A man from Hyndburn has created 'Home Support Booklets' which are being distributed to local GP practices to help people and their families experiencing dementia.

Neil Floyd is a caregiver who has been caring for his mother, Jacqueline Floyd, who has advanced dementia, since 2017.

He founded the community interest company 'My Colourful Memories' in 2016, and in 2014, he came up with the concept of the Colouring and Conversation colouring book.

Neil said: "The 40-page booklet is packed full of real-world knowledge and experience that I have gained over the years of being the sole caregiver for my Mum.

"Colouring and activities are a big part of my Mum's daily routine as they keep her focused on something positive.

"In addition to information on local community groups, I've added information on home-based activities to keep loves ones engaged, limit wandering and fall risks.

"This project gave me a great opportunity to share the years of keeping my Mum at home safe for over seven years now since her diagnosis.

"We have provisionally shared the booklet and have received really positive feedback.

"I have even shared it with my Mums neighbours, many of whom are caregivers, and they have said that it's a great read full of information that they have never before considered.

"It comes from a person who actually does what it suggests."

Having cared for his father and mother with dementia for many years, Neil understands the challenges caregivers face.

To help them and promote conversation among people with dementia, his non-profit organisation provides art health services and develops innovative activities and resources.

Last year, NHS England recognised the value of Neil's work and provided funding to his community group.

A grant was awarded to develop a 40-page booklet containing information and home-based support activities for Hyndburn GP surgeries and memory clinics.

It took Neil over eight months to complete the project, during which he created more than 35 illustrations, wrote the content, and edited the booklet himself.

For months, he worked tirelessly on the book, dedicating himself to it every day of the week.

The booklet is a valuable resource for caregivers, based on Neil's personal experience of caring for someone with dementia at home for over seven years.

It also includes Neil's extensive academic research gained from his five years of study on a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degree in Arts Health, specialising in dementia care.

The booklet also contains valuable information about community groups, dementia cafes, and services available in Hyndburn.

In Hyndburn, many innovative community groups do fantastic work, but many GP practices and health professionals are unaware of them.

This resource aims to bridge that gap and raise awareness of these grassroots groups.

The CVS community connectors will distribute the booklet to GP surgeries and memory clinics in Hyndburn, making it available to people through these services.

The group has already shared the booklet with carer groups in the community, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

Caregivers have praised the booklet for being an informative and engaging read, full of relevant information and ideas.

This is a commendable initiative that provides free resources to individuals who need guidance on caring for their loved ones to help them stay independent and living at home for as long as possible.

He has taken on the role of live-in caregiver to his mother, dedicating over 16 hours per day, seven days a week, as he is the only person responsible for her care.

Since other caregivers were not able to meet his mother's care needs as her condition advanced, Neil stepped up and took over her care.

He uses the booklet as a means of sharing his experiences with others, making the years he spent caring for a relative as worthwhile as possible.

Despite his own caregiving responsibilities, he arranges monthly respite sessions for other caregivers, ensuring their loved ones are engaged in activities while they take a break.