This year has seen a renewed and substantial increase in our VAT campaign . We have, in the course of the year, met with a number of local MPs from our regions and discussed with them this issue, including Rachel Gilmour , Caroline Voaden , Steve Race , Sir Mel Stride , Andy McNae , Steve Darling and Sir Ashley Fox . Caroline Voaden was actively engaged with us earlier this year, leading a House of Commons debate on dementia in which she directly highlighted our VAT concern

Dr Avril and Dr Michael Staunton live in Bridgwater, Somerset. Both are veteran Army medics who have led remarkable lives of service and achievement. Dr Avril and Dr Michael Staunton Over ten years ago, Avril was diagnosed with a rare form of Alzheimer’s called posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) , a condition that primarily affects vision and perception. After the diagnosis, Michael drew on his Army experience to help Avril stay active and engaged. Together, they continued purs

Caring for someone with dementia can bring many challenges, and one that can be particularly distressing is sundowning. This term describes changes in behaviour that often appear in the late afternoon or evening. Not everyone with dementia will experience it, but for those who do, sundowning can cause confusion, anxiety, and agitation. What to look for: Signs of Sundowning Carers and family members may notice that as the day goes on, the person with dementia begins to: Become

When someone receives a diagnosis of dementia, it is often life-changing. For the person themselves, and for their family and friends, the emotions can be overwhelming: fear, grief, uncertainty, and sadness. It is important to be clear that nothing I say here diminishes how devastating such a diagnosis can feel. But, I want to hold space for another truth too: that a diagnosis of dementia does not mean life is over. Far from it. There is still life left to live and, in many

Emma Bottomley hosts a Filo group in her home in Somerton. After twenty years in graphic design, she retrained as a Creative Arts Facilitator and began hosting with The Filo Project this summer. Emma Bottomley - Filo Host “The commercial world of design wasn’t giving me the people-facing element I craved for. I came across The Filo Project while I was researching local dementia care as part of my Creative Arts Therapy course. I knew as soon as I read about them, I had to be a