I WANT to talk about dementia this month and the profound impact a dementia diagnosis has on the person diagnosed and their family, writes Jackie O'Brien, manager at the Alice Cross Centre.

It is a journey filled with emotional challenges, changes in roles and relationships, and adjustments to new realties. 

The time following a diagnosis can be full of fear, grief and confusion for the whole family unit and it is helpful to seek out professional help from your doctor and specialists and get as much information as possible, as understanding dementia and its progression can help better cope with the challenges that may arise. 

The Alzheimer’s Society and Dementia UK’s both have support lines and useful information and factsheets on their websites. 

Support groups are also very helpful at this time and at the Alice Cross Centre, we have a weekly group called the Memory Café for people with dementia and their carers, every Thursday from 10 to 12 midday. 

It is a relaxed group and we often have visiting musicians for entertainment. Sue Yates, our group leader, shares different activities each week to stimulate conversation and memories. The group provides essential social connection, a sense of belonging and fun. Carers can stay or enjoy a few hours of respite. 

If you would like to find out more about this group or register your interest, please call us on 01626 778039.

Other events and activities in August and September are:

► August 1, Teignmouth Regatta Children’s Event on the Den from 10am to 4pm. Our stall is selling children’s pre-loved books and toys and a delicious selection of cakes.

► August 20, Charity Tabletop Event on the Den from 10am to 4pm. Come along and support us and the other local charities that rely on these community days for essential fundraising to support our work. We sell cakes, drinks and interesting pre-loved bric and brac, including jewellery.

► September 1, Alice’s Cocktail Club, 7pm. Join us for a night of cocktails and live music, in aid of Dawlish Community Transport.

► September 3, Sunday Lunch from midday. A delicious Sunday roast and dessert followed by a hot drink and biscuit, only £10.00. Bar open. Booking essential on 01626 778039.

► September 6, Well-Being Walk 2pm, meeting at the pier. This walk is suitable if you would like to increase your fitness levels and meet like-minded people. It includes some slopes and uneven surfaces. Please wear suitable footwear and bring a bottle of water.

► September 16 & 17, come and support Teignmouth Pride. Our stall will be based in The Triangle. We are already planning our outfits!

► September 23, Family Games Evening 6.30pm to 9.30pm. Back by popular demand a family friendly event suitable for ages 8-100, to include fish and chip supper for adults and pizza for the children. £12 per person (one child free per adult) teams of 4. Booking essential.

On top of this we have our regular weekly Zumba and yoga classes, table tennis, digital skills and bereavement groups - all information is on our website

If you haven’t visited us before, please feel free to pop in and have a look round. Ask for me, Jackie, and I would love to have a chat and a cuppa and tell you more about what’s going on at The Alice.