Introducing...Memory Action Group

Memory Action Group (MAG) is a peer support group for people living with dementia and their carers, set up in 2018 followed by the opening of a drop in centre at West Wakefield Methodist Church, Thornes, Wakefield, WF2 8QR.

MAG have been a member of Nova Wakefield District since June 2019!

What is your organisation’s vision for Wakefield District?
Our ultimate vision for Wakefield District is for it to become totally dementia friendly so that people living with dementia are accepted and welcomed everywhere. Also, we would love to see a community centre where many different groups and organisations can have their own designated room(s) with a larger communal space for joint activities.

I am trying to make the vision in the preceding paragraph a reality. Because socialisation is so important for both people living with dementia and their carers and there is very little on offer in the area numbers attending MAG sessions are increasing week on week and we are soon likely to outgrow our current venue.
 
Any project, volunteer or staff member that you’d like to highlight?
MAG has some great volunteers, some still also caring for their own loved ones – Diane, Glen, Sharon, Chris, Ann – we wouldn’t be able to provide the service we do without them.
 
Caring for someone with dementia 24/7 is extremely tiring and unrelenting, but at the drop in centre we’re all in the same situation and share ideas and tips whilst also enjoying a multitude of activities. We also enjoyed day trips to Bridlington and Beamish this summer and already have plans for more trips in 2022.

The drop in centre for people living with dementia and their carers (address above) is open every Wednesday 2-4pm and every Friday 2-4pm. Contact Jan (details below) for more info.
 
What do you like about being a Nova member?
Being a Nova member has been a lifeline for me – helping with the necessary procedures and policies and now assisting our application to change the status of MAG from a self-funding community group to a CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation). Also, access to the various training courses are of great benefit.
 
How can local organisations and the public support you?
One carer and her friend run a stall for MAG on Fridays in Ossett Town Hall, selling absolutely everything. The public can help by donating and buying goods. Also, if anyone knows of any rooms/buildings we can rent solely for MAG that would be really helpful.
 
If people would like to get involved, how do they contact you?
Anyone interested in being a trustee of Memory Action Group or would like to help in any way, please contact Jan at jan.archbold@outlook.com or 01924 365213 or 07963 568892.

You can find Memory Action Group on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/dementiasupportwakefield/

If you'd like to share details of Memory Action Group's drop in centre, you can use this flyer (Word).

Thank you to MAG for getting involved and for the wonderful work you do!