Wiltshire Alzheimer’s charity wins national award

An Alzheimer charity in Wiltshire is celebrating after winning a national care sector award.

The Alzheimer’s Support Day Care Team in Wiltshire was named winner of the Dementia Care Award category at this year’s Markel 3rd Sector Care Awards.

The team, which has clubs in Trowbridge, Devizes, Warminster and Salisbury, supports people living with dementia and family carers across the county.

Grant Newton, from the charity, said "we meet as friends" and "dementia recedes" when people can laugh and be themselves.

Carol Russell is a member of the Warminster club which gives partner Stephen a break at home

Carol Russell, 77, has been coming to the Warminster club for the past two years after receiving the "shock" news of her dementia diagnosis.

"I didn't know what was going to happen or how I was going to be," she said.

Ms Russell said attending the club had given her a lift. "It's a lovely place to come," she added.

"You mix with people, they're a smashing group. It's laughter, it's full of joy."

Her partner Stephen Leonard Burke, 79, said: "She (Carol) absolutely loves the thought of coming here.

"It gives me a little bit of a break for a day but, to be honest, I can't wait to pick her up again in the afternoon and we carry on for another week."

James cares for his wife and said he would be "stuck without this place"

James Leonard Meaton, 78, also receives respite when his wife attends the Warminster day club.

"I'd be stuck without this place, I really would, because it starts to pile up on you," he said.

Mr Meaton said his mind wanders when caring full time for 71-year-old Janette and he finds himself "thinking all sorts of silly things".

He said he asks himself: "Would she be better off without me?

"Could I put her in a home? I don't have to worry about that at this stage because she's here."

He said knowing how much his wife enjoys her time at the club comes as a "great relief".

Head of Day Care Services Grant Newton with his dogs Higby and Dottie who roam free as therapy dogs

Head of Day Care Services at the Warminster club, Grant Newton, said that what the team does was "not unusual but we take it to a different level".

He said the team creates "informal, vibrant spaces" for those with dementia to come and "be themselves".

He added: "We meet as friends for the day.

"In those moments, when somebody's relaxed, laughing, being themselves, their dementia recedes.

"It's really important."

A weekly curling match between members, staff and local school children creates a buzz at the Warminster day club

Alex Holton, 19, is a support worker with the charity.

She was inspired to work for Alzheimer's Support Wiltshire after spending time with her nan who had dementia.

"She was always quiet and alone," she said.

"I thought I'd make that better for other people when I was older and make sure I support people with dementia and make sure they're happy."

Alex said it was "amazing and wonderful" for the team to receive the Dementia Care Award.

Alex Holton started working as a support worker at the Warminster club after spending time with her nan who had dementia