On 18 September, Dementia Carers Respite, based in Hyde Heath, was pleased to hold a highly productive meeting in Reading with Sam Burrows, Chief System Development & Engagement Officer at the Integrated Care Board (ICB), and Greg Smith MP.
The meeting provided an important opportunity to showcase the charity’s work and discuss the vital role it plays in supporting unpaid carers of people living with dementia.
Greg Smith MP opened the meeting by providing Sam Burrows with an overview of Dementia Carers Respite, highlighting the charity’s purpose, its commitment to supporting dementia carers, and the importance of accessible respite services within the local community.
Walid Marzouk and Dr Louise Gill then provided a more detailed presentation on the charity’s work, including its service provision, operational model and internal processes. They also outlined a number of the charity’s transformational projects and discussed the resources and infrastructure that may be required to respond effectively to a potential increase in demand for dementia respite services.
We were particularly pleased to have the opportunity to engage directly with the ICB and to demonstrate the significant contribution that Dementia Carers Respite makes in providing much-needed support and respite to those caring for people living with dementia.
The discussions were wide-ranging, constructive and focused on practical opportunities for collaboration. We are delighted that a number of positive actions were identified, including ways in which the ICB can help strengthen awareness of, and access to, the support available to dementia carers for respite.
We look forward to building on this important meeting and continuing to work collaboratively with our partners to ensure that carers receive the support and respite they need.
