Referral to the Memory Hubs is via the Memory Assessment Service only - Memory Hubs have the following criteria for new members: 

• Can concentrate and engage with early intervention activities for the two-hour session;
• Are not at risk of falling (wheelchair users who are not at risk of falling can attend);
• Do not require support with personal care (unless it is provided by the family Carer who comes with them);
• Carer is healthy and mobile enough to support the person with Dementia during the session.

Please contact Northamptonshire Carers Carer Support Line for information regarding other services that support dementia. We can signpost to other organisations as well as our own support services.

The Memory Hubs, based on UnityDem, a research model developed by the University of Northampton and incorporating elements of the Dutch model, the aim of the Hubs is to provide a structured early intervention programme for those recently diagnosed with dementia and for the family members supporting them.

Activity is partly informed by Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST), promotes light cognitive stimulation such as card games, team activities and gentle physical exercise such as boules. Overall emphasis is on social interaction for both the person with a diagnosis and their loved one. We also facilitate peer support, information sharing and signposting.

Under the ‘Hub’ umbrella is the Club where these activities happen but there is also the Advice Centre and the Memory Assessment Clinic programmes.

The Advice Centre is still a work in progress, but its aim is to provide a wide range of information and support to families around the condition,  as well as practical information such as advance planning, and signposting. Working alongside the Memory Assessment Service, this is a coproduced programme.

We are currently providing the Memory Hubs in most pockets of the county, with more to come. The main aim of the Hubs is to keep people feeling engaged and well for as long as possible,  and we do this via social interaction activities, information sharing and aiming to prevent crisis while supporting general wellbeing.