Volunteers praise our “amazing” Dementia Hub

Each Wednesday, the hospice welcomes people living with dementia to its Wellbeing Centre. The Dementia Hub is a lifeline for people affected by dementia, which is predicted to impact more than 3,700 people in Oldham by 2030. 

Carers and loved ones can also attend the two-hour sessions to speak to nurses specialising in dementia and palliative care. Participants enjoy a range of activities, including musical performances, games, crafts, and spa treatments.

Jan Taylor has been volunteering at the Dementia Hub for 18 months. She said: “Dr Kershaw’s’ Dementia Hub is an amazing place which makes such a difference to families. It’s nice having the opportunity to talk to people visiting the Hub, especially as my mum and grandma had dementia. Sometimes I can be sat with one person for an hour. It means a lot to people living with dementia, and to their carers too. There is always an expert in the room to go to for advice, like the Oldham Memory Service or Age UK.”

Fellow volunteer Joan Fitzgerald added: “I love to see people visiting the Hub and making friends – they get such a lot out of it. They are all such lovely people and I like to think that I’m giving something back with other like-minded volunteers.”

Alongside the Dementia Hub, Dr Kershaw’s Hospice offers additional support for people affected by dementia. This includes Music in Mind sessions, where participants are encouraged to sing, play instruments, and dance with their loved ones and group members.

There is also a Carers’ Support Group, which provides access to practical support and advice on topics like self-care.

During the week, our Marketing and Communications Team also interviewed Dementia Hub service users and their carers about the support they received, visit Dr Kershaw’s socials to see their comments.