I’d like to begin this month’s message by saying a big ‘thank you’ to Christopher Tansley and all the members of the Dementia Friendship Group in Ruddington for welcoming me when I joined them for one of their sessions recently.
The group offers friendship and fun activities to anyone living with dementia. My grandad died from dementia and my aunt suffers with it, so I understand how it can take its toll on everyone in the family.
Groups like the Dementia Friendship Group are so important as they provide community and connections to dementia sufferers and a break for their carers and families.
There are a number of great dementia support groups around Rushcliffe, including the Forget Me Notts programme, which is supported by the Trent Bridge Community Trust. By the time you read this, I’ll have just completed their Zipwire Challenge! I joined others in raising money for the #Donate4Dementia campaign which supports this award-winning programme.
Forget Me Notts helps people living with dementia by providing a safe environment and stimulating activities like golf, badminton, bowls, or simply the opportunity to relax and make friends.
It was also great to meet another group of fantastic fundraisers at a Maggie’s sponsored walk in Rushcliffe Country Park. Maggie’s is a charity that provides free practical, emotional and social support to people with cancer and their family and friends. I was honoured when they asked me to attend and start the walkers off. Well done to everyone who took part!
As ever, if you’re interested in learning more about what I’m doing as your Member of Parliament, you can sign up for my monthly e-newsletter at ruthedwards.org.uk.
Ruth Edwards, MP