Health and specialist services

Dementia Navigators

Dementia Navigators play a crucial role within the Adult Prevention Team. The serve as a vital link for individuals living with dementia and their carers in Southend.

These dedicated professionals help people maintain a fulfilling life. This is achieved through face-to-face meetings or over the phone and includes:

• personalised support
• guidance
• practical services

They help residents who:

• are waiting for memory assessment appointments following GP referrals
• have received a formal dementia diagnosis and are navigating life with the condition

Additionally, Dementia Navigators host community hubs. These provide a welcoming space for appointments and drop-in sessions where individuals can access in person:

• advice,
• information, and
• support

For more information on support and to request help from the Dementia Navigator Team, please use our online portal. It is the quickest and easiest way to make a referral for yourself or the person you care for. Simply visit the portal to submit your referral, and our team will get in touch.

If you prefer to speak to somebody over the phone, or don't have access to the internet, you can call 01702 534772.

Dementia groups

The groups are facilitated by Age Concern Southend.

Please note that spaces are limited and there may be waiting lists for the groups. The groups are suitable for those with early or mild stage to moderate stage dementia

For more information and to book a space, please contact Age Concern Southend

01702 345373

enquiry@ageconcernsouthend.co.uk

Motivational snooker and carers peer support

A supportive snooker group for those living with dementia and a separate carers peer support group.

• When: Every Tuesday 2pm to 4pm
• Where: The Windermere Club, 1 Windermere Road, SS12RF
• How much: £3 per person playing snooker. Carers peer support is free to attend. Optional drinks are available from the bar.

Activity group

A social and relaxed group with various activities on offer for those living with dementia.

• When: Every Thursday 2pm to 4pm
• Where: St Luke's Community Hub, 1 Cluny Square, SS2 4AF
• How much: Free to attend with light refreshments provided

Herbert Protocol

Caring for vulnerable people, including those with dementia or Alzheimer's, can be challenging.

There's a risk they can at some point start to 'walk about'. This may only be into the garden or street for a short time, but some people can get lost and go missing.

So planning ahead to keep them safe is really important.

What is the Herbert Protocol?

The Herbert Protocol is a form that can be filled in by the vulnerable persons:

• carers
• family
• friends

The form can also be completed by the person themselves.

It contains a list of information to help the police if the person goes missing, including:

• medication required
• mobile numbers
• places previously located
• a recent photograph

More information about the Herbert Protocol can be found:

• on the Essex Police website
• within the Herbert Protocol leaflet

Users can also access the form online.