Dementia Support and Information for Carers

Poppy Friends

Poppy Friends is a carer support group, organised by Helen for Holt & District Dementia Support.

The monthly Tuesday session is primarily for carers.

  • It is held from 10.30 – 12 noon on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at The Cedars, 39 Cromer Road (next to the petrol station), whilst clients enjoy Poppy Café with the volunteers in St. Andrew’s Meeting Room as usual.
  • The aim is to give Carers an opportunity to chat more freely and support each other.
  • Visitors and professionals will be invited to the sessions who can provide advice to carers.

If you would like to attend, please contact Helen Banham on 01263 711870 / 07471903023 or email helenbanham@gmail.com

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Some Carers offer their thoughts on the Poppy Café:
The Tiniest of Seeds  by Phyl Styles
The Poppy Café  by Eleanor Skipper

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Services which you may find helpful

  • Age Concern Norfolk   A Day Service hub is available in Sheringham.
    The Day Centre is open four days a week (Tuesdays to Fridays) when it also offers a ‘Meals on Heels’ service. 
Further details may be found on their website: www.ageconcernnorthnorfolk.co.uk     Contact – Tel 01263 821188
  • Alzheimer’s Society – Dementia Support Service Norfolk  and Waveney Helpline – Tel 01603 763556
    The helpline is open Mondays to Fridays between 9.00am and 5.00pm. The number will connect you to a Triage Manager who can advise you about 1-1 dementia support and put you in contact with Dementia Support Workers or Admiral Nurses, depending on your individual requirements. This number is available for anyone living with dementia, their carers and also for professionals to make referrals on someone else’s behalf. The contact email address is norfolk@alzheimers.org.uk.
  • Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading dementia charity:  providing information and support, improved care, fund research, and creating lasting change for people affected by dementia. Information may be found via their website: Alzheimer’s Society or by contacting the Alzheimer’s Society National Helpline on Tel 0333 150 3456, which is available 9am – 8pm Monday to Wednesday, 9am – 5pm Thursday and Friday, 10am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday.
  • Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline – Tel 0800 888 6678 is available for advice and support from 9.00am to 9.00pm Monday to Friday, and from 9.00am to 5.00pm during the weekend.
    You can also send an e-mail to :  helpline@dementiauk.org
  • Age UK Norfolk offers information and advice to the public on a wide range of issues. For free, confidential advice – Tel 0300 500 1217 Monday to Friday between 10.00am and 4.00pm. A weekly list of care home vacancies in Norfolk for both respite and longer term may be viewed on the Age UK Norfolk website.
  • Avocet Continence Clinic  The clinic is run from Aylsham. Carers can self-refer by phoning 01603 216021
  • Carers Matter Norfolk provides free, independent and confidential information, advice and guidance to Carers on a wide range of issues.  Further information can be obtained on Tel 0800 083 1148 or by visiting: http://carersmatternorfolk.org.uk
  • Carers Voice is an independent charity representing Carers in Norfolk and Waveney. It has co-produced a Carers Identity Passport to ensure that Carers are recognised and can get the help and support they require when seeking healthcare advice or attending appointments. Brochures and details are available from Helen Banham as to how to acquire a badge and lanyard. There is also a digital version available that you can save on your mobile phone.
    Further details:  www.carersvoice.org/passport-info/
  • Community Connectors (North Norfolk District Council) – provide assistance filling in application forms, should you need to apply for a blue badge or attendance allowance; they offer referrals into the housing adaptation team, social prescribers and financial inclusion etc. They can arrange to meet you at a public location of your choice, or under certain circumstances arrange a home visit. Should you wish to talk to one of the connectors, please contact Claire Chapman directly on Tel. 01263 516147 or on 01263 513811. Email : community.connector@north-norfolk.gov.uk
  • The Glaven Centre in Blakeney provides day care as well as personal services for older people, from Monday to Friday inclusive, from 9.00am to 2.45pm. Transport to and from the centre can be provided by the Glaven minibus. Contact: Steph Hunter on Tel 01263 740762  or email info@glavencaring.co.uk
    www.glavencaring.co.uk
  • The Holt Area Caring Society (HACS) is an organisation which takes clients to medical appointments from Holt and neighbouring villages. For more information please see the Holt Area Caring Society website or Tel 01263 711243.
  • Norfolk Swift Response – Tel 0344 800 8020 and then select Option 1. This is a 24/7 direct ‘Swift Line’ that responds to unplanned or urgent social care needs. Help will be sent immediately if required.
  • Royal Voluntary Service: Home and Well in North Norfolk – Tel 01603 397998
    homewellnn@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk
    The RVS offers this service to put you in contact with any support you may need before going into and/or returning home from hospital. It also offers other services, nationwide, for older people.
  • Therapy Directory – Connecting you with professional support   www.therapy-directory.org.uk
  • Chill4UsCarers – The Charity that Cares 24 hours a day for Carers and Past Carers   chill4us.com
  • Details of Care and Nursing Homes   www.carehome.co.uk
  • NHS Guide to Dementia and Services   www.nhs.uk/dementia
  • Publications and Guidance on Dementia   www.mentalhealth.org.uk
  • Reading Well Books on Prescription for dementia recommends books you might find helpful if you have dementia, are caring for someone with dementia or would like to find out more about the condition. The books provide information and advice, support for living well, advice for relatives and carers, and personal stories. They are endorsed by health professionals and can all be found in the local library. www.reading-well.org.uk

The following links may also be of use:  Please click on the headings for more information.