THE groundbreaking Brett Young Dementia Gateway centre in Halesowen has reopened and now offers state-of-the-art facilities for people with dementia.

The centre was officially reopened last Thursday by the Mayor of Dudley Councillor Margaret Aston who was joined by those who use the centre, along with their families and carers.

The centre now boasts a themed 1950s pub, complete with piano and one armed bandit, a 1970 themed relaxation room, an IT room where people’s life story books will be complied, and an arts and crafts area.

There is also a dementia friendly garden and bright conservatory where gentle keep fit sessions will take place.

Councillor Dave Branwood, Dudley Council's cabinet member for adult and community services, said: “The facilities that our newly refurbished Halesowen dementia gateway has on offer to meet the needs of people with dementia in a very personalised way are fantastic.

“I am extremely proud that here in Dudley we are leading the way nationally in terms of dementia provision."

He added: "This has been recognised by government and our dementia gateway service has been held up as a model to follow.”

The dementia gateways are helping people with dementia across the borough to stay at home for longer.

Cllr Branwood added: "Each gateway centre can cater for up to thirty people each day. In total the gateways are currently supporting over 1100 people with dementia, their carers and families across Dudley borough."

Dudley has three dementia gateways located across the borough, the Coseley gateway was updated in 2012 and the Brierley Hill gateway was refurbished in late 2013.

Dudley dementia gateway service is a pioneering "joined up approach" that brings together experts from different professional disciplines to provide integrated care and support for people with dementia, as well as their carers and their families.

Staff at the gateways provide ‘person centred’ care and support, tailored and suited to each individuals interests, hobbies and needs.