Shine a light on dementia appeal

Our Black Country Brighter Lives charity (registered charity for Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust) is raising money to enhance the patient experience of our patients that are living with dementia.

There are currently more than 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK. The number of people living with dementia is increasing every day, and the chances are that you or someone you know has been affected by the condition.

A diagnosis of dementia is life changing for a patient and their loved ones, but our amazing staff at Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust are here to offer support and care throughout their journey, either in the community or as an inpatient.

For someone with dementia, being an inpatient in hospital can be distressing and confusing, as it’s an unfamiliar place to them. They may not know why they are even there, which then adds to their anxiety. They may stop eating or drinking and not be able to do everyday tasks such as washing and dressing themselves, which could make their condition worse.

Whilst our patients are in our care we want them to feel safe, cared for and happy. We’d like to create more opportunities for our patients to engage in activities that help them in their life, that help bring a smile to their face.

This is where we would like your support. If you make a donation to our dementia appeal today you will help us shine a light on dementia and create opportunities such as:

Raising the funds we need to set up a patient choir, support with music and art therapy, and organise a range of activities for patients and their loved ones
Creating outdoor spaces that are therapeutic and tailored to the needs of our dementia patients

Purchasing additional electrical equipment, such as radios, televisions, tablets and Reminiscence Interactive Therapy Activities (RITA) machines

How you can support our appeal

There are many ways that you can help us raise money for our shine a light on dementia appeal. You could take part in one of our organised events, organise your own sponsored event and get your family, friends and colleagues to sponsor you, or simply make a donation. If you would like some inspiration on what you can do, check out the Just Giving website.

Throughout Dementia Action Week (17-23 May), we have a number of events that you can get involved in.

Shine a light on dementia webinars

At the start of the week, we will be hosting two webinars to raise awareness of dementia. Both sessions will take place virtually on Zoom on Monday 17 May. The first session will be from 10.30am – 12.30pm and we will be raising awareness of the signs to look out for and how we can help ourselves to stay well. To register your interest, go to https://dementiawebinaram.eventbrite.co.uk

The second session will bring people together to talk about what support there is available across the Black Country for people living with dementia, their carers and families. To register your interest, go to https://dementiawebinarpm.eventbrite.co.uk

Both webinars are open to everyone and free to join. However, donations to our appeal are welcome.

Shine a light on dementia quiz

If you enjoy a quiz and want to test out your general knowledge, why not join us virtually on Zoom on Wednesday 19 May from 7.30pm to 9.00pm. It really is great way of bringing people together and having fun at the same time – you’ll also be helping raise money for a good cause. There is no set entry fee, so you decide how much you’d like to give. To register your interest, go to https://shinealightondementiaquiz.eventbrite.co.uk

Mindfulness retreat

Join our award-winning mindfulness team on Friday 21 May, 1.30pm – 3.30pm on Zoom, where you will learn about mindfulness techniques and tips, and spend time with others experiencing the positive impact of mindfulness on our health and wellbeing. To register your interest, go to https://dementiamindfulnessretreat.eventbrite.co.uk

Organise your own sponsored event

If you want to fundraise in your own time, why not organise your own sponsored event, where you can challenge yourself to do an activity such as walking, running, cycling etc. To get started, you just need to decide on your challenge and set up a Just Giving page linked to our shine a light on dementia appeal. Once you’ve done that, just share the link with your friends and family and encourage them to sponsor you. Don’t forget throughout your challenge you can update your Just Giving page with photos and messages, so supporters will know how you are getting on with your challenge.

Any donation of any amount will help make a difference. Joining in with our events will help make a difference. Organising your own sponsored event will help make a difference. Sharing our campaign will help make a difference. However you decide to support us, we would like to thank you for your kindness and your support. All funds raised will go directly towards supporting our dementia patients.

If you decide to make a donation, please don’t forget to gift aid your donation, which means that we can claim an extra 25p for every £1 you donate. It won’t cost you any extra but it will give a lot extra to our patients.

For more information about our charity, how you can help us and more, email us at bchft.brighterlives@nhs.net or call 0121 612 8061.