A DEEP hello in December …

Dear DEEPers,

We avoided the ‘Winter Wonderland’ or ‘Winter Woes’ here on the Welsh borders; but I know many of you have experienced some pretty full on conditions the last few days. Hoping everyone is safe, warm and where you need to be.

I don’t think I am the only one who is in shock that we are in December and the drawing in of another year.

A time for celebrations and reflections for many of course.

However, I am reminded in my strongly held view that reminiscence and reflection is not always a good thing. George Rook made an incredibly powerful case in his recent blog – Reminiscence Alert , which I urge you to read, with a strong warning that you will find it distressing https://georgerook51.wordpress.com/

I do not want to put a downer on things – but there are a few key things I feel really, really strongly about. Reminiscence in unsafe hands can be a very dangerous thing. You need to be able and prepared for triggers that may really distress people.

Another thing I feel so strongly about, (which has been my driver throughout my time with DEEP) is the difference it makes to people to come together and not feel alone with their dementia. The real, real joy of being a fly on the wall to the friendships and rebuilding of lives has just been the most remarkable and wonderful thing I have ever seen. Out of that has come so much change; and so many more voices empowered and engaged.

Facilitators you are doing the most amazing stuff out there. I have attached two documents to the bottom of this page, which are almost 100 pages of your stories and wisdom from the two events we held this year. There will be an accompanying Frequently Asked Questions drawn from these events which I am still working on, but should be available very soon.

DEEP is continuing and will continue to mean so much to so many people. Please continue to work together, to cross-pollinate – there is a DEEP Arboretum which needs you to be a part of  it.

Rachael Litherland, Damian Murphy and Steve Milton will be at the helm and working really hard to secure funding. Even if there is no immediate funding they have made a commitment to keep DEEP alive.

What you say matters and will help in building the case for DEEP funding in the future. If you haven’t already please take  a few minutes to complete the online survey

Sorry to be a nag. I know how busy everybody is.

My last day as DEEP Coordinator will be Friday 15^th December.

To contact DEEP from then on please use this email address where Rachael, Damian and Steve will get back to you as soon as they can.

I can find the latest copy of Our DEEP News, and audio version, which also gives you a bit more information about the immediate plans here https://www.dementiavoices.org.uk/deep-news/deep-updates/. Our DEEP News and DEEPer Zooms will continue!

So my last ZOOM is:

When: Wednesday 13^th December

An opportunity to come together to share, learn and support each other.

Hope to see you there.

Thank you from the heart of my bottom to the tips of my fingers and toes for everything you have given me.

Of course I have also attached a photo of my 2 youngest munchkins Teddy and Eleanor. I fully intend to love them and be with them as much as I can in the future.

Go gently DEEPers

Happy everything xxx