A peer support group for people living with dementia will hold its first meeting at the Seniors Village Hub, Nguluway Ngurang, on Monday 19 June.
The group is one of a number of services being introduced in Orange by the new Orange Community Dementia Alliance to make our city more ‘dementia friendly’.
Orange City Council’s Services Policy Committee Chair, Cr Mel McDonell said the alliance found there were few peer support options for people on their dementia journey.
“While there is respite and support out there for carers, it is just as important for people living with dementia to be able talk about their experiences with people who know first hand what they’re going through,” Cr McDonell said.
The Orange Community Dementia Alliance was formed in February after a Dementia Australia workshop ‘It Starts with You’ was held at the Seniors Village Hub, to discuss ways to increase community understanding and support for people on their dementia journey.
It is made up of community members and service providers, including Orange City Council, who expressed an interest in developing a dementia friendly community in Orange.
Orange resident Russell Martin was diagnosed with a form of Alzheimer’s disease called Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA) four years ago, aged 61. He says having a supportive network makes a big
difference.
“The best people to talk to is people with dementia, especially when you’re first diagnosed. They understand what you’re going through,” Mr Martin said.
“Sadly, some people try to hide it and lock themselves away, but it’s important to stay engaged in the community and stay social.”
The Dementia Peer Support Group will meet at noon on Monday 19 June at the Seniors Village Hub, Nguluway Ngurang, 77 Kite Street. The frequency and structure of the meetings will be decided by group members.
