Arundel a ‘black hole’ for mental health support

More than 50 people turned up to the event, which was organised by members of the Arundel Surgery Community Association (ASCA) and mental health charity Mind.

It aimed to be an open discussion into the problems faced by carers of those with dementia.

Chaired by Dr Marco Cavaroli, of Arundel Surgery, the meeting included speakers from Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, the Alzheimer’s Society and Mental Health Arundel.

During the afternoon, at the museum in Mill Road, retired naval officer John Hart, who had been caring for his wife for more than six years, said more needed to be done to improve support for people with dementia living in or near the town.

He called for two things to happen – more information about what help is available locally and a drop-in centre for carers and those with dementia to attend.

Liz Horton, chairman of ACSA, said: “Dementia is a significant problem. We have a massive problem among the elder population that dementia and memory issues are become more and more prevalent. There needs to be the support locally for those with dementia and those caring.”

A survey was also issued to gather views about what people felt was most needed.