NEW YEAR, NEW YOU
Help for today, hope for tomorrow
Caring for someone with dementia can be a 24-hour job and one that often takes over any relationship you both may have had before.
But at BIADS – Barnsley Independent Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support – their unique support service helps people diagnosed with dementia and their carers to reconnect with each other through a range of life-enriching activities and much-welcomed respite from daily life.
Since launching almost ten years ago, BIADS has become an invaluable resource in Barnsley, providing a lifeline that families affected by dementia couldn’t live without.
BIADS was started in 2010 by
Linda Pattison who previously worked for the Alzheimer’s Society’s Barnsley branch. As Linda had been a carer for her mum who had dementia, she knew first-hand how a little support could go a long way to ease isolation and hard times
felt by carers. From humble beginnings, the charity moved to their current headquarters on Dean Street, just off Dodworth Road, in 2012 where they now offer a weekly calendar of emotional support sessions and sensory-based activities.
When someone is diagnosed with dementia, the focus is primarily on the services they may need in place to continue living as independently as possible. However, there can be little to no help for their partner or family member who often becomes their carer. As a progressive disease, the person with dementia will change over time which can be challenging and create a mix of emotions for those caring for them who may find it difficult to separate the person from the condition.
‘‘Tuesday is activity afternoon with a different interest every week such as jigsaws, card games and dominoes, crafts and colouring, flower arranging, or a memory bank to evoke thoughts of yesteryear’’
At BIADS, they offer numerous support groups and drop-in sessions throughout the month where carers can come to a comfortable and confidential setting, without fear of being judged, to talk about any issues they may be facing.
Here, there are three carer support workers who can provide advice and information about the illness, guide carers to services available to them, or provide them with coping mechanisms to make daily life a little easier.
Some carers need practical support around issues with mobility, incontinence or work and pensions; others come for regular social contact that may have fallen by the wayside since becoming a carer; and there are those who just want to talk to people going through similar situations to feel like they are not alone.
At the same time as the carers’ groups, the people they care for can take part in various activities in a safe and welcoming environment. For those who enjoy a good old-fashioned sing song, there is the Singers group which was launched last summer and takes place every alternate Monday. There is also the creative Relax and Revive session every Tuesday, run by QDos Creates, which alternates between
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dance, drama and music or poetry and writing. Tuesday is activity afternoon with a different interest every week such as jigsaws, card games and dominoes, crafts and colouring, flower arranging, or memory work to evoke thoughts of yesteryear. Gentle exercise to keep people mobile plays a big part in BIADS’ weekly happenings and includes two gym sessions every week run by qualified physiotherapists from Kendray Hospital. There is also Jabadao – or chair yoga set to music – plus circle dancing for both carers and their loved ones. During the spring, summer and autumn months, there is also a walking group with easy walks around Locke Park followed by refreshments at the café. The BIADS team organises various social events throughout the year from the monthly Time for Tea afternoon to the two parties in June and December. They also arrange two UK holidays in early summer and November for members to enjoy some time together away from Barnsley.
As an independent charity, BIADS receives no government funding and therefore relies solely on fundraising efforts, donations and grants to operate. This year, they are fortunate to be the chosen charity
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