Rotarians take up dementia challenge

Rotarians in the South West of England are rising to the challenge of dementia following the startling news that the condition has been branded the health and social care challenge of the 21st Century, (BBC News, Wednesday 3rd February 2010).

Statistics published this week by the Alzheimer’s Research Trust claim that dementia affects more than 820,000 people in Great Britain and Ireland, a figure which is predicted to rise to 1 million within a generation. The Trust also estimates that appropriate care costs around £23bn a year with much of the support being provided by unpaid carers.

Rotarians Easing Problems of Dementia (REPoD) was formed three years ago by a group of like-minded Rotarians from across districts 1290 and 1170. For the past year they have been working with clubs around Devon and Cornwall, to set up and support Memory Cafés from as far a field as the Isles of Scilly to Sidmouth. These cafés provide a regular and informal sessions for people with dementia and their carers. Health and social care professionals are on hand to answer questions and offer advice, with volunteers providing entertainment and activities.

REPoD Chair, Geri Parlby from the Rotary Club of Tavistock, said: "Thanks to a great working relationship with other voluntary and health sector groups, Rotarians have been involved in the launch of 11 Memory Cafés.  

"Three more are due to open soon and there are another ten in the pipeline. Dementia  support has become a high priority project for many Rotary clubs across the area.”

REPoD has designed its own website which provides information and practical advice on legal, financial and benefit issues.  The site hosts the Carers Pathways Guide, which can be downloaded, and there is  searchable database of local support services.  

Geri is sure the REPoD site will have a far reaching and positive impact: "The database currently contains details of all the support service across Devon.  With the help of Rotary clubs from around the country we are hoping eventually to be able to roll out this service to cover the whole of the UK.

"There will be a guide to setting up a Memory Café and REPoD is planning a series of training days for Rotarians interested in establishing a Memory Café in their area."

For further information visit www.repod.org.uk or call 01822 852102.