The Rachel Notley Centre in Beckenham was officially re-opened on 23 May 2005 by Bromley's Mayor Councillor Mrs Joan Wykes OBE, as a specialist centre for people with dementia. The re-opening - which marks the centre's re-focus on people with mental health problems - is attended by Rachel Notley, Jacqui Lait, MP, Chris Phillips, Councillor for Social Care, Health and Housing, and Terry Rich, Director of Bromley Social Services.
Managed by MindCare, part of Bromley Mind, a charity that is part-funded by Bromley Council, the Rachel Notley Centre and nearby Beckenham Day Care Centre now provide 165 places for people with dementia, six days-a-week. Offering flexible, person-centred care in small groups and catering for a variety of different dementia needs, the centres are also able to offer much needed support for carers.
Sandi Lowing, Chief Executive of Bromley Mind, said: "The re-focus of the Rachel Notley Centre means that people with dementia and their carers can now receive the help they need in a dedicated specialist setting. The Rachel Notley Centre, in partnership with Beckenham Day Care Centre and our other day dare centres are able to offer an incredibly important service for people with dementia across the borough."
"In an aging society, dementia touches the lives of more and more people every year. With care and support, many people with dementia are able to keep their lives rich and active for years. Without support, the physical and emotional pressure on family carers can be intolerable."
Day care centres for people with dementia compliment the work of Bromley Mind's Care-at-Home services, which are also now based at the Rachel Notley Centre. These offer personal care and sitting services which operate 24-hours a day, 365 days a year.
ENDS
Notes for Editors:
- The Rachel Notley Centre will be officially opened at 14:00 on Monday 23 May.
- The Rachel Notley Centre is one of 3 day care centres including Beckenham Day Care Centre, St Pauls Cray Day Care Centre, run by MindCare as part of a specialist service for people suffering from dementia.
- Each year, more than 1500 Bromley residents with mental health needs receive help from a wide range of projects and services provided by Bromley Mind.
- Bromley borough has the largest population of over 65’s in London. At 65, one person in 20 will have a form of dementia, increasing to one in five aged over 80.
- The Rachel Notley Centre is named after Rachel Notley who pioneered the provision of care services for older people in Beckenham.
- For general information on Bromley Mind and MindCare go to www.bromleymind.org.uk.
- For general information on dementia go to www.mind.org.uk.