“My wife was diagnosed with dementia two years ago. Thanks to St Michael's, we receive wonderful support."

Mike and Sue Webb are regular attendees at our Orchard Dementia Café, and Mike has completed a Carers’ Wellbeing Course run by St Michael’s.

They also enjoy a Movie Matinee afternoon here once a month.

“We both really look forward to coming to St Michael’s,” said Mike. “I had no idea the breadth of services offered by the Hospice. I thought it was just end of life, but it’s not.”

Sue was diagnosed with dementia in June 2023. Shortly after, they attended a dementia support group at the Courtyard in Hereford. 

“It was the first time we’d attended, but we were told while there that the meetings were ending,” said Mike. “Thankfully, Sarah Farnsworth, who leads the Dementia and Wellbeing Service at St Michael’s, was there. She suggested a similar group could meet at St Michael’s. 

“It’s turned into a great place to meet other people and to share experiences. It’s been both helpful and reassuring, and we realise now that we are not alone. The Carers’ Wellbeing Course was the most supportive tool I’ve experienced by far. Those on it have become friends and we keep in regular contact. I think it’s helped us all, and continues to do so.”

Sue says she is so grateful the service is available, not least for providing her husband with an outlet to receive help and support.

“Mike is my rock, so it’s reassuring for me to know there is support here for him, and that he can talk to others with similar experiences,” she said.

The Carers Wellbeing course is open to family carers of a loved one living with dementia. To enable carers to attend, St Michael’s invites you to bring the person you care for along. St Michael’s will care for them whilst you attend the carers sessions.

For more information, call 01432 851000. 

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