FUNDING has been approved for two meeting centres in Bromsgrove and Redditch for those living with dementia.
Meeting centres are based on sound research evidence on what helps people to adjust to living with the symptoms and life changes the condition brings.
They offer expert support to people with mild to moderate dementia as well as giving help to families.
There will be a social hub at the heart of the centre for people to meet and talk to others.
In January 2020, Worcestershire County Council and six district councils announced they would be investing £540,000 from the County’s Business Rates Retention Pilot towards the new specialist centres.
They aim to put Worcestershire at the forefront of the country for the support they give to people affected by the condition.
This follows funding for meeting centres in Malvern, Worcester, Evesham, Kidderminster and Stourport being approved in 2021.
The funding approval panel is jointly run by the University of Worcester and Worcestershire County Council.
The independent chair of the panel, Dorothy Wilson MBE, said everyone was delighted to be able to approve funding for another two centres.
“We look forward to building on the experience of established Meeting Centres to support the new ones and create opportunities for more people living with dementia and family carers across the county.”
Age UK Herefordshire and Worcestershire CEO Julia Neal added: “Our established Meeting Centres in Droitwich, Kidderminster and Stourport have shown us what a difference this support can make to those with dementia and their families.
“We are really excited about being able to extend our support to people living with dementia in Bromsgrove and Redditch.”
