AGE UK BARNSLEY - MAINTENANCE COGNITIVE STIMULATION THERAPY (MCST)

Age UK Barnsley are proud to provide a Maintenance Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (MCST) programme, which is an evidence based treatment recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to improve cognition, independence and wellbeing for people living with dementia.

What do MCST sessions involve?

Group members participate in stimulating and meaningful activities proven to help maintain memory and mental function.

The groups provide a fun, supportive environment where people can build new friendships.

Activities include:
• discussions
• word games
• quizzes
• physical activities
• creative and musical activities

Why is MCST so important?

After someone is diagnosed with dementia, they may be offered Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST). This is a short-term programme for people with mild to moderate dementia and usually runs twice weekly for seven weeks following diagnosis.

However once this programme finishes, there’s limited provision of services for people with mild to moderate dementia. MCST is a longer-term programme based in community settings which helps to fill this gap.

Cognitive Stimulation is the only non-drug treatment recommended to improve cognition, independence and well-being by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

When do MCST sessions take place?

We run a 24 week community-based MCST programme at locations sessions across the Barnsley Borough and we respond to the needs of the local community to determine where sessions will take place.

How do I find out more?

Please get in touch with Age UK Barnsley on 01226 776820 or via email: SIreferral@ageukbarnsley.org.uk to find out more about the MCST programme and how to be referred.

*** Please note that places on the MCST programme are strictly by referral only ***