The Dementia Virtual Reality Bus recently visited Portway Lifestyle Centre in Sandwell, as part of the council’s ongoing pledge to make Sandwell a dementia friendly community.
The bus features a virtual reality system which provides an immersive experience of how a person with dementia may experience life. This insight helps people, including key decision-makers at Sandwell Council, to shape care and services for those living with dementia and their carers.
The bus experience was attended by the Leader of Sandwell Council, Councillor Kerrie Carmichael, Deputy Leader, Councillor Bob Piper, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Adults, Social Care and Health, Councillor Suzanne Hartwell, Deputy Mayor, Councillor Elaine Giles, and cabinet members Councillor Charn Singh Padda and Councillor Simon Hackett.
The councillors joined those working in roles that support people with dementia and their families across Sandwell.
Councillor Kerrie Carmichael said: “As a council we are committed to continuing to improve services and provide support for residents living with dementia, and to support their carers and make Sandwell a dementia friendly community.
“This commitment includes significant investment by the council to establish the pre and post diagnostic support service, Sandwell Community Dementia Service, which has been held up as the National Gold Standard by NHSE.”
Councillor Suzanne Hartwell added: “We are so proud of our Dementia Service colleagues and the work they do, which was recognised by them being a finalist in the Best Dementia Team category at the National Dementia Care Awards 2023.
To help people living with dementia in Sandwell, a new service has been launched to ensure that local people get the support that’s right for them. Funded by Sandwell Council and the Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB), the Sandwell Community Dementia Service is a partnership of eight local voluntary sector organisations. They provide advice, information, and support to people who are worried about their memory, those who have received a dementia diagnosis and carers or family members of someone living with dementia.
To access the service, people can be referred by their GP, healthcare professional or can self-refer. The service has three dementia navigators who meet people and their families to undertake an initial assessment. If further support is required, the person will then be assigned a dementia advisor who will provide support along their whole dementia journey, whether that’s seeking a clear diagnosis of a condition, helping people make informed decisions about the care they receive or helping them plan for the future.
To access the Sandwell Community Dementia Service, people living in Sandwell can be referred by their GP or can self-refer by calling 01902 826 655 or emailing bcicb.dementiasupport@nhs.net or visit the Murray Hall website.
Those looking for advice and support on dementia can also Dementia Roadmap Sandwell webpage
