An event to launch a new Dementia Friendly Communities Partnership for Eden will take place this month to highlight the small things everyone can do to make a big difference.
The event will offer dementia advice and support for residents and give local businesses and services the opportunity to learn about the changes they can make to support customers living with Dementia.
This free drop-in event will take place at the Quaker Meeting House in Penrith on Wednesday 19 July, from 10am to 1pm. Anyone interested in attending can find out more on Eventbrite or by emailing eden.areasupport@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk.
The day will consist of three parts:
- Information stalls and refreshments
- Inspirational speakers
- Dementia Friends information session – attendees to this session will gain a deeper understanding of the condition and will earn an Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Friends badge too.
Dementia awareness is more valuable than ever as it’s estimated that only 45% of dementia cases are diagnosed in Eden, which is significantly lower than for England (62%). This highlights there may be local people living with undiagnosed dementia who aren't receiving the appropriate treatment, advice and support that could help them to lead active and fulfilling lives.
The Eden Dementia Friendly Communities Partnership brings together local charities, community and faith groups, health and emergency services, local councils, and businesses. Its mission is to raise awareness of dementia risk factors, prevention strategies, and early signs of dementia, as well as providing information on local support, services and activities for individuals affected by this condition, and their families and carers.
Cllr Patricia Bell, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said:
“I encourage local residents to join us at this event and become active contributors to this wonderful initiative. Together, we can all create a more supportive environment and make a positive impact on the lives of those affected.
“If you're concerned about a loved one experiencing dementia, this event is an opportunity to learn how you can help. You'll find a welcoming community where you'll have the chance to connect with others who are on a similar journey and find out about local support services available.
"Local businesses also play a crucial role in creating a more inclusive and dementia-friendly community. By attending, they will gain valuable insights into the needs and challenges faced by customers living with dementia."
The partnership is chaired by Cathryn Beckett, Public Health lead for Eden with Westmorland and Furness Council, who said:
“Dementia is a term used to describe a collection of symptoms including memory loss and issues with communication, perception and reasoning. Dementia can also affect a person’s ability to undertake daily tasks that are often taken for granted, such as washing, dressing and cooking; and it can have a big impact on families and carers.
"Whilst there is no cure for dementia, it doesn’t mean that people can no longer socialise and be active within their community. We want people to feel confident that if they need help, others will have an understanding of dementia and be able to support them.
“We also want to raise awareness that dementia is not an inevitable part of ageing, as many people think. There are steps everyone can take to reduce the risk, such as stopping smoking, being physically and socially active, eating healthily and drinking less alcohol.”