Unit 1 Dene Park
Corbridge Road
Hexham
Northumberland
NE46 1HN
Carers' Information Course 2025
This is the third consecutive year in which we have run an Information Course for our carers. As in previous years, the course ran over six weeks and our aim was to provide the attendees with as much information as possible, ideally before they knew they needed it!
Course Content
The first week was about getting to know each other and identifying the different needs of the group. Rosie Robson-Tinsley, our Chair, gave an introduction to Chrysalis, the course and the different types of dementia. As last year, our group of attendees gelled well and were happy to share their own personal experiences for the benefit of others.
For our second session, we were joined by Dr Rob Barker, a GP from Corbridge Medical Centre. He explained the support the team at a Primary Care Centre can provide as well as the diagnostic process should people wish to go down this route. We touched upon post-diagnostic treatment and, as last year, Dr Barker impressed upon the group the need to push for annual reviews, both for their loved ones but also for themselves.
In Week 3, Dr Fairmichael from the Fairnington Centre told us about the psychiatrist’s role which involves prescribing medications and checking for side effects before enabling the GP to monitor progression. He described the limited medical advancements as well as the current drugs being used to treat. We also looked at the rationale behind seeking (or not seeking) a diagnosis and he mentioned a useful new Behavioural Support Service.
The following week, we tackled the ‘legal stuff’, namely Wills, Trusts and Lasting Powers of Attorney, with the help of Julie Garbutt, a partner with Muckle LLP solicitors in Newcastle. The subject matter was challenging but Julie made it manageable, relevant and interesting and the session did make our attendees think about their own current requirements.
In the penultimate week, we learned from Hannah Corcoran of Carers Northumberland about the benefits (including Attendance Allowance) that are available to those living with dementia and their carers. Sadly, often people simply have no idea to what they might be entitled.
Lastly, we were joined by representatives from Alzheimer's Society and Tynedale Hospice at Home as well as a Care Coordinator and a Community Psychiatric Nurse who each explained the different services they offer. It was an excellent session as it was clear just how well they interact in the community.
“I enjoyed your course and found it dispelled some of the mysteries surrounding Dementia, but my abiding memories are of the warm friendly atmosphere at the Club.” - one of the 2025 attendees.