A Warwickshire charity which supports people living with dementia and their carers is expanding its services in Stratford.
Warwickshire Reminiscence Action Project — better known as WRAP — was initially set up 20 years ago to support and train people caring for older people in the community.
It started under the control of Warwickshire’s Community Education Service, but is now a registered charity in its own right. Over the years, more and more people have started looking after a loved one living with dementia, and WRAP’s support services have grown and adapted to their needs.
WRAP understands that caring for someone with dementia can be a lonely and overwhelming role, but Mike Strophair, who founded WRAP says “People can live very positively with dementia and at WRAP we are here to support those people and their loved ones".
WRAP offers various forms of support, including reminiscence therapy, life history work, social cafes and a day care facility.
Reminiscence therapy
The charity carries out reminiscence therapy, usually described as the use of triggers, which promotes the recollection of life histories.
The therapy stimulates people’s minds, which WRAP has found has a positive impact on their overall health, comfort and sense of security.
There are also more than 40 themed resource boxes available through a resource centre, with a series of objects that stimulate the five senses and trigger memories.
Life History work
Additionally, people can complete a life review, capturing precious memories before they are lost forever. WRAP has found that talking to someone about their life brings their history alive.
Dementia Cafes
The charity organises various free activities, including Café WRAP, which is held at Bishopton Community Centre every Friday, from 2pm until 4pm and at
Wellesbourne Village Hall every Wednesday between 2pm and 4pm.
The cafés are places for people living with dementia and their carers to share experiences, find support and relax.
The charity says on its website: “We are very keen in turning these two hours into fun, interactive moments and therefore we endeavour to have a varied event programme, whether through arts and crafts activities, or guest speakers addressing topics that are related to our interests.”
Pilot Day Care Project
The first anniversary of Café WRAP at Bishopton Community Centre was celebrated on Friday, 1st April, with opening a pilot day centre.
Every Friday, the trained team can look after people living with dementia at the day centre from 11am until 1pm.
It then reopens at 2pm, for Café WRAP, so all carers and their loved ones are welcome to return and engage in their planned activities.
Other activities organised include free training, a free eight-week information programme for carers in Stratford called Looking After A Loved One (Laalo), as well as intergenerational projects working with schools and the community.
For more information about WRAP visit their website www.reminiscence.org.uk
Source: Stratford Herald 20/5/16
