Finding out someone whom you love has dementia can be a very lonely and frightening experience. Many questions will arise, e.g. 'What is dementia?' 'What is going to happen?'' How can I cope?' Professionals will offer some practical advice but they can never fully understand the emotional shock which carers can - and will - face. A chance to talk to someone in the same situation can make a world of difference. Support groups offer the opportunity for carers to get together to exchange information and experiences, thereby, gaining comfort from one another. Alzheimer's Concern Ealing runs support groups for carers of people with dementia in the London Borough of Ealing. The aim of the groups is to enable self-help and social support and to provide up-to-date information and advice. Guest speakers are invited to speak on topics of interest to carers. The groups meet at the following locations: -

SUPPORT GROUP FOR CARERS (CENTRAL)

223 Windmill Road, Ealing, London W5 4DJ. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month from 12.30 pm - 2.30 pm.

SUPPORT GROUP FOR CARERS (GREENFORD)

Ravenor Clinic, Oldfield Lane, Greenford, Middlesex. Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of the month from 12.00 noon - 2.00 pm.

SUPPORT GROUP FOR CARERS (EVENING)

223 Windmill Road, Ealing, London W5 4DJ. Meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of the month from 7.00 - 8.30 pm.

FORMER CARERS' SUPPORT GROUP

223 Windmill Road, Ealing, London W5 4DJ. Meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month from 2.00 - 4.00 pm.

SUPPORT GROUP FOR CARERS WITH PEOPLE IN LONG STAY CARE

223 Windmill Road, Ealing, London W5 4DJ. Meetings are held on the third Monday of the month from 1.30 - 3.30pm.

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP

223 Windmill Road, Ealing, London W5 4DJ. Meetings are held on a monthly basis from 10.00 ­ 12.00pm. Please call the office for the date of meetings.

SPECIALIST GROUPS

223 Windmill Road, Ealing, London W5 4DJ. Meetings are held for Polish, Asian and Afro-Caribbean carers on a quarterly basis. Further details and information can be obtained from Kulbir Gill on 020 8568 4448.