Pioneering 'dementia bus' set for Wirral stop on awareness raising tour

A simulated dementia experience, helping people to understand what it is like to have the condition, is coming to Wirral.  Members of the public are invited to board a:- 'dementia bus' at Gordale Garden Centre, on:- Saturday, 22 June 2024.  Apollo Care, a local home care service provider, have sponsored the mobile simulator as part of their mission to raise awareness of dementia, which experts predict will affect more than one million Brits by 2025.

"The simulator is a scientifically and medically proven method of giving a person with a healthy brain an experience of what dementia might be like. While the bus will be primarily used as a training tool for our staff, we also wanted to open this experience up to the public, so that they too can develop a better understanding of how dementia affects the senses, as well as a person's ability to think and communicate. By sponsoring community based educational experiences such as this, Apollo Care hopes that those with memory loss; and their families; will feel truly seen and supported." said Suzanne Janvier, Managing Director of Apollo Care (South Wirral).

The simulator, known as the Virtual Dementia Tour, was invented in the United States by Professor PK Beville. Owned by Second Wind Dreams, its use was pioneered in the UK by partners Training 2 CARE.

Using sensory tools and information, the simulator recreates feelings such as:- confusion, isolation, agitation and vulnerability; allowing users to experience for a few minutes what people with dementia experience every day.

Glenn Knight, CEO of Training 2 CARE:- "Learning to create a positive environment for those with dementia can only come from attempting to walk in their shoes. Whether you are a family member or care provider, having a new perspective on dementia can really make the difference and create an empathetic pathway. We are delighted to partner with Apollo Care to bring this unique, hard-hitting experience to Wirral."

Dementia Together Wirral, a charity which provides a social community for anyone affected by memory issues with or without a diagnosis, will attend the event; co-hosted by Suzanne Janvier and Hannah White, Managing Director of Apollo Care (West Wirral).

The company's founder and CEO, Cheryl White, said:- "Approximately 60% of the clients we provide companionship, personal care and home based support to in Wirral have dementia. As a former Nurse, I'm determined that they receive the kind of compassionate, person centred care any of us would want for our vulnerable loved ones, so I am more than happy for Apollo to invest in world class training for our teams."

The 'dementia bus' will be open on:- Saturday, 22 June 2024, from:- 10.30 am to 4 pm, within the grounds of Gordale Garden Centre, Neston.

Jill Nicholson, Company Secretary, at Gordale Garden Centre, added:- "Many people know somebody with dementia. If you are a new or returning visitor to Gordale, we encourage you to engage with the team on the bus, as well as to explore the simple changes we can all make to improve the lives of people with dementia."

Its older than the Southport Flower Show - It will soon be 102nd Ainsdale Show

 

IT is older than the Southport Flower Show and just down the road... Yes, the Ainsdale Summer Show and Food Fayre returns for the 102nd show from:- 6 July to 7 July 2024, on Ainsdale Village Green and in the Methodists Halls, on Liverpool Road, Ainsdale.

The Village Green will come alive on:- Saturday 6 July 2023, with include the following attractions:- a large fairground, a craft fair, food stalls, a licensed bar, an afternoon tea tent, and arena attractions commencing at:- 10.45 am with the Skelmersdale Brass Band and the official opening of the show at 11.30 am by Mr Bernard Pendleton, Royal Horticultural Society, North West in Bloom Chairman.   The opening is followed by events and at 12.55 the well known singer Jenny Wren will be appearing, followed by local schools and dance troupes, and will go on until 4.45 pm when the show closes.

The horticultural and children’s displays and competitions, on:- Saturday, 6 July 2024, will be held across the road in the Methodists Halls, there is a road closure in place to make it safe to cross from 1 part of the show to another.

On:- Sunday, 7 July 2024, there will be a car boot sale in the Methodist Church car park from:- 8 am,  a Church Service will be held on the Village Green from:- 10.30 am, then at 12 noon:- MUSIC ON THE GREEN commences with Mike Byrne and the Sunrockers, music from the 50’s and 60’s. There will be a Robbie Williams tribute act with:- Matt Byrne as Robbie.  People are encouraged to bring a picnic or to purchase food and drink from the many stalls at the show.

The fairground and stalls will be open on Sunday, given the good weather this will be an event too good to miss.

The Show  IS FREE TO ATTEND and is financed by sponsors and traders, so there is no excuse not to bring all the family.

A few clips to show you want to expect...







Also check out our coverage of the 101st show herel