
We’re DEEPly grateful for our DEEP support network, we cross pollinated and ended up with 18 participants to our open Peer Support Group meeting on Friday 22nd January.
This meeting was facilitated by people living with dementia sharing and comparing their experiences and dementia pathways with each other around the country. It was interesting to note how each person diagnosed with dementia had a different review period (between 3-12 months) yet not one of them had regular review meetings with their GP. The only participant within the 18 who had regular reviews was from across the pond in Canada. This was a very interesting meeting with action points needed to be taken onboard.
We will be back to our smaller Peer Support Group this week to check in with each other on a smaller level. Members mentioned how valuable opening our doors is, and would like to continue to do this on a regular basis inviting guests from across the DEEP network.
The peer support given in this meeting was incomparable with participants at different points in their pathway they were able to support those who were in their early stages. Several members commented how they feel more comfortable opening up to people with similar experiences, living with dementia. The importance of peer support is echoed throughout the country. We have extended our current project to all of our guests to make sure we get a range of perspectives with no boundaries on towns, counties or even countries!