A free drop-in event for people living with dementia and their carers will take place next week to help raise awareness of the importance of keeping active.
Organised by the Eden Dementia Friendly Communities Partnership, the event will include fitness and bowls tasters suitable for people with dementia and their carers, alongside information stalls about local support services and a Dementia Friends Information Session.
The event is also for anyone interested in learning more about dementia and staying active to live longer and healthier.
This free drop-in will take place at Penrith Leisure Centre on Thursday 16 May, from 10am to 1pm. Anyone interested in attending can find out more on Eventbrite or by emailing eden.areasupport@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk
Fitness tasters will include boccia, exercises to improve balance, flexibility, heart health and co-ordination, and fun activities specifically designed to encourage people to be more active and socialise.
An Alzheimer's Society Dementia Ambassador will also run a Dementia Friends Information session. Attendees will learn what it's like to live with dementia and the small actions which can be taken to support people living with the condition. Everyone who attends will earn an Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Friends badge.
Dementia awareness is more valuable than ever as it’s estimated from the latest 2023 data that only 45.7% of dementia cases are diagnosed in Eden, which is significantly lower than for England (63%). 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 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.
Councillor Patricia Bell, Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Care at Westmorland and Furness Council, said: “If you are concerned about a loved one experiencing dementia, this event is a wonderful opportunity to learn how you can help and also meet others with similar experiences.
“Together, we can help create a dementia-friendly society and I thank the Eden Dementia Friendly Communities Partnership and the Alzheimer’s Society for all their continued hard work in raising awareness and helping to make a positive impact on those affected by dementia.”
The partnership is chaired by Cathryn Beckett, Public Health Manager for Westmorland and Furness Council, who said: “We’re encouraging anyone who may be interested to come along and find out more about dementia; there’s lots of great support available here in Eden, including advice about the small practical things that we can all do to support people living with dementia in our community.
“There will also be more information on ways in which we can reduce the risks of developing dementia.”