for people especially if living on there own. Thank you for all the hard work!!!
Victoria Port, Locality Worker for North Hertfordshire, spoke to some clients within her dementia group about their experiences living with dementia.
Q: What would you say to your past self on the day you got your diagnosis?
A – Colvin: You did the right thing, you will feel so much reassurance from a diagnosis and knowing what it is that is wrong with you. Well done for getting help. Make the most of your time and do what you can.
Q: What do you think people most misunderstand about dementia?
A – Colvin: People don’t always believe I have it. Sometimes I make a mistake or find it hard to find the right words, it’s not always just about remembering things. People aren’t aware that people live well with Dementia and can still do the things they love.
A – Jan: People don’t acknowledge I have it. They pretend that nothing is wrong or expect me to remember everything that they have said. Sometimes they don’t think I behave like someone who has dementia, or they forget so they aren’t quite as patient.
If you or your loved one are living with dementia and would benefit from extra support, why not try our dementia support hubs across Hertfordshire.
