AT a recent meeting of Ross Rotary Club, Anne Parsons and Pat Dazeley gave a talk about the role and activities of the Ross Meeting Centre.

Anne said that the Ross Meeting Centre was opened in March 2017 and is a local service for people with mild or moderate dementia, giving support to both the people with dementia and their carers. It provides a person centred approach and is based on the Dutch model being piloted in Droitwich Spa and Leominster. The results of these two pilots are being monitored as part of a research project being undertaken by Worcester University and the Alzheimer Society.

She added that the Ross Meeting Centre is based at Christ Church in Edde Cross Street and is open from 11am to 3pm every Wednesday. She explained that the centre's aim is for those with mild to moderate dementia to benefit from socialising and participating with their carers in a variety of activities, including mental and physical exercise, reminiscence, crafts, song and music and outings. Practical skills such as preparing and sharing a lunch together are also exercised at the sessions.

In addition carers will have the benefit of socialising with other carers, as well as the opportunity on occasion to meet health care professionals and others who may be able to support them in their caring role.

The Ross Meeting Centre is supported by Dr Simon Lennane of Alton Street Surgery and the Community Dementia Nurses as well as the Ross Mental Health Steering Group. The contact email is rossmeetingcentre@gmail.com

Ross Rotary Club meets every Monday evening 6.30pm for 7pm at the Chase Hotel. Guests and potential members are very welcome. Please visit website rossrotary.com