Signal
Signal provides free advice and support for unpaid carers who care for someone in Bracknell Forest. It also provides groups, activities and events as well as learning and training.
Signal is run by The Ark Trust, working in partnership with Wokingham, Bracknell and Districts Mencap. It is funded by Bracknell Forest Council.
Understanding emotions
If you are caring for a person with dementia, remember, you are not alone. There are over 1,000 carers in Bracknell Forest supporting a person with dementia.
You might be experiencing many different emotions. If you need support with managing these emotions, consider:
- speaking with a member of the Community Mental Health Team for Older Adults
- attending face-to-face groups and events
- visiting the Alzheimer's Society website, including:
- getting help from:
Checklist
Our checklist for people with dementia and their carers is a great place to start if you are new to caring for someone with dementia.
Carers assessment
Carers are entitled to a carers assessment.
If you are caring for a person with dementia, you can get information, advice and support from the Community Mental Health Team for Older Adults. You can contact the team on 01189 046900.
Understanding dementia - training course for family carers
The Bracknell Memory Clinic offers a free training course to all carers.
Topics include:
- understanding dementia
- memory and communication
- understanding new behaviours
- physical aspects and wellbeing
- legal issues, welfare and benefits
- continued support and care
Virtual sessions for this course are now available. To book, please call 01189 046900.
Alternatively, you can complete this course online at your own pace. Visit, the Understanding Dementia Course to get started.
Admiral Nurse - help with young onset dementia
The Admiral Nurse works with family carers of people who have been diagnosed with young onset dementia. The Admiral Nurse supports carers if things become difficult or challenging, giving them one-to-one support, expert guidance and practical solutions.
For more information visit the Dementia UK website.
Getting a break
There are different types of breaks for both people with dementia and for carers.
People with dementia may like to consider going for days out with organisations like:
- Triple A Dementia Support Group
- Younger People With Dementia - for those under the age of 65
Some organisations provide supported holidays for people with dementia and their carers. These include:
Home care agencies can offer services to provide carers with a break. Alternatively care homes may offer ‘respite’ care.
You may also want to consider local day centres.
Caring emergencies
Carer emergency support can be put in place if you are taken ill or involved in an accident or incident and there is no one in your support network that can help.
For more information read our caring emergencies page.
More support
Information and advice is also available from: