Vulnerable People Living With Dementia Locked Out Of Closed Groups!!!

Hello Guys, firstly let me apologise on the lack of updates over the past few weeks. To say it's been difficult since the takeover of our dementia services by Alzheimer's Society is a huge understatement. 

I will give a more comprehensive update as soon as I get a moment to do so. In the meantime the following is what I posted to a Hertfordshire County Council advertisement on Facebook today where they stated "Our vision is to ensure that Hertfordshire remains a county where people have the opportunity to live healthy and fulfilling lives in thriving communities". My reply To that was as follows.......

"Hertfordshire County Council that's great, just a shame that vision of yours doesn't include those who were previously served by Hertswise groups for those living with dementia and those who care for them. Your decision to award the contract to the Alzheimer's Society bid has been a nightmare. Despite cries of "don't change our groups" from all who attended these groups, detrimental changes have been put in to force. We have not received the promised improved service from Alzheimer's Society and have less than what we had with Hertswise as far as support, expert knowledge and care for those affected by this terrible disease. Integral staff members are being made redundant, activity providers pulling out, much loved volunteers leaving and venue providers are all disappointed how they've been informed of changes. Indeed many groups have been changed/closed without short or even any notice at all by Alzheimer's Society. Vulnerable people turning up at group locations to find the doors locked is not only shocking but further damages the new relationship with the service provider. Chris Badger, your Head of Adult Services for Hertfordshire County Council, has washed his hands of the problems that we have raised with him. We think it's time Chris Badger takes another look and steps in to ensure we get the service Alzheimer's Society promised in their winning bid that he chose to spend public money on. They are failing to provide even the basics that we were told to expect. This comes as no surprise as the pre-procurement and co-production consultations have demonstrated little or no understanding of what those people attending our once exceptional groups, previously run by the Hertswise project, provided. The Hertfordshire Dementia Strategy has most definitely taken a hit by the detrimental decisions made by Hertfordshire County Council and those in charge of all decisions that make life harder not easier for those dealing and living with dementia now and the many yet to be diagnosed in the future should be taking a very hard look in the mirror." 

Everything is a mess at the moment and the most vulnerable are not receiving the care and the consideration they deserve and desperately need.

And so if we could ask you to please keep spreading this information and this petition for others to read and sign and share onwards that would be met with heartfelt gratitude and appreciation from all of us who rely so much on the service which is being torn apart in front of our eyes. 

Many, many thanks to you all ❤️