Time to Shine group is for people with dementia and carers

ANYONE who has any experience of living with dementia and memory difficulties knows that it can feel an overwhelming and lonely place to be. Fortunately, there are many groups across the Bradford district who support people with dementia and their carers - and another project is on its way, thanks to funding from WISHH (Windhill, Idle, Saltaire, Healthy and Happy).

From April, the Kirkgate Centre in Shipley will host an exciting new project and are looking for people to take part. Time to Shine will be run by Taking Time, a small community organisation that has been running projects since 2000. I am keen to launch a new group after the last couple of years where people have been restricted in their ability to meet together.

Time to Shine is for people with memory difficulties and their carers/supporters and will offer a combination of reminiscence - a chance for people to share life stories - and activities. I will be bringing in other practitioners to do things like Tai Chi, dance exercise, singing and art so that people can get a taste of doing something new together.

I have many years of experience of delivering reminiscence-based projects in the community and in care homes and have seen the positive impact they can make. When people start to experience memory difficulties or loss, they can feel they’re on shaky ground. Often it is hard for them to remember recent day to day things, but often their long-term memory - childhood, schooldays, courting years, early working life - is still there. By using objects, photographs and music from the past, memories can be triggered and this in turn boosts self-confidence. By celebrating people’s life stories and skills, participants regain a sense of who they are and that they are valued and respected. Carers witness those sparks of memory as well as being part of a supportive group where everybody has similar challenges.

Objects from the past can help with reminiscence 

Dementia affects around 944,000 people in the UK, it is estimated that by 2035, approximately 9,000 people in Bradford District could have dementia. The Alzheimer’s Society points out that dementia doesn’t just affect older people. Over 40,000 people under 65 in the UK have dementia. Given that so many people are affected, it is really important that groups exist to offer support. The main purpose of Time to Shine is to give people space to be together, feel welcomed and valued and have some fun! I hope participants see that by doing something physical like Tai Chi or dancing, this may help with mood swings or boost energy when at home. This really is a great opportunity for people with dementia and their carers to take time to shine!

l Time to Shine runs for nine weeks from April on Thursdays from 11am-12.30 at Shipley’s Kirkgate Centre. It is free and refreshments are provided. Booking a place is essential. Call Jane Dale on (01274) 560907.