I remember... Christmas

I remember... Christmas is an all-ability seasonal celebration that is being sponsored by SADAA in conjunction with Somerton Carers, Somerton Opportunities and Just-4U.

On Friday, Dec 13th, at West Street Church, Somerton (TA11 7PR) we will gather at 10.30 for coffee and biscuits, followed at 11 by entertainment, including carols, well known poetry, familiar Christmas songs and some reminiscences of Christmases past. Afterwards, you are invited to join us for a simple lunch, probably soup and ploughmans, and stay for a chat and a social time together.
Everyone is welcome to attend, there is level access from West Street and we can cater for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Details are in the poster to the left. For a printable version click here. If you can display the poster and encourage people, especially those who live alone or are isolated by mobility issues to came along, please do so. We want to make the event as accessible as possible, so, if you can, a donation towards the costs would be appreciated.
To give us some idea of numbers staying for lunch, you can book by calling 01458 250603 or email levelopps@gmail.com.

SADAA AGM 2019

Everyone is welcome to attend the AGM.
The location has been changed, so it now takes place in the Gallery at ACEarts, in the Old Town Hall, Market Square, at 10.30. It's upstairs, but there is a stair lift.
It's a chance to get up to date with all the good things* that have been happening in Somerton over the last year.

* Safe Places Scheme
* Book Club with a difference
* Suitcase Library
* Art in an envelope

...and hear some of our plans for the future
* Good Neighbour Scheme
* I remember... Christmas

Art in an envelope

ACEArts is seeking 10 families in the Somerton area who have a member living with dementia to take part in a new creative initiative.

‘Art in an Envelope’ will supply creative activity packs to the individuals and their families, containing all the materials and resources they need to create items such as collage photo frames. The initiative has been made possible thanks to funding from Greggs the bakers, and was launched at an event organised by the Somerton Area Dementia Action Alliance this week. It is the latest in a series of outreach projects which ACEArts organises with local facilities such as schools and care homes. 

For more information on ‘Art in an Envelope’, contact Nina Gronw-Lewis on 01458 273008 or email outreach@acearts.co.uk .

Somerton Safe Places

Our long-awaited Safe Places scheme is about to go live!
At a meeting at The Edgar Hall (TA11 6SB) on Wednesday 22nd May at 2pm we will launch the scheme in detail, providing posters, small cards and the necessary information on how to handle a situation where someone is lost or disorientated in our town.
Recently, a gentleman was found wandering, confused and obviously lost, and was helped by a quick-thinking passer-by. We will be re-living this experience with most of the people concerned and showing how our new scheme will smooth the process of re-uniting them with their family or carer.

We will also be running three Dementia Friends information sessions on the same day, in the Edgar Hall at 12 noon, 1 and 3pm, so you can find out, in simple, non-medical terms, how Dementia affects those living with it.
Everyone is welcome to attend, it's free, there is plenty of parking and refreshments will be served.

Become a volunteer with Somerset Sight

Sight impairment can happen to anyone and is largely age related. One in 5 people over 75 will suffer, making even the simplest of tasks difficult - going into one’s garden to see the flowers, making a cup of tea or reading the post. Driving is no longer possible so getting about is challenging, especially when there is little public transport. Occupying time becomes more difficult when you cannot read, go out for a walk or continue with hobbies that have been enjoyed throughout one’s life. Sight loss is known to increase the risk of depression, loneliness and isolation.
Somerset Sight has run a successful visiting service for more than 20 years, matching a trained volunteer with someone with sight loss. They meet for a couple of hours a week.
Sight impaired people in Somerset are waiting for a volunteer to help them with correspondence, trips out and socialising. To become a volunteer please contact Somerset Sight on 01823 333818. Full training and support is provided.

Activity Days

Reminiscence Learning are organising a series of Free Spring- and Summer-themed Activity days, the first of which is at Martock on 28th Feb. Details are on the poster which you can see by clicking here.

• Everybody will take away a craft they have made 
• Lunch and refreshments provided
• Booking essential: contact office@reminiscencelearning.co.uk or phone 01823 323752

Changes to Dementia day services in Somerset

Somerset County Council is changing the way it provides day time activities for people with memory loss or dementia. To move from a point of directly contracting one type of service to having a flourishing, sustainable colourful market of services SCC recognise pump prime funding is required to stimulate development of the market.
If you run, organise or plan to introduce a service that is relevant for those living with dementia, as an individual or organisation, meeting the priority needs below, grants may be available.

1. Enabling day-time activities for people with moderate to severe dementia including supporting people experiencing complex symptoms of dementia. e.g. prone to wandering off or challenging behaviour.
2. Enabling unpaid carers to have respite from their caring role.
3. Enabling younger people (up to 60 years old) with memory loss or dementia to take part in activities and services which meet their needs

Contact: Heather Brumby
Senior Commissioning Officer,
Somerset County Council – Adult and Health Commissioning Team
Email: hbrumby@somerset.gov.uk