New research reveals nearly 2,000 people living with dementia in Barnsley

The national Dementia Atlas provides a range of information on the prevalence of Dementia in the area, revealing that 1,880 people in Barnsley aged 65 and above have been diagnosed with Dementia.

This translates into just over 4% of the elderly population in the area, and experts from the Barnsley Dementia Support Service are calling on people to make the most of local support services.

Provided by South Yorkshire Housing Association, the Barnsley Dementia Support Service offers advice and support to anyone living in Barnsley who is affected by Dementia. This includes people living with Dementia, their carers, friends and family.

They offer a range of support, including; one-to-one support sessions, groups that are specifically aimed at supporting carers, tour days around local services and their Wish List project, which gives people the chance to experience something they’ve always dreamed of doing.

The team have bases in Royston and Wombwell, and have recently established a new group in Penistone.

Madelene Whyman, co-ordinator at the Barnsley Dementia Support Service, said: “Unfortunately the figure given in the research only identifies the people who have been diagnosed as living with Dementia. The actual figure is likely to be much higher, and will grow in the coming years, which is why support services like ours are so important.

“I’d urge anyone who is living with Dementia, or caring for someone to get in touch with us and see what support we offer – we offer all sorts of activities, from animal therapy and day trips, to music and craft sessions – there’s lots to choose from, and it’s completely free. We’re flexible to your needs, so if you want us to come and see you at home, we can do that too.”

To find out more about the help available in Barnsley, get in touch with the Barnsley Dementia Support Service by visiting www.syha.co.uk, emailing [email protected] or by calling 0114 2900 261.