Dougie Mac Dementia Services
Written by Hitmix Local News on 20 February 2026
Douglas Macmillan Hospice – Dementia Services
Across North Staffordshire, 7,000 people are known to be living with dementia with the number of diagnoses continuing to rise, while the number of people with dementia in the UK is expected to rise to 1.6 million by 2040.
Dougie Mac is determined to play a proactive role in meeting this growing need in the local community and is raising awareness with its campaign ‘Always here for you, now for dementia too’.
The hospice has been supporting people with life-limiting illness for more than 50 years with a focus on enhancing the quality of care to make a lasting difference to people’s lives. More recently, the charity has expanded its services to include the provision of compassionate, high-quality support for people living with dementia and their loved ones.
Paul Webster, Dementia Services Manager at the Dougie Mac spoke to Jane recently about the Dementia Services provided at our local hospice …
Dougie Mac Dementia Services offers help and advice for people with dementia and their carers through a range of support and activity groups, 1-1 support, carers’ training and help with form filling. The hospice also offers an Admiral Nurse service to give specialist support in the last 12 months of life.
Lisa Hill, Head of Community and Dementia Services, said: “Dougie Mac Dementia Services offers holistic dementia support across Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire. We want individuals living with dementia and their carers to live well from diagnosis through to end-of-life care.
“We want to be able to support the needs and challenges experienced by people living with dementia and their carers. At Dougie Mac, our support groups are here to help people who have been diagnosed connect with other people in a similar position and take part in dementia therapies such as music, art and puzzles.
“Our Dementia Services has also provided an opportunity for our hospice to showcase our dedication to helping patients live well and challenge the traditional notions that hospice care is solely for those at the end of life.”
Tracey Turner, whose mum, Pauline attends two weekly Dementia Services clubs run by Dougie Mac says since attending the clubs her mum has found a new lease of life.
She said: “When Mum was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and Vascular Dementia in 2020, she became very depressed and suffered with anxiety. Doctors wanted to put her on anti-depressants but we didn’t want that for her. When my Mum was feeling particularly down, I struggled to find the right motivation for her until I reached out to Dougie Mac for help.
“The clubs have truly brought a new spark of joy into my Mum’s life. It’s wonderful to see how much fun she has while attending these groups and she’s become quite excited about her newfound routine.
“This enthusiasm speaks volumes about the positive impact the Dementia Services team has as they have given my Mum a new lease of life. Now, my Mum eagerly rises at 6am every Thursday, excited for the club that doesn’t even start until 9am! This newfound joy and enthusiasm have brought such light into her life and she is incredibly happy – it’s like someone has pressed a switch.”
If you’re caring for someone with dementia or have a diagnosis yourself, you can contact Dougie Mac’s Dementia Services for more information visit www.dougiemac.org.uk/dementia-services , call 01782 214999 or email the team at dsenquiries@dmhospice.org.uk
