Keepsake for Life (KFL) CIC is a social enterprise that was set up in 2012. It exists to support older people, people living with dementia, carers and other organisations in similar fields.<\/p>\n
Our mission statement is:<\/p>\n
\u201cWe believe every person is an individual to be valued and respected. We seek to challenge discriminatory attitudes and to support individuals in ‘telling their story’. We also seek to enhance the work of organisations supporting <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n disadvantaged people\u201d.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Jacqui Wood initiated KFL as a direct result of witnessing the negative attitudes towards older people often demonstrated by staff in residential care homes*. Using skills, knowledge, training and experience spanning 25 years, KFL develops projects and services to help realise its mission statement.<\/p>\n The concept of ageing in our society is often seen as a very negative concept, with the older person perceived as being in need rather than someone who has a wealth of experiences, skills and passions that will enrich their community.\u00a0 Ageing should be a celebration and society is missing out big time due to its outmoded attitudes.<\/p>\n We also produce promotional DVDs for other charities and organisations supporting older people, people living with dementia and their carers. Among others, our promo video productions include Age UK in Hull, The Alzheimer\u2019s Society North and North East Lincolnshire and The Dementia Action Alliance North East Lincolnshire.\u00a0 This has involved KFL working alongside people living with dementia and carers enabling them to demonstrate that with the right support, people can live well with dementia. We effectively challenged the stigma associated with dementia.<\/p>\n As a previously trained sleep practitioner for disabled children, Jacqui was often asked if there were any similar services for adults having sleep problems, especially people with dementia. After several weeks of research it seemed there was very little\u00a0 direct support apart from pharmaceutical interventions such as hypnotics, which can leave a person feeling confused the next day.<\/p>\n Having spoken to the team with whom Jacqui trained as a sleep practitioner (Dr Cathy Hill, based at Southampton University and Solent NHS), they confirmed that they did not cover adults, only children, and there appeared to be a gap in services.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n So we created \u2018Sleep Matters\u2019.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n As a result of a pilot Sleep Matters service run in NE Lincolnshire over 2014\/15, we now provide a variety of training and support for anyone whose work or volunteering brings them alongside people living with dementia and their carers.\u00a0 The aim is for supporters to help people struggling with sleep address the issue using a variety of non-medical therapies and strategies.\u00a0 The awareness raising workshops offer helpful hints and tips, and this is a short session of 2hours.\u00a0 We also run a full two day training course that goes much deeper into the science of sleep, sleep disorders, assessing sleep needs and designing a personalised sleep programme.<\/p>\n