“You can’t pour from an empty cup.” It’s a phrase we often hear, and it couldn’t be more relevant for carers. Caring for someone you love is deeply rewarding, but it also comes with significant challenges. Prioritising your own well-being isn’t selfish — it’s essential.
While my focus here is on dementia carers, these insights can benefit all unpaid carers navigating the demands of caregiving.
Understanding the Value of Carers
The work of unpaid carers saves the government billions each year—a contribution that often goes unnoticed. Yet, carers deserve...
When most hear the word dementia it’s often Alzheimer’s disease and older people they think about. In fact there are over 100 types of dementia.
However for this piece I want to raise awareness and touch upon one of the more rare types - Young Onset Dementia (YOD) which means the person diagnosed is under 65.
This presents many challenges such as the person may have a young family, be working and also struggle to get a definitive diagnosis.
It is estimated there are over 70,800 people living with Young Onset Dementia in the UK.
Funding of more than £1.7million will enable researchers at the University of Exeter to set up and lead a new national Dementia Network Plus – one of only four in the country.
The new network will aim to reduce dementia risk and improve people’s experience of living with dementia by supporting new projects and engaging with communities, with hubs in Wales, Scotland and England.
A Dementia Network Plus is a strategic investment by the Economic Social research Council (ESRC), the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and Alzheimer’s Society. The new...
Barchester’s Cumberland Grange Care Home in Exeter recently held a Dementia Information Session led by the incredible Gina Awad BEM for their family members.
Gina is the Founder and Lead of Exeter Dementia Action Alliance and author of ‘United Caring For Our Loved Ones Living with Dementia’, and has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of those living with dementia.
In doing so, Gina has contributed to many hours of supporting our local community and beyond since 2013 in delivering public and private Dementia information sessions to further enhance support networks and...
I ask this as recently we had a conversation during a dementia training session about local community resources and I brought the term into conversation.
There were several attendees working in the health and social care sector who had not heard of this important community role leading me to write this brief overview.
At its simplest a Social prescriber (SP) centres around connecting people with activities and services that improve their health and well-being. Before I go on allow me to share the interchangeable terms you may hear to avoid confusion which in essence mean...
Over the past couple of years I have been advocating for families living with dementia in addition to leading the Exeter Dementia Action Alliance.
I have witnessed family carers on their knees at crisis point, desperate, isolated with overwhelming feelings of helplessness.
At times I have felt useless, but having immersed myself into the world of dementia over the past decade I realise I have gained invaluable knowledge which I feel able to share and is making a difference. This is a humbling privilege.
Navigating the complexities of the health and social care...
Dementia campaigner and author Gina Awad has been selected as one of just twenty UK authors to appear in a new, specialist literary collection.
Gina, the leading light behind Exeter Dementia Action Alliance, published her first book called United in 2022 with the popular and much loved cartoonist, the late Tony Husband.
It not only tackled the serious issue of dementia and its impact on families in a humorous and approachable way but also helped people to navigate their way through what is often a journey fraught with complications.
With its beautiful countryside, coastlines and rich heritage, Devon offers a variety of days out for people living with dementia and their carers. From scenic countryside walks to engaging cultural experiences, here are some of the best dementia-friendly days out in Devon.
Seaside Strolls at Sidmouth and Exmouth
A sure fire-way to fire up all the senses is with sand, sea and fresh air. Both Exmouth and Sidmouth boast stunning views of the Jurassic Coast and there’s plenty of room along the esplanades for a seafront stroll.
Monday saw the Exeter Dementia Action Alliance pay tribute to the incredible artist, Tony Husband. The alliance also took time to celebrate 10 years since it’s inception in 2014.
Heather Morris former Exeter City Councillor said: “I felt honoured to attend the 10 year anniversary of the alliance which began with the passion perseverance and vision of Gina Awad. The evening also celebrated the life of Tony Husband who died suddenly in October last year.
"I recall I met Gina about 11 years ago when working for Exeter MP Ben Bradshaw. Gina phoned through to Bens office...
