Dementia Action Week: What's on in Stockton-on-Tees?

A fun filled tea dance and an historic walk on Stockton High Street are just two of the events in the Borough to highlight Dementia Action Week.

The events have been organised to support the annual awareness campaign which encourages people to 'act on dementia'.

This year's campaign will run from 16-22 May and focus on the theme of diagnosis.

Councillor Ann McCoy, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Adults Social Care, said: "Dementia is a very challenging and frustrating condition and we are doing all that we can to support people living with it and their carers.

"If you or a loved one is experiencing memory loss, it could be a sign of dementia. But research shows that the misconception around memory loss being a sign of normal ageing is the biggest barrier to people seeking a dementia diagnosis.

"We want to encourage those who might be living with undiagnosed dementia to seek guidance and support and feel empowered to take the next step. A diagnosis allows people to receive practical advice and support, to plan for the future, and can even offer a sense of relief in knowing what's going on.

"We have worked closely with our partners to offer a range of activities throughout Dementia Action Week where people can learn more about the condition and access valuable support. I urge everyone affected by dementia to take part."

Events include:

Monday 16 May

• Tree dedication in Preston Park in memory of people with dementia (at the park entrance 11.15am)
• Information and advice, Thornaby Library (10am to 1pm)
• Trishaw Rides (3 wheeled, 3 seater electric bike), Ropner Park (meet at the café 12.30pm to 2.30pm)
• Music in Hospitals, free live concert for over 50s hosted by local musicians, Fellowship Hall Yarm (1pm)
• Happy-Hippy-Shake Tea Dance, The Arc (1pm to 3pm) 

Tuesday 17 May

• Information and advice, Stockton Library (9.30am to 1pm)
• Table tennis and table top games, The Institute, Grays Road (10.30am to 12pm)
• Park tour, Preston Park (11am and 1pm)
• Snooker and pub games, The Institute, Grays Road (1pm to 3pm)
• Sing-A-Long, The Globe Theatre (2pm to 4pm)
• Swimming group, Ingleby Barwick Leisure Centre (2.30pm)

Wednesday 18 May

• Information and advice, Stockton Market (10am to 2pm)
• Breakfast Club, Café 81, Oxbridge Lane (10am)
• Information and advice, Norton Library (9.30am to 1pm)
• Musical Memories does Music Hall, The Institute, Grays Road (11am to 12.30pm)
• Walking Group - information, advice and free refreshments, Ropner Park (1pm to 3pm)
• Historic walk of Stockton High Street (10am to 1pm)
• Musical Memories does Music Hall, The Institute, Grays Road (2pm to 3.30pm)

Thursday 19 May

• Information and advice, Billingham Library (9.30am to 1pm)
• Sponsored walk Hampton by Hilton Hotel to Riverside Stadium (10am to 1.30pm)
• Lunch Club, Kings Arms, Billingham (12 noon)

Friday 20 May

• Information and advice, Ingleby Barwick Library (10am to 1pm)
• Zumba Gold, The Institute, Grays Road (10.30am to 11.30am)
• Afternoon Tea, Teesside Princess (11.30am to 3pm)
• Trishaw Rides, Ropner Park (meet at the café 10.30am to 3.30pm)
• Film 'Supernova', The Institute, Grays Road (12.30am to 2.30pm)

Saturday 21 May

• Information and advice and tombola, Stockton Market (all day)
• Community fun day, Thornaby Park (all day)
• Bella Canta Ladies Choir, Greens Lane Methodist Church (7.30pm)

Sunday 22 May

• Commemorative Walk - first 100 people can have a free train ride on the model train - Preston Park (meet at café 12.15pm to 1pm)

Events are being organised by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and a range of partner organisations including Teesside Dementia Link Services (TDLS), Hand-in-Hand Care, Young at Heart, Age UK Teesside, The Globe Theatre, Bella Canta Ladies Choir and LiveWell Dementia Hub.

To find out more about the help available locally to people living with dementia and their families contact the LiveWell Dementia Hub on Livewell.Hub@stockton.gov.uk or call 01642 527363

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