A dementia hub opened earlier this year in Soham, offering specialist dementia respite care.

Walking In Your Shoes was set up around 20 months ago, and initially operated out of village halls. It was granted charity status in 2023.

The idea for the hub was originated by Juliet Larham, a fully-qualified psychotherapist who lives in Chatteris and has worked in social care for more than 30 years, including as a home manager.

After meeting Mike Donoghue whilst working in Soham, she shared the concept with him.

"He was very supportive and gave me the confidence to go for it," said Juliet.

"In the early days of hiring the halls we were uncertain if the concept would take off, however the drive to support families living with dementia and offer respite meant we took on the challenge.”

Juliet and Mike felt "it was a really worthwhile thing to do" and says that the charity is now "growing all the time.

"The main thing we want to do is make a difference to those living with dementia, which we believe it is, as family carers can have some much-needed rest while the person with dementia has a meaningful, enjoyable day.”

The maximum number of guests allowed at the Soham hub at any one time is six.

The sessions generally run from 10am to 4pm but shorter bookings can be made.

"We also offer home respite, which can include days out to places of interest for the person with dementia," added Mike.

"A unique counselling for carers service is available too, where the family carer can have counselling in their own home or at the Soham hub whilst their family member with dementia is supported by a member of the team."

He added that the charity, which covers all of Cambridgeshire, is always looking to raise funds and Juliet’s son Ben (Bendy Moore), recently performed in his own drag show and raised over £2000 for the charity.

"Walking in your Shoes is also extremely grateful for the funding and support local groups have given them," Mike said, adding that it enables the charity to reduce its costs so that family carers can access more much needed respite.

"We have a fantastic group of volunteers and we are always keen to recruit additional support."

For more information please phone: 07884042590 or email walkinginyourshoesmts@gmail.com

Visit www.walkinginyourshoesmts.com.

(Image: Walking In Your Shoes)