Safeguarding in everyday life

A Dementia Friends Champion is a volunteer who encourages others to make a positive difference to people living with dementia in their community. They do this by giving them information about the personal impact of dementia and what they can do to help. Visit the Dementia Friends website to find out more.

A dementia-friendly community is one in which people with dementia are empowered to have high aspirations and feel confident, knowing they can contribute and participate in everyday activities which are meaningful to them, e.g. hobbies, leisure activities and shopping. Dementia-friendly environments are spaces which have been specifically designed, equipped and furnished to enable easier access, comfort and security and in which it is easier to undertake usual daily activities. More information can be found on the Dementia RoadMap website and Hampshire County Council have produced a helpful checklist for businesses and organisation to enable them become dementia-friendly.

Hampshire has an ageing population. Unfortunately, developing dementia is increasingly common, a product of living longer. The county has recognised this need and there is great service provision to assist those living with dementia and their carers. Age Space has organised support by NHS in Hampshire and local charities. See NHS Services for people with Dementia and Local Charities supporting people with Dementia for more information about the services and support available.

The Silver Line offers older people support with loneliness including a 24-hour helpline which is available 365 days a year. It also offers a befriending service to combat loneliness. Visit Silverline's website.

The Good Neighbours Network is a collection of over 120 local groups run by local people for local people, all offering a helping hand to others in their community. The groups provide both practical help with tasks and emotional help though befriending schemes and an expanding range of social activities, from film clubs to bike clubs. Many offer much-needed transport to medical appointments or a hand with the shopping. There are also two Dementia cafes in the Network. All the groups aim to reach out to isolated people and deliver what is needed in their community. Find a list of groups in Hampshire on the Good Neighbours website.

Mind is a charity that provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They also campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding. Mind has practical tips to help you manage feelings of loneliness as well as information about other places you can to go for support. Visit the Mind website.

The Samaritans provide a free listening service, with no judgement or pressure and they will help you work through what’s on your mind. If you need advice or specialist support for a specific issue, they have a list of specialist organisations, including their contact details, which you may find helpful. Visit the Samaritans website to find out more about how they can help. You can also call them free on 116 123.

Wavelength provides media technology to lonely people living in poverty. For people who are lonely, a simple radio or television can feel like a lifeline. Visit the Wavelength website here to find out how you can apply for help.

When you’re suffering from bereavement, you will often suffer from loneliness as the friendship you and your partner had with other couples might disappear. You might also feel isolated in your grief and feel that nobody else can understand what you’re going through.

The Way Foundation is the only national charity in the UK for men and women aged 50 or under who have lost their partner. Way offers a peer-to-peer support network for anyone who’s lost a partner before their 51st birthday – married or not, with or without children, whatever their sexual orientation. Visit the Way Foundation website to find out more.

Cruse offers telephone, email and website support for people of all ages who have been bereaved. Their national freephone helpline number is 0808 808 1677 and there are also local services as well as a website – Hopeagain – specifically for children and young people. Visit the Cruse website for more information.

Information and links to Hampshire services for bereavement and end of life care can be found on the Hampshire County Council Mental Wellbeing Hampshire and Connect to Support Hampshire End of Life Care and Bereavement webpages.