In Hounslow, you’re never alone.
This is the message that Hounslow Council and its partners want to share with everyone across the borough as part of Dementia Action Week 2023.
Dementia Action Week, which runs from 15 - 21 May, is a national campaign, coordinated by The Alzheimer’s Society
It aims to raise awareness about the condition and encourage more people who are worried they may have the condition to seek help.
Dementia is a condition that affects a person’s memory, thinking and their ability to perform everyday tasks.
The main symptoms are:
- Memory loss
- Confusion and needing help with routine jobs
- Problems with language and understanding
- Changes in behaviour
There are two main forms of dementia - Alzheimer’s Disease and Vascular Dementia.
It is a progressive illness, which means the symptoms can get worse over time. It mainly affects people over 65 and currently, there is no cure for dementia.
With the right level of treatment and support, a person with dementia can live well for as long as possible.
Organisations like The Alzheimer’s Society stress that early diagnosis of dementia is the key to managing the condition.
The symptoms of dementia can be treated with medication but also talking therapies and person-centred care that encourages people to keep active and continue to try new things.
You can find more about dementia, including how to get a diagnosis, at The Alzheimer’s Society website.
What’s happening
There is a range of activities taking place around Hounslow during Dementia Action Week, aimed at raising awareness about the condition and signposting people in our borough who are living with dementia, where they can get support. There will be information stands in the Treaty Center, West Middlesex Hospital, Hounslow Mosque and Gurdwara etc.
Working with The Alzheimer’s Society and other partners, we have also produced a packed programme of events for people living with dementia and their carers.
Here is what is taking place:
Monday, 15 May
Singing for the Brain: Noon - 1 pm at Centenary Hall, St Mary’s Church, Osterley Road, TW7 4PW.
Organised by Hounslow’s Alzheimer’s Society, this popular group session is a chance to meet new people and enjoy singing together. Singing can improve your brain activity, lift your mood and make you feel better. You don’t need to be a good singer to join. The sessions are delivered face-to-face and you can join online as well.
Places are limited, to book email: emily.Sacher@alzheimers.org.uk
Glimpses: Hounslow House
Hounslow Council and its partners proudly present a showcase event for Hounslow Dementia Action Week. Glimpses is a specially-commissioned film that explores the reality of dementia from the perspective of those people who are affected by it.
The four-minute-long piece follows Hounslow woman Salma’s journey from diagnosis to treatment as her symptoms become more acute. The film explores Saima’s relationship with her son Adam, who becomes her main caregiver. This touching piece illustrates how this relationship endures, despite the challenges that Saima and Adam both face.
Gentle Swimming: 11.30am – 12.30pm at Heston Hyde Hotel, N Hyde Lane, TW5 OEP
Places are limited, to book email: Hounslow@alzheimers.org.uk
Tuesday, 16 May
Isleworth Memory Café: 10.30 am - 12.30 pm - Charlotte House Care Home, Snowy Fielder Waye, TW7 6AE.
The launch of a new Memory Cafe in Isleworth will meet on the third Tuesday of each month. This free event offers the chance for people to get information and support, socialise and take part in stimulating activities. This event is open to people living with dementia, their loved ones and carers.
To book a place, please call us on 0208 758 0080 or email at georgie.wilkins@careuk.com
Clayponds Community Centre Memory Café: 11am 1pm
As part of Hounslow Dementia Action Week, a new memory cafe is launching on Tuesday, 16 May at Clayponds Community Centre, 168 Clayponds Gardens, W5 4RQ between 11am and 1pm. Organised by Visiting Angels, it offers a supportive place to socialise and find out more.
For more details call: 0203 143 8878.
Wednesday, 17 May
Chiswick House Café: 2pm - 3.30pm - Burlington Lane, Chiswick, W4 2RP
A chance to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Kitchen Garden at Chiswick House. Enjoy an afternoon of classical music and refreshments.
Places are limited, email: hounslow@alzheimers.org.uk
Singing for the Brain: 12pm - 4pm - Imperial War Museum, Lambeth Road, SE1 6HZ
A group discussion about the initiatives that are currently underway as well as the popular Singing for the Brain. Transport is available from Isleworth and Feltham. Refreshments provided.
Book your place by emailing: hounslow@alzheimers.org.uk
Thursday, 18 May
Boston Manor Sensory Walk: 2pm - 3pm - Boston Manor Park, Boston Manor Rd, TW8 9JX
Especially for those caring for or living with dementia, meet inside the Walled Garden, and the team will lead participants on a gentle stroll past tactile and sensory trees and shrubs in Boston Manor Park.
Book your place by emailing: hounslow@alzheimers.org.uk
Friday, 19 May
Intergenerational Music Making: 5pm - 6pm - Bristol Court, United Drive, TW14 9AG
A magic hour of music, movement and conversation. All ages are welcome.
Memory Cafe, Edward Pauling House - 10am - 12pm.
Visiting Angels and Hounslow Council are offering residents living with dementia and their carers to enjoy a special social event tomorrow at Edward Pauling House, Wastmacott Drive, Feltham, TW14 9RJ.
The Memory Cafe, which takes place on the third Friday of each month, is a chance to meet and socialise with others who understand dementia issues. Activities include Singing for the Brain, gentle exercise and socialising in a fun and friendly environment. To sign up or to find out more contact 0203 143 5056.
Thursday, 25 May
Sky Film Afternoon: Enjoy a light ‘afternoon tea’ and a private cinema screening of ‘Mrs Harris Goes to Paris’ ... plus a Sky gift bag to take away.
Book your place by emailing: hounslow@alzheimers.org.uk
Sunday, 21 May
2pm - Dementia Friendly Museum Tour, Gunnersbury Museum.
Throughout Dementia Action Week there will be a number of dementia information stands across the borough, where you can find out more about the condition and the support available in our borough.
These are:
Tuesday, 16 May
- 10am - 4pm - The Health Outreach Team at The Treaty Centre.
Wednesday, 17 May
- 10am - 3.30pm - The Health Outreach Team at The Treaty Centre.
- 2pm – 4pm -West Middlesex Hospital.
Thursday, 18 May
- 12pm - 3pm- Osterley House.
Friday 19, May
- 12pm - 4pm - Hounslow Jamia Masjid and Islamic Centre – Hounslow Mosque.
- 9am - 3.30pm - Heart of Hounslow Centre for Health. Bath Road.
Saturday 20, May
- 2pm - 4pm Syon House.
Sunday, 21 May
- 10am - 2pm - Hounslow Gurdwara.
