Rory is encouraging people to get behind a new dementia support group launched in Eden.

The Eden Valley Friends of Dementia UK became an official Dementia UK fundraising group at the beginning of February. The group’s aim is to raise £50,000 to pay for an Admiral Nurse in Cumbria.

Fran Flower, of Culgaith, was inspired to set up the group as she is determined to get an Admiral Nurse in Cumbria. While caring for her husband, John, near the end of his life, Fran found Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurse Helpline invaluable. She received practical advice and suggestions for her husband’s treatment but most of all, they gave her support and calming reassurance.

The Eden Valley Friends of Dementia UK has now set about fundraising with gusto. On Saturday, March 2nd, they are holding a Dementia Awareness Day at Langwathby Village Hall. Everyone is welcome at the event which will run from 10.30am until 3pm. There will be homemade cakes and soup available.

Mr Stewart and the Dementia Group met at Temple Sowerby Medical Practice to discuss how caring for loved ones can affect families and friends and how an Admiral Nurse could make a real difference.

After the meeting, Mr Stewart said: “Throughout my constituency people are affected by dementia – whether suffering from it themselves or caring for a loved one who is. And for those carers, it can be incredibly tough.

“It was fantastic to meet Fran and her team who are so determined to make a difference to people’s lives – it would be great to have an Admiral Nurse in Cumbria.They have my full support and I hope many other people will also get behind them.”

Rory met with Suicide Safer Eden (SSE) to discuss issues around suicide and the importance of talking about mental health.

Mr Stewart had an in depth discussion with a group of volunteers in Eden, who work towards reducing loss of life to suicide within the area. SSE explained how they believes suicide is a community wide public health issue and everyone can do something to help. It encourages people to be ‘helpfully nosey’ – to ask people how they are feeling, listen to them and direct them towards help.

SSE often hosts public sessions that look at the facts and figures around suicide, why suicide should be talked about and what people can do to help prevent suicide by being aware of the ‘signs’ that someone may be having thoughts of suicide. The charity also has local champions around Eden who raise awareness of suicide.

Thursday, February 7th, is Time to Talk Day – when people are encouraged to talk about their mental health. Time to Change, which started the initiative, argues conversations about mental health helps break down stereotypes, improve relationships, aid recovery and take the stigma out of something that affects everyone.

After the meeting, Mr Stewart said: “Talking about mental health is so important and can make a real difference to people’s lives.  It was really interesting talking to the volunteers at Suicide Safer Eden, who are doing some great work to raise awareness of suicide, and learn more about how everyone can help prevent suicide.

“If you are struggling with your mental health, I would encourage you to contact your local GP or contact Samaritans on 116 123.”