Dementia Swap Shop comes to Congleton

Dementia Friendly Congleton has launched a free Swap Shop service for Congleton residents living with dementia.

The exchange service has a warm and welcoming area housed within Congleton Library, Market Street. A variety of games and activities suitable for people living with dementia, are available for loan or can be swapped for games and activities in good condition.

Diane Ritherdon, Chair of Dementia Friendly Congleton said: “We are delighted to have found a wonderful home for the new service. It is more important than ever for us to continue to support those affected by dementia in our community.

“The items for swap are currently brand new and mainly sourced from the Alzheimer’s Society, all designed to stimulate memories of earlier times and include jigsaws, aqua paints, memory cards, colouring books and locally knitted Twiddle Muffs. Items for swap should be complete especially jigsaws which should be no more than 250 pieces with easy to handle parts. The helpful library staff will be on hand to offer assistance and guidance.”

Dementia Friendly Congleton a sub-group of the Congleton Partnership is helping to spread the word about face to face activities starting to resume across the town after all support groups were postponed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hot off the press is a new publication which provides information on regular community activities.

Mike Smith, Co-ordinator of the Congleton Partnership said: “We are thrilled to see the community finally coming back together again. These activities are a life line to many residents who have found themselves isolated and looking for companionship and social chats. There are plans for more sessions to open in the New Year.”

The face to face activities range from coffee mornings, gentle exercise classes, crafts, sing alongs, lunch clubs, plus many more. They are open to people living with dementia, their carers and family members. A warm welcome is also extended to the ‘young at heart’ living in Congleton, the regular activities have been organised to help local people feel part of their community.

The free leaflet is available from the Congleton Information Centre, Congleton library and online at:

www.congleton-tc.gov.uk/your-council/publications

Diane Ritherdon concludes: “We encourage anyone who knows someone with dementia to continue to keep in contact, whether that’s by paying a visit or making regular phone calls. There is so much more to a person than their dementia, and regular contact can do so much to help someone feel less alone. For further information on Dementia Friendly Congleton see: Discover Congleton/Dementia Friendly Congleton pages at:

www.congleton-tc.gov.uk

... or contact Diane on 07770 724932.

Pictured - Left to right: Gill Brickwood & Diane Ritherdon, Dementia Friendly. Jenny Norton, Congleton Library & David Morris, Congleton Lions.