A ONE-stop shop for people living with dementia is opening in Barrow next week.

The ‘Barrow and District Dementia Hub’ at The Living Well Centre on Duke Street is for anyone affected by dementia and will offer support and advice in a friendly and relaxed environment.

Run by University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundations Trust (UHMBT) and partner organisations, it will be launched on Wednesday.

People with dementia, carers, family members, friends and everyone with an interest in the condition can pop along on the fourth Wednesday of every month from 1pm to 3pm.

Dianne Smith, matron for professional standards in dementia for UHMBT, said: “People often don’t know where to go for support in their local community and that’s where the hub can help.

“The hub will be easily accessible as it’s in the middle of town and you don’t need to make an appointment; just turn up.

“People will be able to as professionals about any aspect of managing care for someone with dementia. They can ask for advice about getting a diagnosis and where to find services.”

The Barrow hub will give people in the local community an opportunity to meet professionals from organisations including the NHS Memory Clinic, Alzheimer’s Society, Integrated Care Communities (ICC), Age UK South Lakeland, Furness Carers, Dignity in Dementia, Barrow Blind Society, Barrow Fire Service, independent care providers and many more.

There are already two dementia hubs which UHMBT supports - the South Lakes Dementia Hub based in Kendal and the Bay Dementia Hub based in the Lancaster and Morecambe area.

Marina Woodburn, a care of the elderly nurse from Barrow, will also be at the launch of the new hub.

She said: “There will be an area in the hub where people can sit and chat with other people in a similar position to them. What’s nice is that people often end up supporting each other.

“Our other dementia hubs have been very successful. The hubs have made a real difference to people affected by dementia. Many people have come back again and again for support.

“One couple has been coming for two years. One has dementia and the other is their carer. They have said it’s the only thing that gives them a feeling of positivity because they meet people in the same boat as them. They are not alone.”

The Barrow hub will be run by the Barrow Integrated Care Community, a group of local healthcare organisations including GP surgeries and district nurses.