Social Club (Alzheimer Society Monaghan)

Description

Monaghan Social Club is a project aimed at those living with early onset dementia or memory impairment, it also caters for the family members. The Social club is an initiative of the Alzheimer Society, however it is mainly run by volunteers and does not receive any funding from the HSE or other. The Social Club runs fortnightly in St Josephs Pastoral Centre and provides activities based on stimulation, music, art, and the important cup of tea. The club has been running over two years and has proved to be a very successful resource for the community.
Siobhan Myers is the Co Ordinator of the Social Club, as a carer for the Alzheimer Society she has been at the forefront of it’s progression and success. There are also branch volunteers that help with art projects and activities that deserve recognition for their continual support.
The Social Club is a warm and friendly environment, that is both age friendly and accessible for all abilities. The club promotes the participants mental and physical well being without seeming intrusive therefore those involved return happily and really enjoy the social dynamic.
A recognition of the Social Club, would be a great boost to those involved and would also promote the service they provide.

Aim of Initiative

To create a community resource for those living with early onset dementia or memory problems. To promote a healthy lifestyle based on social engagement, active mind, creativity and positive mental well being for both the participants and family members.

Who is it aimed at

The initiative is aimed at those who are impaired by memory loss or who have a diagnosis of early onset dementia alongside their family members.

3 Steps critical to success

1. Active participation from the groups involved, this will involve the advertising and active engagement of our volunteers and Co Ordinator
2. Continuation of resources and available networks with the aim of promoting the Social Club and availing of new ideas and shared program of activities or events happening locally
3. The Social Club is one of many initiatives of the Alzheimer Society, one of the steps critical to success is the various resources provided, the social club is usually the first resource availed of by participants and in order to continue its success it is vital to maintain continuity and presence within the local community.

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. Promotion of our services will be dependent on both finance and the continuing participation of the community. The Social Club is driven by need, however the need for this service can only be foreseen with the active engagement of those involved. Therefore, advertisement and promotion of services is critical in order to reach those in need of our service.
2. Networking through the various agencies and those with a common cause is one of the challenges faced by all charities and various groups. The challenge is to maintain a clear diagram of the agencies and various relevant sectors that the Social Club can avail of, or ones that we can offer our service to.
3. The continuation of our services in the life cycle and prognosis of dementia and memory issues is critical to those we aim to provide service to, the challenge is making sure our services reach those who need it most and that rural location, transport, age or ability does not impact anyone’s ability to participate and avail of our service.

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. The promotion and highlighting of our services in order to showcase the services we provide
2. A networking engagement of various parties relevant to the group and activities we offer, should develop an easy to reach resource that will be sustainable. Creating a network that has similar aims will help to both promote the services and engage with those whom may avail of it.
3. The presence of the social club and continuity of services, offers participants resources based on the stage of their prognosis and should help to engage participants and families to our other services and resources.