Next week, 15 - 21 May, is Dementia Action Week 2023.

As a part of the week long initiative, Rutland County Council is inviting residents to come along to local events at the Council Offices in Oakham. 

Rutland's 'Time for a Cuppa' dementia fundraiser is being held between 10am and 12noon on Wednesday 17 May in the customer self service area at Catmose, Oakham. Grab a cuppa and a piece of cake for a nominal donation and meet Rutland County Council's Admiral Nurses Maggie Fay and Sarah Reeve, as well as the Council's Clinical Lead Jane Lee.

Admiral Nurses are specialist dementia nurses who give practical and emotional support to family carers, as well as the person with dementia. Admiral Nurses can support you and your family throughout your experience of dementia, tailoring the support to your individual needs and challenges.

They give you the knowledge that you need to understand the condition and its effects, the skills and tools to improve communication, and provided with emotional and psychological support to help you carry on your caring role. This service is available to people living in Rutland who have dementia, as well as their carers, family members and friends.

All money raised at the 'Time for a Cuppa Fundraiser' on Wednesday 17 May will go to help Dementia UK fund more dementia specialist Admiral Nurses, so more families can access their support.

In addition, Leicester Memory Music Box will be facilitating a Musical Memory Café from 10.30am to 12.00noon on Thursday 18 May in the Council Chamber. This free event is for people living with dementia and their carers. The session has been arranged by Yvonne Rawlings, Age UK Rutland Dementia Support Worker. 

Yvonne Rawlings said "We are delighted that these events are taking place in Rutland as part of dementia action week. The music box session, in particular, promises to be fun and interactive. Singing is a wonderful way for people living with dementia and their carers to improve their health and wellbeing and connect with each other. There's also a serious aspect and dementia specialists will be on hand at both events to provide advice and support to anyone who needs it."

For more information about Rutland's Admiral Nurse Service and dementia support in Rutland, please visit: www.rutland.gov.uk and search 'Admiral Nurse'. You can also contact the service direct by calling: 01572 720 959 or emailing [email protected].

Alternatively, find out more about Mental Health Awareness Week, also taking place next week and being marked by the popular local group, Pepper's- A Safe Place.

Pepper's have hubs in Oakham and Melton, and support 100s of individuals and families struggling with their mental health and loneliness, and striving to work towards a better sense of wellbeing.

As a part of Mental Health Awareness Week, the team are hosting a fundraising cake sale and raffle at Oakham Market Place on Wednesday 17 May.

They hope to raise money to help them continue their weekly sessions, workshops and support groups.

Click here to find out more about Pepper's and the events going on to mark Mental Health Awareness Week 2023.