East Grinstead residents are being given the opportunity to make a difference to the lives of local people with dementia by becoming Dementia Friends.
Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Friends programme is the biggest ever initiative to change people’s perceptions of dementia. It aims to increase dementia awareness and change the way the nation thinks, talks and acts about dementia and is part of the Prime Minister’s Challenge on Dementia.
A Dementia Friends session lasts for 45 minutes and is fun and interactive. By becoming a Dementia Friend, residents can commit to an action that will make the lives of people living with dementia a little better.
Jacquie Pond, Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Action Alliance Co-ordinator for West Sussex and Dementia Friends Champion will be leading the session. She said:
‘Less than half of us think we know enough about dementia. Dementia Friends isn’t about creating experts, it’s about helping people understand a little bit more about what it’s like to live with the condition and then turn that understanding into action – anyone of any age can be a Dementia Friend.
‘Dementia Friends is about learning more about dementia and the small ways you can help. From telling friends about the Dementia Friends programme to visiting someone you know living with dementia, every action counts. We want to work towards making East Grinstead a Dementia Friendly Community.’
The East Grinstead session will be held at East Court, in College Lane on Monday 19th January at 4pm. There will be a chance for questions at the end of the session.
Alzheimer’s Society want there to be a million Dementia Friends with the know-how to help people with dementia feel understood and included in their community. There are 2,154 people currently living with the condition in Mid Sussex.
To book a place and find out more about Dementia Friends, visit www.dementiafriends.org.uk or call Jacquie on 07714916291.
For more information on local support provided by Alzheimer’s Society, call the Sussex Helpline on 01403 213017 or visit www.alzheimers.org.uk/localinfo