People living with dementia and their carers are being invited to share their experiences of local support as the Royal Borough of Greenwich launches an ongoing listening opportunity during World Alzheimer’s Month.
The council has committed to establishing a Dementia Hub in Greenwich and wants to hear directly from people affected by dementia to help understand what is working well, where there are gaps in support and what people would like to see from a future hub.
People living with dementia, as well as family members and unpaid carers, can share their experiences by emailing dementia@royalgreenwich.gov.uk.
Residents can use a series of prompts to help structure their feedback, including:
- What has your experience of living with or supporting someone with dementia in Greenwich been like?
- What support, services or community activities have helped you the most?
- Are there any services or types of support that you feel are missing locally?
- If Greenwich were to develop a Dementia Hub, what would you like it to offer?
- What is the one thing you would most like to see improved for people affected by dementia in Greenwich?
There is no deadline to share your experience. The email address will remain open so you can take your time and get in touch when you are ready.
Councillor Mariam Lolavar, Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care and Communities, said:
“World Alzheimer’s Month is an important opportunity to raise awareness of dementia and recognise the experiences of the many people living with dementia and caring for loved ones across Greenwich.
“We have made a commitment to establish a Dementia Hub in our borough, and I want to make sure that what we develop reflects what people actually need.
“That’s why we want to hear directly from people living with dementia and their carers about their experiences – what has helped, what could be better and what they would like to see in the future.
“There is no deadline to get in touch. We want people to take their time and share their experiences with us when they feel ready. What we hear will help us understand what matters most to people affected by dementia and inform our work to develop the Dementia Hub.”
Greenwich is home to a range of organisations, services and community groups supporting people living with dementia and their carers. From dementia-friendly activities and social and support groups, help to live independently at home, and advice on accessing council support and financial benefits.
Residents can also find local dementia support organisations and activities through the Greenwich Community Directory.
The listening opportunity forms part of the council’s wider work to understand residents’ experiences and priorities as it develops its plans for the Dementia Hub. Further engagement with people affected by dementia, carers, community organisations and health and care partners will take place in the coming weeks and months, as this work progresses.
The work also sits alongside the wider national conversation about the future of adult social care, including the Casey Commission’s work, while focusing on the experiences and priorities of people in Greenwich.
To share your experience, please email dementia@royalgreenwich.gov.uk.