'One stop shop' opens to offer dementia support in Bristol
Mr Hall was a carer for his wife Barbara for more than 20 years, until her death in 2022. He set up BDAA to help others following her dementia diagnosis. As well as a memory café, the aim of the hub, which opened on Monday, at Lawrence Weston is to provide social and practical support to help people navigate a dementia diagnosis.The BDAA said the pilot was the first of its kind."When you get a diagnosis of dementia, or you become a carer for someone with dementia, you suddenly have a lot of questions," said Mr Hall."So we have created a hub where people can go to get support."Whether it's financial advice or legal advice, we'll provide professionals who can give advice on what they are concerned about."
'Socialise and reminisce'
The BDAA already runs Happy Days Memory Cafés in Westbury-on-Trym, Shirehampton and Sea Mills.They are open during specific days, for two-hour sessions.People living with dementia and their carers can meet for tea, coffee and a slice of cake, and take part in organised activities."We're known as the tea-time charity," said Mr Hall."People come along and they can socialise and reminisce."A fourth café based in Avonmouth is due to close. "It hasn't really taken off so we're going to close it and take it to the hub where there will be more people around," Mr Hall added.
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