I've raised £2500 to help keep our activity and social group for people living with dementia open in Bishop’s Stortford

CST.Today is a small self funded social enterprise, that provides a much needed service for people living with dementia and their carers in the local community.
Due to the progressive nature of this disease the number of attendees is never certain in the group and this makes it very difficult for us to meet our running costs, especially when numbers are low, but if we knew that some of the running costs such as the hall hire and insurance were covered, we could continue to provide this essential service.
The group is not only great fun for the person living with dementia but also provides respite for the carer or family member who can have a bit of 'me' time while knowing that their loved one is happy and cared for at the group. Our members look forward to Wednesdays and enjoy all kinds of activities to help stimulate the healthy part of the brain. Activities such as singing and dancing have been shown to bring positive benefits to those living with dementia, as well as exercise to music which is good for the physical body too, keeping fit and flexible to carry out simple day to day chores with ease. Of course quizzes, crosswords and arts and crafts are also a great deal of fun and provide stimulation.
My husband has been attending the CST group run by Debbie Baker for over a year now, He thoroughly enjoys the variety of games, puzzles and creative, musical and stimulating activities that Debbie and her wonderful volunteer helpers do with everyone, and it gives him an extra dimension on life that is missing in his normal domestic life .Debbie and her volunteers are an amazing group of people and I hope they realise what a wonderful job they are doing not only for the group but also for the carers who really appreciate a few hours to themselves every Wednesday.
That’s because we use the principles of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy in our groups, which is an evidence base treatment for mild to moderate dementia seen to be as good as dementia drugs. CST helps to maintain independence, improve memory, communication, social interaction and more.
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