Kelly Bleasdale: Essex Dementia Care

President Anne’s husband, Steve, joined her for her last full meeting before handing over to Francis Whitbread next week. Our guests were Kelly Bleasdale and Sharon Jones from President Anne’s chosen charity, Essex Dementia Care.

Since Kelly spoke to us last year the charity have set up a dementia-friendly allotment in Bradwell near Braintree. The allotment was totally overgrown when they took it on but it now has raised beds growing vegetables and a summer house so those who don’t wish to garden can still enjoy being outside.

The charity is also helping to develop a smartphone app which they hope will allow people to retain independence for as long as possible. People with dementia can lose the ability to do even simple tasks such as making a cup of tea. The idea is that there will be a film of the person doing the task which they will be able to refer to if they forget the steps. The film is more helpful because it shows the dementia sufferer rather than an anonymous third party.

At the end of the meeting President Anne presented Kelly with a cheque for £1,632, which President Anne thought a fantastic fundraising effort by the Club.