London,
20
May
2019
|
16:20
Europe/London

Dementia-friendly Kingsgate Centre celebrates one year since reopening

Dementia Action Week (20 to 26 May) celebrates taking action to improve the lives of those affected by dementia - and working together to create a dementia-friendly environment.

The Kingsgate Centre, which this month celebrates one year of reopening following extensive refurbishment by the Council, provides specialist support for older residents and those living with dementia in Camden.

People who go to the centre played an integral role in the design and development, and over the past year have been enjoying a range of activities, both at the centre and in the community.

Assistant manager, Bronwen Jones, said:

“We have been in the refurbished centre for a year now and in that time we have achieved a lot. We have a good timetable of activities, including yoga, tai chi and relaxation classes, memory classes and cookery groups. We have strong links with the local community - we have linked up with the local nursery, bringing older and younger generations together through cooking, and we have held a couple of coffee mornings to enhance our service inclusion with families and carers. Some of our users also regularly attend the gardening project at Mill Lane, a social enterprise managed by the Camden Society.

“Most importantly, our service users are settled into the new service and we are looking forward to continuing with our good work and embedding our role in the wider community.”

For many users, the Kingsgate Centre is a place where they can feel part of a community and build new relationships. This is true for both Patricia Shaw and Samuel Thomas, who have been coming to the centre regularly since it reopened last year.

Samuel Thomas said:

“We are like one big family. The staff are really nice and I have made good friends I can talk to. I enjoy playing table tennis and taking part in the chair-based exercise class. The transport service is also very good and makes it easy to get here and go home.”

Patricia Shaw said:

“It is absolutely marvellous here - everyone is so friendly. I love the arts and crafts, dancing and singing. When my husband died I was so alone, very quiet and withdrawn. Coming here opened up a new door and really helped me. I come twice a week and look forward to coming each time.”

Councillor Pat Callaghan, Cabinet Member for a Healthy and Caring Camden, said:

“Kingsgate is a good example of shaping the facilities that we refurbish or build in Camden to meet the needs of the residents that will use it. When you walk into Kingsgate, it simply feels a lovely, happy place to be. Light and open, it’s a place where users can eat, socialise and do activities together, as well as benefiting from facilities including a sensory room.”

Accessing services at Kingsgate

If you, someone in your family or someone you know needs support with dementia, please contact the Kingsgate Centre on 020 7624 8818 to discuss your situation, or take a look at some of the support on offer at camdencarechoices.camden.gov.uk

Watch our film highlighting the reopening of the centre.

Other support in the borough

While Kingsgate is the hub of our dementia support in Camden, there is support for Camden residents in all areas of the borough. People with dementia and their carers can also take part in activities and enjoy a £3 cooked lunch at Highgate Newtown's Wellness Café, held on Tuesdays from 10am to 3pm at Ingestre Community Centre, Ingestre Road, London NW5 1UX. For more details, email [email protected] or call 07483 145 587.