Support for Congleton residents with dementia

Local people in Congleton who have dementia are set to be offered support packs thanks to funding from police and crime commissioner (PCC) David Keane.

The local policing team and Congleton Dementia Friendly Group have received funding from the commissioner’s Community Police Fund to provide the activity packs that will include activities such as word searches, jigsaws and colouring books to help keep their minds active.

The packs will be made available to those who are living alone and are isolated due to the pandemic. They will also be delivered to local care homes.

The local police team will also use the packs as an opportunity to engage with vulnerable members of the community to introduce the Herbert Protocol – a Cheshire Police initiative which aims to protect those suffering from dementia in the community.

In her application to the fund, Congleton East PCSO Karen Linton, said: “This project will help develop the progress made by the Dementia Friendly Congleton group by producing and delivering care packs to those with dementia, providing an importance means of contact with vulnerable people in society.”

The Community Police Fund is a new fund which has been provided to all 122 policing communities in Cheshire. Community police officers and PCSO have been working with local residents to develop bids of up-to £1,000 to fund projects which address local issues.

The fund has been developed using money seized from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act (PoCA) 2002. It also links directly to the recently launched initiative to increase police visibility in every community by providing a dedicated Police Constable and PCSO for all 122 areas.

PCC David Keane said: “This is particularly worrying time for those suffering with dementia as the Covid-19 restrictions mean their social contact may have vastly reduced.

“The funding will help provide much-needed support packs to keep residents’ minds active and keep them engaged in stimulating activities, which will hopefully delay the progress of their illness.

“The project will also help support Congleton’s ambition to become a Dementia Friendly Town which will increase the understanding of dementia in the community and encourage more people to seek support earlier.”