BRISTOL Dementia Action Alliance (BDAA) has launched its first Happy Days Hub.
It’s open on Mondays and Fridays with a community café open to all from 10am-2pm. The Hub, in Ambition House, Lawrence Weston, will host social groups including memory cafes, carer support groups and a balanced body exercise class.
The aim is to provide a dementia and ageing well resource for people concerned about or affected by dementia.
An important aspect of the Hub is to offer preventative awareness and management of conditions which can affect us as we age and could increase the risk of developing dementia. BDAA and partners will educate about diabetes, high blood pressure and hearing loss as well as other conditions.
More than 70 people attended the launch event, at which Bristol Beacon provided uplifting music and there were several stands sharing relevant information.
Lisa Dicker, BDAA development manager, said: “We had an amazing day, welcoming so many people to our Happy Days Hub. This Hub is part of the community and local residents and businesses will play a key part in the success of this much needed resource.”
BDAA still needs volunteers to support the Hub – there are a variety of key roles including supporting the café, helping with activities, or being companions at the groups. Further details here: https://bdaa.org.uk/volunteering/ or email office@bdaa.org.uk.
Founder and chair, Tony Hall, who launched BDAA in 2013, said: “This Hub is the culmination of our work as a charity raising awareness of dementia in Bristol. It brings together our experience and expertise into a one-stop ‘shop’ to make it as accessible as possible for people affected by dementia and those who wish to know more about the disease.”
For info, visit https://bdaa.org.uk/happy-days-hub/