Support for Islanders affected by dementia

Tuesday 04 August 2015

A new centre for confidential advice and support for Alzheimer’s sufferers and their families opens today.

The new building being opened by the Jersey Alzheimer’s Association is the first of its kind to support sufferers of Alzheimer’s and other kinds of dementia.

It is due to be officially opened today by the Lieutenant-Governor, General Sir John McColl.

The association – which has been running for five years - provides education and training to raise awareness and help with practical guidance for people affected directly or indirectly by dementia.

Association Chairman Jim Hollywood said: “We are delighted to have moved to our new home at Hilgrove Street.

“With more people living for longer with a combination of complex conditions, the services we provide will have an ever-increasing importance.

“Historically one of the main barriers when reaching out to people with concerns about dementia has been a low level of general knowledge about the condition.

“By being based in a prominent location in the heart of St Helier, we are confident that more local people will come to talk to us and we can then signpost them to the services and help that are available.”

The centre will open from Monday to Thursday from 10 am until 1 pm.

The Jersey Alzheimer’s is a full member of Alzheimer Europe, an umbrella organisation consisting of 36 members from 31 European countries.