I used to be able to put my socks on, use a spoon, and take myself to the toilet. I see monsters in my room and carpets can make me dizzy and confused. I hear people say "oh that's her being lazy" but I’m scared. Scared of what's happening to me and people don’t seem to know how to help me"

Who is that speaking? You, me, your mother or father, your granny or a person with learning disabilities?

The number of people developing dementia is increasing at an alarming rate in society as a whole, and that does not exclude individuals with learning disabilities.

While we are trying to ready ourselves with the knowledge and skills to adapt to changes when dementia is suspected or diagnosed; ask yourself, your team and your colleague: are we ready? We all need to be, as some of us will soon be working or living with someone who has dementia.

Next week it’s Dementia Awareness Week; 19th – 25th May.

Don't ignore the messages – learn about Dementia and what our part is in supporting people.

Dementia Special Interest Group

Hi, I'm Diane. I work at Banwell Pottery in Weston–super-Mare. This week Banwell Pottery are taking part in the North Somerset Arts Week; over 300 artists in almost 100 venues have opened their doors allowing visitors to experience a wide range of art and culture across the county.

This is the Banwell Pottery's first event since moving to a brand new purpose built studio, @ Worle. All our potters have been working hard to put on a really good exhibition showcasing as much of their work as possible.

We have had a steady flow of visitors over the week, so far every visitor has left impressed and full of praise for our talented team of potters. I think we have certainly changed some peoples misconceptions about what people with learning disabilities can achieve!

This type of event really helps to get the people we support the recognition and praise they deserve and establishes our new pottery firmly on the art map.

Banwell Pottery will be open this weekend, Saturday 11am to 4pm and Sunday 12 to 4pm.

Dianne Slingsby
Project Coordinator
Banwell Pottery

My name’s Philip Reynolds. I go to the South Bristol Project, a group that meets at the Park Centre in Bristol. I like going there as I get to see my friends and I join in with lots of different activities. My favourites are the walking group on a Monday morning which happens around the Knowle West Health Centre and the cooking group on Friday afternoons. The cooking group is great because I learn how to cook lots of different things, such as soup and pasta dishes. I also am learning to keep myself safe in a kitchen. The picture shows me baking cakes.

Last week we had a last minute change to the usual Friday activities. I used my bus pass to go on a bus to Weston-super-Mare where we went to see the sand sculpture exhibition and have a lunch out at the pub. I enjoyed seeing the sculptures despite the cold weather. It was too cold to go swimming. I’m looking forward to summer coming so we can go out in some warmer sunny weather.

Phil

3am on Monday 15th April is a time and day I will never forget. I was woken by the fire alarm ringing loudly.

I automatically remembered my fire training from the Brandon Trust and the staff team, which I followed.

I went downstairs and waited for everyone to come downstairs as well. Then Isaac who was supporting us told us to "Get out there is a fire in the kitchen".

Isaac had rung the Fire Brigade already and when we came out two engines were coming down the road.

I flagged one down to show where our house was and then the ambulance came to see if everyone was OK.

Luckily we all were.

Apparently a faulty fridge freezer had caused a major fire*

Our Manager and Team Leader were called and came out in the middle of the night and arranged for us to stay in a hotel.

I won't be able to return home for three months which I am very sad about but I am staying at another service nearby until I can return to my home with my other three friends.

I am really proud of all the staff who have helped me and my friends with everything and could not have managed without them.

I am just relieved everyone is OK, it does make you think how things could have turned out.

Mary, London.

*The appliance had been fully PAT tested and relevant checks were up to date.

Hi, I'm Jo, the Project Leader for the Travel Buddy Project based in Bristol. I also run another equally fantastic scheme for Brandon Trust called Safe Havens.

A Safe Haven is a place that can offer those with a learning disability who are travelling independently extra support in the community should they get into difficulty i.e. lose their bus pass or mobile phone or have had a bad experience. It is a place where they can either make a phone call (to their support worker or an emergency service) or have a few minutes to collect their thoughts and then carry on with their journey.

It works by getting local businesses and public places to sign up to become a 'Safe Haven.' Since late last year I have been setting up and adding to these Safe Havens across the city, enlisting local businesses and public spaces such as shops, cafes, police stations and leisure centres to sign up. We also have help from the local police force and Police Community Support Officers.

You'll be able to recognise a 'Safe Haven' from the logo sticker, a green house, displayed in a prominent place.

In working together this is helping to create a safer network across the city for all.

Jo Pilbeam
Travel Buddy Project / Safe Havens