Facilitators Peer Support Zoom facilitated by Damian Murphy and Barbara Coleman from York Minds and Voices.
Damian writes:
Just beautifully hosted by Barbara– so encouraging, smiley and welcoming listening to everyone, ensuring everyone took turns.
Everyone was supportive of Barbara and she received a rousing though ‘muted’ round of applause at the end.
Groups introduced themselves and the following activities and issues cropped up:
People are getting PPE supplies together so they can hopefully meet up.
Paul at Springboard, although they haven’t zoomed yet have done tons of other stuff to connect including meeting up in a park in Oldham.
However as they gather in a park not sure of the numbers, someone got wind that they were a group and Paul has been told they can no longer meet that way! – this clearly has been exacerbated by recent regional lockdown.
Re meeting outside we heard reports of a cricket club avoiding gatherings on their outfield but the local rugby club in Nottingham was all for using their space for outdoor get-togethers.
Beth Johnson Foundation are looking to start meeting outside now too.
Ruth mentioned how STAND had made a film – they are happy with the first draft.
Ross representing the FIT group in Bradford said they only have about 4-6 members on line. They will be doing something shortly for South Asian heritage week. Steve asked what other ideas they had considered.
Talk soon moved on the extent to which Alzheimer’s Society activity has been curtailed with staff laid off or furloughed and a bleak financial forecast. Their budget has halved nationally.
George, Paul, Kim and Frances all called for a rethink about the offer of services and how they run. Damian mentioned the Alzheimer’s Society under new leadership recognises its own limitations and the strengths of others. Frances mentions how this is manifest in their absence from Powys as DMIP has such a solid offer there locally.
Frances also worried by the influx of tourists not socially distancing.
Kim introduced her ‘café’ which seems super well connected locally in Hampshire – great collaborative relationship with local GP services and the local Primary Care Network has enrolled Kim as a Health coach with special remit on dementia.
The big question that really needs to be considered very soon – despite the current searing heat – is that winter will soon be on its way and all the talk of meeting outside could be forgotten and for the outdoorsy types like Frances that is a worry – perhaps something to explore across the network.
Liz mentioned the recent very passionate YDUK meeting where no punches were pulled in seeking to get some strong message out about dementia and the rights of people. Chris agreed he did stir things up!
Damian flagged up the how to zoom resources and that we might share the links to these again soon for those still struggling to get online.
The next facilitators meeting is on Wednesday 5th August between 12.30 and 1.30 and will be facilitated by Michelle Candlish from Dementia Voices East Dunbartonshire.
To reserve a place please contact Anna@myid.org.uk
