The Discussion Forum
 

Jennifer cuts the cake with Phillipa Hobson

The Discussion Forum was launched on 30th June 2006.   The Forum is part of the Alzheimer's Society  "Living with Dementia" Programme which aims to help those with dementia be more involved in issues affecting them such as government policies, campaigning for services, making information more accessible, sharing experiences for mutual support and planning social activities.

The launch was held at "The Green" Day Centre in Nettlesworth which is run by the Durham ad Chester-le-Street branch of the Alzheimer's Society. Phillipa Hobson, the Alzheimer's Society's Development Officer for the programme in Northern England was there along with about thirty guests from the society and local healthcare professionals and of course people with dementia.

One such, Trevor, gave an interesting account of his encounter with a bank clerk whose lack of understanding of dementia typifies the problems facing sufferers. The Help Card being piloted by the Programme in the North would really have helped, he said.

Ken gave an account of his recent trip to London to lobby for the reversal of the NICE decision to stop anti dementia drugs until sufferers have got really ill. Ken already has these drugs, and he said they have turned his life around, and everybody who needs them should have them.

First Birthday! 

The First Birthday Celebrations of the Discussion Forum took place at the Green in Nettlesworth on 6th July.  We were delighted to welcome all those who joined our celebration including the Mayor, Bob Wynne and the Mayoress, Nora Fisher, of Durham, the Deputy Chair of Chester-le-Street District Council Alan Turner and his wife, Margaret Turner and Linda Ebbotsen, the leader of the Council. 

The achievements of the group in their first year are impressive. They have taken part in fundraising, campaigning and awareness raising.  Two members of the Discussion Forum spoke about what the group means to them.