Listening intently at the Dementia Workshop
On Saturday 14th July 2007 the Knox Counselling Service, in conjunction with Our Saviour’s congregation, hosted a one-day workshop exploring the issue of Dementia. Rev Noel Schultz, and his wife Cynthia, were guest presenters for the day.
Thirty-four participants from a range of community agencies, local churches and our own Ringwood/Knox Parish heard Noel talk about what dementia is, and how it affects the senior age group in our communities. His focus and emphasis was very much on the “person with dementia” rather than the “person with dementia”. The afternoon sessions explored the topics of carers and their needs as well as strategies needed to meet the wide ranging challenges for all those involved or affected by this condition.
The challenge presented by Noel for church agencies and congregations was to explore ways in which we can meaningfully and purposefully engage with dementia sufferers and their families, in order to give them respect and value. He encouraged congregations to work together to provide assistance and help for those affected.
For those who were unable to attend the workshop and are interested in finding out more, copies of Noel’s book “Forgetting but not Forgotten” are available from the Knox congregation. Please contact Judy Bowman via Our Saviour's church office [see Contact Us]