Dementia friendly Redcar and Cleveland

Information about the Dementia Friendly Communities campaign and how it supports residents throughout the borough.

Dementia friendly communities are those that are inclusive, supportive, and accessible for individuals living with dementia. They ensure that people with dementia, their families, and carers can continue to participate in everyday life with confidence and dignity. 

Creating a dementia friendly community is essential because it helps to reduce stigma, promote understanding, and enhance the quality of life for those affected. By making small yet meaningful changes, communities can empower individuals with dementia to remain independent for longer and feel valued within society.

Dementia Action Teesside

Dementia Action Teesside, is a local charity leading on the development of Dementia-friendly Redcar and Cleveland. You can find out more about them at: Home

They collaborate with businesses, organisations, community groups, and faith groups to enhance their understanding of dementia. Through education and support, they help these groups implement small yet meaningful changes to their environments and processes, making daily life more accessible and comfortable for individuals with dementia. 

By becoming a part of this initiative, participants join a network dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of those affected by dementia in Redcar and Cleveland.

Membership is open to all sectors – public, voluntary, and private. Whether operating a local café, managing a business, or coordinating a knit-and-natter group, any organisation based in Redcar and Cleveland or providing services in the area is welcome to join.

To find out how to join and visit a directory of those who have already joined visit: Dementia Friendly Communities

For more information, please contact info@dementiaactionteesside.org.

How Support is Provided

Dementia Action Teesside works closely with businesses and organisations to develop a practical plan tailored to their needs. The approach focuses on three key areas:

  • People – Educating staff and community members about dementia to develop greater understanding and support.
  • Processes – Reviewing and adapting policies and procedures to ensure they are dementia-friendly.
  • Places – Making physical environments more accessible and welcoming for those living with dementia.

Learning more about Dementia

If you are a carer or a family member of someone affected by dementia, Dementia Action Teesside hold regular Dementia Information Sessions in the community. These free sessions are an hour long and can help you understand more about how dementia affects someone. Information is given on useful tools and strategies which could make caring for someone with dementia easier. 

If you are interested in attending one of these sessions please contact: info@dementiaactionteesside.org or telephone 07544 859 951.

Teesside Mind Dementia Advisory Outreach Service (DAOS)

The Dementia Advisory Outreach Service is provided by Teesside Mind and gives advice, support, information and wellbeing support to people with dementia and those close to them such as friends and family.

Support provided

There is a range of activities and help DAOS can provide, including:

  • Giving information about local dementia services, local activities, and other local support that's available.
  • Offering wellbeing support sessions to help you manage your own mental health and wellbeing if you are a carer, family member, friend, or person living with early stages of dementia.
  • Helping you to find and access the support you need from social services and other agencies.
  • Helping you understand what living with dementia may look like and how best to support someone living with dementia.
  • Running groups that are for people with dementia and their relatives, to talk to others living with dementia and to have a safe space to do some activities such as quizzes and memory games.
  • Running a programme called START, that teaches relatives what dementia can be like, how to plan for the future, how best to support someone with dementia, and how to look after yourself through this time.
  • Supporting the development of a dementia friendly community in Redcar and Cleveland and being committed to helping as many people as possible to live well with dementia.

To contact them, please call 01642 257020 and ask for the dementia service or email daos@teessidemind.org.uk. 

More information on all their services can be found at www.teessidemind.org.uk or in the newsletter below: