NHS announce launch of dementia support service
By Priya Mistry
NHS HAMPSHIRE & IOW have announced that a new dementia support service will launch across the region including Southampton this month; which will see patients benefiting from support to maintain their cognitive abilities, improve overall wellbeing, and stay socially connected for longer.
The heart of the service is Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST), a well-established, evidence-based group programme. CST is the only non-drug treatment recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for people with mild to moderate dementia and has been shown to improve memory, communication, and quality of life.
This programme will offer small, supportive, hour-long group sessions delivered over 14 weeks in community venues across Southampton and Hampshire. Sessions will be led by trained facilitators and run throughout the year, with a mix of daytime and some weekend options to improve accessibility for individuals, their families, loved ones and carers.
The service will be delivered by Solent Mind in collaboration with Havant & East Hampshire Mind and is funded by NHS Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Ian Stiff, Chief Operating Officer at Solent Mind on behalf of the three Minds, said: “CST can make a real difference to people living with dementia, helping them remain engaged, connected and confident for longer. We’re proud to be working to provide this vital support to more people across Southampton and Hampshire.”
Deputy Director for Mental Health, Learning Disabilities and Autism at NHS Hampshire and IOW, Stephen Trembath, said: “This new service strengthens dementia care across Southampton and Hampshire by offering consistent access to an evidence-based intervention recommended by NICE. Working in partnership with our trusted voluntary sector helps ensure people receive the right support at the right time, close to home.”
Further details about how to access the service, including course locations and start dates, will be available this month and will be published on the NHS Hampshire & IOW website for readers.
PICTURED BY NHS HAMPSHIRE & IOW: Local trust have announced that a new dementia support service will launch across the region including Southampton this month
